P99 vs P99QA

S

swat11

New member
Could some please describe the "trigger difference" between these two models? Also one is listed as "Double Action Only" and the other is "Traditional Double Action" --- please explain that too...thanks.

At GunsAmerica.com I'm seeing a wide range of price for essentially the same P99 9mm From $479 to just under $700. Why the range...... Also, how do I know I'm getting a German made gun and not an early model with "bugs". Thanks for all the input.........

Lastly.......who would you recommend buying from..........thanks.

swat11 :p
 
swat11

the traditional DA is a DA first shot with SA follow ups. You can cock the P99 for SA first shot also. The QA or Quick Action has a trigger pull that is constant all the time. It is considered DAO, but has a short DA similar to a Glock.

To make sure the P99 is all German look for the Eagle over the N on the slide and barrel. There were only 4000 American made slides and barrels on the P99's and they were all .40 caliber guns. The laser engraving on these guns is silverish in color, not golden like the Germans and they look blocky. The German looks more script like.....if that makes sense.

Any higher number serial number will be an updated P99. On my early P99's the quirks went away after 100 rounds.

P99
 
Check out the chart at the bottom of the linked page-
http://www.walther-usa.com/p99_specs.htm
The QA has a trigger like a Glock, even pull weight 1st to last shot. Its trigger pull is in between the SA and DA of the standard P99. It also has a shorter trigger travel needed to fire.
Id recommend the standard P99, only due to the fact that I carry my Walth with the chamber loaded and like to keep it ready to fire but still safe to a reasonable degree. The standard P99 allows for you to decock it into the longer stiffer DA making it safer to carry. The QA can be decocked but then cant fire until you recock it by pulling the slide back 3/8inch, which may not be possible in a defensive situation.
 
Dr Heckel

That should have the "my gun doesn't fire unless I pull the trigger" brigade jumping all over you.

FWIW - I concur.

Mike H
 
Get the QA "quick action" version.

I have it and love it. I don't see any reason on earth why someone would get the DAO (long, hard pull) version when they can get the QA (6.5lb. pull, 1/4").

The QA version is just as safe as a Glock with a trigger safety that prevents trigger travel unless you pull the trigger straight back. It doesn't have the little toggle (for lack of a better word) in the middle of the trigger like a glock, but it does the same thing.

If you think that a Glock is safe, then get the QA. If not, then go to the traditional DA/SA type.
 
I've only handled a QA once, and from what I remember, it is quite similiar to my Steyr M and S series triggers. Does anyone have both or can confirm that that's what it's like?

I do like the Steyr triggers....

James
 
called local gun dealer

"Can I get a price on your Walther P99 9mm?"...... <pause>...... "$703," he says.

"Doesn't Smith & Wesson make a clone...the SW99?" "There the same company....it's the same gun."

That's not what I've read on this board....I understood that Smith & Wesson makes an inferior model, but I couldn't convince him of this. Is he correct.....if not.....where do I get the read deal? My local gun shop thinks its the same gun............ where do you all buy from. ***** Used is an option, of course, but like I said in my initial post...the prices vary considerably and you really have to trust the seller. Any advice??????
 
You should be able to get the QA version for around $610-620 or better. The DA/SA P99's you can get for less.

The SW99 uses the Walther receiver, but their own slide and barrel. So its half the same as the P99.

I guess it should be half price then :)
 
called local gun dealer

"Can I get a price on your Walther P99 9mm?"...... <pause>...... "$703," he says.

"Doesn't Smith & Wesson make a clone...the SW99?" "There the same company....it's the same gun."

That's not what I've read on this board....I understood that Smith & Wesson makes an inferior model, but I couldn't convince him of this. Is he correct.....if not.....where do I get the read deal? My local gun shop thinks its the same gun............ where do you all buy from. ***** Used is an option, of course, but like I said in my initial post...the prices vary considerably and you really have to trust the seller. Any advice??????
 
Smith and Wesson and Walther are two different companies. Walther was the originator of the P99 and introduced it in Europe in 94, and 97 here in the US. The SW99 wasnt introduced till 99 when S&W collaborated with Walther to make an americanized version of the P99. Its frame is made by Walther but the slide and barrel are made by SW. The SW99 has been plagued by more problems than the P99 and is generally considered inferior.

When buying a P99 make sure to look for a small eagle over the N on the rear right of the slide. Apparently Walther was having troubles keeping up with its demand so they contacted SW to make around 3000 P99s. All the SW made slides lack the N and eagle described. While generally speaking, the two guns are identical in design, but the superior craftsmanship of Walther gives it a clear advantage in reliability over the SW99.

Other differences are SWs frame is different looking(rounder-uglier)the finish of the P99 is tenifer, which is known to be Xtremely durable while the SW version is Melonite coated. I believe the weight of the slides differ but Im not 100% .

You can see the obvious differences below-the P99 is definitely a better looking higher quality firearm.Oh yeah, its the official 007 gun-Bond knows his stuff
double0smile.gif



SW99
sw99.jpg



P99
p99.jpg
 
Per Dr. Heckle: "SWs frame is different looking(rounder-uglier)...You can see the obvious differences...the P99 is definitely a better looking higher quality firearm."

Obviously looks are subjective, but the more smooth, rounded shape of the S&W slide looks better to me than the Walther's. I can't help but wonder if we could turn back the clock and switch the designs (so the original Walther pistol looked just like the SW99 and the SW99 looked like the Walther), if we wouldn't hear the same people saying that the more rounded and "melted" (current S&W) design is much nicer and "better looking" than that ugly, sharp-edged, shirt-snagging (current Walther) design.

I think a lot of the preference for the Walther over the S&W is because (1) Walther was the originator, (2) the Walther name is cooler (German-made, James Bond, etc.), (3) there is a perception (maybe real, maybe not) that Walther workmanship is better, and (4) some Walther owners have to justify paying more for essentially the same pistol.

I have an SW99 that works reliably (although I have had a tough time getting the sights adjusted so it will shoot to point-of-aim with some 115gr ammo).

But, after defending the SW99, I must admit, I kind of wish I'd bought a Walther. I got a good deal on the SW99 (used), but I may wind up with the original one of these days (I have several expensive pre-ban full-capacity magazines, so I really should have a couple of pistols that use them, don't you think). :)

Doug
 
Doug B-
You are correct, looks are subjective. I like the more squared P99, it allows for a finger to be placed on the front of the trigger guard for more control-although most including myself rarely use it. I also think the grip pattern looks a little sharper with the indented finger grooves and front gripping surface.
SW99s probably got their bad image largely due to the NJ police(I believe) having so mant malfunctions, failures and broken pistols, that they dumped em' and went back to their previous handguns. The P99s though are still used by the German police with no problems.
The reasons you gave to go Walther are mostly correct. In my research on the two, it didnt seem to be even in question that P99s are more reliably functioning, but Im sure many folks have positive experience with them. This point is definitely debatable, but Id guess P99s hold their value better .
I also dont like the fact that the SW99 is a combination of two makers parts, especially having two logos on the frame. Thats just being nit-picky though.
Yes I definitely would go ahead and pick up a P99, if your happy with your SW, then my bet is you'll like the Walth more.
 
Thanks all......

.....for these very informative posts... I appreciate the quick response. Thanks too for the leads on where to get the P99.

Another question....do the Steyr M9 or S9 even compare to the P99 (all in 9mm). It seem the Austrian-made Steyr pistols have gained quite a reputation and those that own them seem to love them, their accuracy, and reliability. I believe, also, that their less expensive and have an internal safety lock..... any opinons on why I should stick with the Walther?

Again, thanks for all the info.......
 
Well, I haven't shot my S9 yet, but my M357 is nice, accurate and crisp trigger. After I get used to the sights I may love it. But, it's not a P99. I would definitely get a P99 9mm first. Others later, but P99 first.

If I was buying a P99 today, I'd probably get the QA. I like the DA/SA P99, but I think the QA is better (even though I don't have one yet!)

James
 
Comparison

Ok then.......final question ;) How would you compare a P99 (which I have yet to see and hold in person) to my RUGER P95DC?

I talked to one guy who said it was nicer asthetically and everything, but that he didn't think it was worth almost twice the price. OK ..... let me have it :D

swat11
 
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