Smith/Walther Vs. Steyr

D

David Scott

New member
I've been shopping and came across two pistols that seem natural competitors: The Smith/Walther SW99 and Steyr M Series, both in .40S&W. You can only learn so much at the dealer's counter, and I can't find a range that has these to rent. Anyone have some input on the SW99 vs. the M40?
 
I've done a modest amount of shooting with the Walther P99 in 9mm, and fired a few hundred rounds in my new Steyr M40 obtained last Saturday.

Both guns are nice, but I prefer the Steyr. I found the trigger better (mine has the light trigger module) and the sights much faster to acquire. YMMV, of course -- see other posts here for various opinions on the unusual sights and trigger of the Steyr. Not everybody likes them. But the Steyr has simply captivated me. I love it. That doesn't happen with many guns I've owned for only a week.
 
D Robertson,

How did you go about getting a light trigger module? What does that make your trigger pull in weight now? Can I order one for my Steyr?

Thanks.
 
I have a M40 and a friend bought the Walther in .40 cal. He bought his first and I was able to use it several times with good accuracy, no misfires etc. I had always wanted to buy a handgun instead of borrow or shoot my M9 (military) and the opportunity presented itself ($$$windfall) so I looked into the Styer after seeing it at a gunshow, and bought it a week later after reading many positive reviews. This was before the ejector port fix was wide spread. I was going to get a Makarov and wait for the extra money, but when the extra money suddenly appeared I went for it. Should have waited until I could get one with the fix because it does throw certain brand brass in all directions, ie. forehead.
Like others who have posted: great safeties, quick target aquisition, little recoil, natural ergonomics. If type of sites are not an issue than you will not go wrong with either gun. Good luck in your selection.
 
My carry weapon is the SW99 in .40 S&W. I have found it to be a thoroughly reliable and enjoyable shooting piece, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
I had the opportunity to heft the Steyr recently, and did not care so much for the feel, and definitely not the sights, although it seems to function reliably. I believe the Steyr is somewhat less expensive, but my money was well spent - $595 for SW99 w/trijicon.

------------------
Panzerführer

Die Wahrheit ist eine Perle. Werfen sie nicht vor die Säue.
 
I have a Walther and have had a lot of success with it. It is incredily accurate. In fact, it is one of hte most accurate "carry" pistols I have every shot. It is extremely easy to shoot consistently tight groups with.

I am one of those that think the sights on the Steyr are ridiculous. Even if they are somehow minutely "better" than traditional sights, the thought of re-learning to use them is prohibitive. Of course, you would also have the problem of switching between it and other weapons.....

I'm sure that the Steyr will prove to be reliable and easy to shoot, but the sights are a big negative in my book.
 
I also carry the P99 on a regular basis. I love it. Good solid gun! :)

------------------
Just as there is no such thing as too much fun,
there is no such thing as owning just one gun!!!

Off my meds (quit smoking), armed to the teeth, and loose on an unsuspecting society!!!
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mylhouse:
How did you go about getting a light trigger module? What does that make your trigger pull in weight now? Can I order one for my Steyr?
[/quote]

Styer ships the guns with triggers in one of two weights -- the light, allegedly 4.8 pounds, and the heavy, allegedly 7.8 pounds (although it feels heavier to me). I understand from others who have posted here that you can get different trigger modules from GSI. I've seen guns with both types of triggers in stores.
 
I had the same decision to make as to get the Walther or Steyer in .40 cal. The M40 was NIB but looked like it was dragged behind a truck. All over the slide had scratches and the mag had worn spots in the blueing already. Besides, when I held it in a one handed grip with my eyes closed to see the natural point of it I would have shoot a hole in the ceiling if for real. The grip angle to me was very strange. The sights I could get used too though. I was pleased with the P99 and got for many reasons. The feel reminds me of a High Power I once had. Lets just say it's good. Neat features like loaded indicator, decocker, the three different trigger pulls, and interchangable grips are all very nice. Eveb the long DA is smooth to me but that's what I hear others not like the most. Very accurate and reliable BTW. Good luck.
 
Today I had the opportunity to spend some quality time shooting my new M40. I was told that using the tip of the triangle for sighting, as opposed to lining up the center dot on traditional sights would increase the M40's accuracy. That was an understatement. My grouping drastically improved. I also was able to try the range owners cougar's in 40 and 45. He has all the upgrades (grips, nite sights, solid guide rods) Switching to traditional sights were no problem and my M40's accuracy fell somewhere inbetween the two. If you want a 45 though the Beretta 8045 cougar was mighty nice.
 
I test fired the SW99 a couple times. It has a lot of neat features and looks really nice, as well as having good backing from S&W. But alas, I decided not to buy it because I just didn't like the trigger. I also measured some fired brass and was very disappointed that the lower diameter measurement was just as bad as my Glocks --- around .431 or so. This ain't good for reloading full power loads.

I decided to go with the Steyr because of its many innovative features. Too bad it doesn't also have the changeable grip feature :)

I especially like the Steyr sights. They are the best factory stock sights I've ever used. Super fast at getting speed sight acquisition. Using the top of the front triangle also brings in superb shot placement.

Bottom line. Try them both if you can. Obviously, there are fans for both models.
 
Now, to beat this dead horse of question to death: can I bring (or mail to myself) a couple of proper 14rd M9 magazines when I return from Germany later this year?
 
I bought a M40 last week. Put 400 rounds through it so far. No problems except that the trigger needs to be changed. I have to admit that I love the sights, super fast for me. I fired a Walther at the range before buying it, nice gun but I just dont like the DA/SA trigger. It does have a sweet trigger reset though.
 
I own a SW99-9mm. Have had no problem with it except when using cheap UMC rounds. I looked at a M40 but the grip didn't fit my hand. A finger ridge layed right where my finger wanted to go. I almost thought about using a file to eliminate the problem.

I like my SW99.
 
A friend and I did some comparison shooting of his P99 and my M40 both in .40
I found that some ammo he bought in bulk, Magtech 180g I believe it was called, managed to shrink my shot groups to close to half the size of what I shot with all the main target brands. M40 owners, cheap sellor-ballot ammo would not fire in my M40, poor seating and primer only hit hard enough to scratch some red ink-like substance on the back of each round, which resulted in 50 rounds for the P99.
My post though was about a comparison other than the sights and grips which seem to predominate the talk between M40 and P99.
1. P99 mag release requires second hand or change from traditional technique to utilize your first or 2nd finger on the opposite side.
2. Trigger pull, the different button on the top of the slide which changes the type of trigger pull is unusual to me in my experience, Needs second hand and I prefer a normal decocer/safety like Berrettas have.
3. Tried Hogue slip on grip on my M40 (P99 has vastly superior grips for numerous reasons) The model recommended by Hogue was the 17000 which is for large Glocks. It had poor fit, the extra finger groove was in the middle of a digit and when pulled up to align with the factory grips groove it then was loose at the top and had minimal coverage in the front of the grip. I would wait to buy one until one is specifically made to fit.
Any military types who have nomex flight gloves would find that they have good grip on polymer frame handguns.
Happy Shooting
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top