Rickmeister
New member
I mentioned in a post, a few weeks back, that I had bought a new P99.
I should remind you that I got swindled, at first, into buying the S&W half-breed (I foolishly ignored the lack of German proofmarks on it, duhhh); but I quickly had it exchanged for the real thing when I found out what it was---or rather wasn't. Then, with my all Deutsche 9mm issue, I went to the range for a complete shakedown.
My jaw dropped loose and swung idly on its hinges when I saw my targets after the initial sixteen rounds (yeah, I got the hi-cap). This gun is horribly beautiful, if that makes any sense. At 15 yards I had neat little 1" groups: a tightness I have never consistently achieved at that distance with either my Glock 17 or my CZ-75 PCR, my only other 9mms.
Only my Kimber Gold Match---and, ironically, my Bersa Thunder (yes, you read that right)---can rival that kind of result. But then those guns are in a separate league altogether.
True, the look and feel of the P99 has earned it all sorts of reviews, both good and bad; but cosmetics and ergonomics played little role in my decision to buy it (Although I personally find its reptilian look menacing in an attractive sort of way. Kinda reminds me of that time, as a kid, when I held a baby alligator
.) Ok, maybe the ergonomics part can be mulled over by anal-compulsive performance geeks. But the bottom line (no pun intended) is that this gun is adaptable to even those who would insist on having a different grip. Walther includes three interchangeable backstraps with this gun, so getting the right hold is really not an issue.
Taking it apart and cleaning it is every bit as simple as a Glock, too, and requires no special instruments (except for the striker assembly, which needs a flat-nose punch to open, if one chooses to be that meticulous.).
And then there's the ambidextrous mag release. Better than a USP's, and very convenient in almost any tactical situation that comes to mind.
Finally, it is narrow enough to comfortably carry concealed. Even in an IWB, if you're slender enough in those parts
. Try that with a USP or Beretta 92/96.
So, my verdict is that the P99 is a fabulous gun for its price. It's a fabulous gun, PERIOD! In fact, I would choose it any day over the USP-9 and USP-40, and even the USP-45 if the P99 came in that caliber (maybe it will). It's a great deal-----as good if not better than almost any other gun in its class. Everybody ought to have at least one in their collection.
I should remind you that I got swindled, at first, into buying the S&W half-breed (I foolishly ignored the lack of German proofmarks on it, duhhh); but I quickly had it exchanged for the real thing when I found out what it was---or rather wasn't. Then, with my all Deutsche 9mm issue, I went to the range for a complete shakedown.
My jaw dropped loose and swung idly on its hinges when I saw my targets after the initial sixteen rounds (yeah, I got the hi-cap). This gun is horribly beautiful, if that makes any sense. At 15 yards I had neat little 1" groups: a tightness I have never consistently achieved at that distance with either my Glock 17 or my CZ-75 PCR, my only other 9mms.
Only my Kimber Gold Match---and, ironically, my Bersa Thunder (yes, you read that right)---can rival that kind of result. But then those guns are in a separate league altogether.
True, the look and feel of the P99 has earned it all sorts of reviews, both good and bad; but cosmetics and ergonomics played little role in my decision to buy it (Although I personally find its reptilian look menacing in an attractive sort of way. Kinda reminds me of that time, as a kid, when I held a baby alligator
.) Ok, maybe the ergonomics part can be mulled over by anal-compulsive performance geeks. But the bottom line (no pun intended) is that this gun is adaptable to even those who would insist on having a different grip. Walther includes three interchangeable backstraps with this gun, so getting the right hold is really not an issue.Taking it apart and cleaning it is every bit as simple as a Glock, too, and requires no special instruments (except for the striker assembly, which needs a flat-nose punch to open, if one chooses to be that meticulous.).
And then there's the ambidextrous mag release. Better than a USP's, and very convenient in almost any tactical situation that comes to mind.
Finally, it is narrow enough to comfortably carry concealed. Even in an IWB, if you're slender enough in those parts
. Try that with a USP or Beretta 92/96.So, my verdict is that the P99 is a fabulous gun for its price. It's a fabulous gun, PERIOD! In fact, I would choose it any day over the USP-9 and USP-40, and even the USP-45 if the P99 came in that caliber (maybe it will). It's a great deal-----as good if not better than almost any other gun in its class. Everybody ought to have at least one in their collection.
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