No, this is NOT a "This Gun is better than that Gun" thread (Don't want it to be one, anyway). Just reporting my impressions of my new SW99 from the perspective of being a USP owner as well.
Pluses
It's size. Nice and compact. Better for concealed carry than my USP9f, admittedly.
Out-of-the-box end-user customizability: three backstraps for practically all hand sizes, adjustable rear sights and four different front posts, all of which the end-user can swap out.
Speaking of grips, Walther did well to consult with that professional regarding the grips. They fit very comfortably.
S&W wasn't kidding when they said they beefed up the slide. It's thicker than most other handguns I've seen. Makes my USP's slide look like a beer can. Chamber seems well supported.
The decocking button helps ease my uneasiness about the lack of a manual safety.
I like the cocked striker indicator, and the loaded chamber indicator.
The three modes of trigger pull are pretty neat (DA and 2 SA modes), especially the introduction of that single-action long-stroke mode.
Accuracy is good, but I'm starting to have trouble distinguishing between an accurate pistol and my own accuracy as a shooter
(You can interpret that anyway you want) S&W claims the SW99 is more accurate than the P99.
The bright-colored follower on the magazines was a good idea.
Minuses
It's not HK.
On slide lock, the barrel sits very loosely. I don't know if that has any bearing on accuracy.
I'm still a little wary of pistols without a manual safety (fear of a ND or AD), but I guess it means I'll have to exercise a little more of the primary safety (the one between my ears).
Cocking the striker from DA mode by shifting the slide back a little is an added feature, but admittedly, I still prefer using just my thumb.
The trigger pull on all modes is long (especially in DA mode). I understand Walther deliberately did this in place of a manual safety. The Break point seems to be way back near the frame further than I'm used to, which really puts the temptation on the shooter to stage the trigger. This will take some getting used to.
I can't confirm this, but there doesn't seem to be any trits available for the SW99. At least, not from Trijicon or Mepro. If anyone knows where I could get some, I'd appreciate it.
Ditto on holsters. There just doesn't seem to be very many out there, unless you went to a place like Stellar Knife in West Palm for a custom job.
NO PRE-BAN normal capacity mags, unless P99 mags are compatible with a SW99. That would be niiiiiiiiice.
Just one of those drawbacks of putting out a pistol in these crazy Brady days.
But all in all, I think I made an excellent choice, and I may very well wind up using it as my primary concealed carry gun. But probably not until I can get some trits and a good holster for it.
jth
------------------
Whatever happened to Cincinnatus?
Pluses
It's size. Nice and compact. Better for concealed carry than my USP9f, admittedly.
Out-of-the-box end-user customizability: three backstraps for practically all hand sizes, adjustable rear sights and four different front posts, all of which the end-user can swap out.
Speaking of grips, Walther did well to consult with that professional regarding the grips. They fit very comfortably.
S&W wasn't kidding when they said they beefed up the slide. It's thicker than most other handguns I've seen. Makes my USP's slide look like a beer can. Chamber seems well supported.
The decocking button helps ease my uneasiness about the lack of a manual safety.
I like the cocked striker indicator, and the loaded chamber indicator.
The three modes of trigger pull are pretty neat (DA and 2 SA modes), especially the introduction of that single-action long-stroke mode.
Accuracy is good, but I'm starting to have trouble distinguishing between an accurate pistol and my own accuracy as a shooter
(You can interpret that anyway you want) S&W claims the SW99 is more accurate than the P99.The bright-colored follower on the magazines was a good idea.
Minuses
It's not HK.
On slide lock, the barrel sits very loosely. I don't know if that has any bearing on accuracy.
I'm still a little wary of pistols without a manual safety (fear of a ND or AD), but I guess it means I'll have to exercise a little more of the primary safety (the one between my ears).
Cocking the striker from DA mode by shifting the slide back a little is an added feature, but admittedly, I still prefer using just my thumb.
The trigger pull on all modes is long (especially in DA mode). I understand Walther deliberately did this in place of a manual safety. The Break point seems to be way back near the frame further than I'm used to, which really puts the temptation on the shooter to stage the trigger. This will take some getting used to.
I can't confirm this, but there doesn't seem to be any trits available for the SW99. At least, not from Trijicon or Mepro. If anyone knows where I could get some, I'd appreciate it.
Ditto on holsters. There just doesn't seem to be very many out there, unless you went to a place like Stellar Knife in West Palm for a custom job.
NO PRE-BAN normal capacity mags, unless P99 mags are compatible with a SW99. That would be niiiiiiiiice.
Just one of those drawbacks of putting out a pistol in these crazy Brady days.But all in all, I think I made an excellent choice, and I may very well wind up using it as my primary concealed carry gun. But probably not until I can get some trits and a good holster for it.
jth
------------------
Whatever happened to Cincinnatus?
