View Full Version : Walther P99AS
eternal24k
05-24-13, 22:04
School me on the Walther P99AS. I have been growing sick of my Glock 17 and it's extraction "quirks" and have been looking for another Polymer striker fired pistol. I looked at M&P, FNS, and the PPQ, I fell in love with the PPQ trigger and placed an order for the 5" variant. Fast forward to today, I found a used P99AS at my LGS and I couldn't say no. I have been shooting my Sigs a lot and figured this would be fine since it is considered a DA/SA striker pistol. The short pull or "anti stress" trigger pull is amazing. But i will be honest, it was the price that sold me and I really have not looked at the P99AS before this. What do I need to know besides the mags are pricey?
What parts should I have on hand? Any issues or things to look out for? Sight options? Parts compatibility with PPQ? (I would be completely psyched if I could put the 5" PPQ upper on it, but I imagine It is unlikely due to the DA/SA style of the AS.
What's the word on these?
My growing opinion: they are one of the least understood/appreciated options out there and often a steal when you can find them.
I really like the PPQ which is a simplified P99AS. But now I want a P99AS as well to have the option for decocked mode for drawer/console type usage.
From memory the P99 also will qualify in the service category for competition, where the PPQ gets bumped up a class.
---sent from my PRC-104 using a knee key
A good source for info:
http://www.waltherforums.com/forum/p99/
There is a guy out there that swapped P99AS upper and PPQ lowers, and got it working but there were some caveats to it. I don't remember what.
If you search the forum linked above, you'll find a pic I posted of my P99-40 and PPQ-FE swapped as well as the other guy who did it.
Mine looked bad ass, but I didn't actually fire it that way.
EDIT: Oh hell, here's the pic: http://imageshack.us/a/img823/7193/wp000156v.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/wp000156v.jpg/)
What do I need to know besides the mags are pricey?
Nothing much. There aren't that many aftermarket sight options at the moment.
What parts should I have on hand?
The only part I'd recommend is maybe some spare recoil spring assemblies. Some guys have had a broken trigger return spring after tens of thousands of rounds. At around 50k rounds through the pistol, maybe a spare sear housing, according to a conversation I had with a SW99 armorer.
All the other reports of parts breakages seem to be one-off examples.
Any issues or things to look out for?
No.
Sight options?
Any sights designed for the Walther PPQ, Smith & Wesson SW99, Magnum Research MR9, and Walther PPS, will fit on the P99.
There are not that many quality sight options for these pistols at the moment.
Trijicon, Meprolight, XS, Dawson Precision, Walther, and possibly a few more that I'm forgetting make night sights for these pistols. Most of them mimic the adjustable rear sight setup.
Personally, I don't like adjustable sights on defensive pistols, as I feel that it is a fragile design, so the only aftermarket sights I'd consider, are the Meprolight 18802 PPS sights, and the Dawson Precision sights designed for the PPQ. If I had to buy a set of sights for my P99 today, I'd go with the Dawson Precision sights.
Parts compatibility with PPQ?
A lot of the internals are interchangeable. The PPQ is simply a P99 AS without the DA trigger.
(I would be completely psyched if I could put the 5" PPQ upper on it, but I imagine It is unlikely due to the DA/SA style of the AS.
You can, but it would turn the pistol into a SAO pistol, since there would be no (safe) way to decock the striker. The take-up would be lighter as well, due to the lighter trigger return spring of the P99.
Putting the PPQ striker assembly in a P99 slide, would turn the P99 AS into an AS-mode only pistol, with similar trigger pull characteristics as the H&K LEM models, only the pull would be lighter and smoother, and the reset would be the same length as a PPQ or P99 AS. Walther should really make a model with this trigger pull from the factory IMO.
What's the word on these?
Nobody talks about them. Or at least nobody did until the PPQ was released.
IMO, the P99 is one of the most underrated pistols available today. It is an accurate and reliable design, that has been adopted by police and military agencies around the world.
I had and recently sold a .40 P99AS, ONLY because the paddle mag release. As far as the fire control system, with not only true controllable DA / SA, the decocker and the double strike capability make it the finest polymer handgun available. If I did not routinely carry a 1911 primary and back up or deep concealment firearms that use the conventional mag release button and push in motion, I would not have gotten rid of it.
Mags are realitively expensive, but available. The SW99 and the Magnum Research clone mags will work. Stay away from Pro Mags for duty / carry, okay for training mags.
I put some spares and holsters together, PM me if you'd like to discuss.
Stay away from Pro Mags for duty / carry, okay for training mags.
I guess the newer Pro Mags are good enough for training, but a few guys years ago broke the ejectors on their P99 pistols because the older Pro Mags didn't have that relief cut found on all factory mags on the left-side feedlip, to allow space between it and the ejector when slamming the mag into the magwell.
IMO, I'd stay away from the newer ones as well. Before the "panic" that has taken the nation, you could find MR mags for these pistols for around $32, compared to around $20 for a Pro Mag.
The OP should know that no aftermarket mag has a good reputation for working with the 99-series pistols. None. Stick with factory P99, PPQ, SW99, or MR9 mags.
Yeah, what he said.
I've got 5 MR9 mags and I've never had any problems. They are 100% identical to the Walther factory mags except for two things.
1. No "anti friction coating"
2. Magnum Research logo on the baseplate. Some people have swapped out the baseplates with no problem. That's an option if the name bothers you.
I also have four of the Walther factory +2 extension mags. They are the cat's ass if you ask me. I love the extended finger rest on them.
I guess the newer Pro Mags are good enough for training, but a few guys years ago broke the ejectors on their P99 pistols because the older Pro Mags didn't have that relief cut found on all factory mags on the left-side feedlip, to allow space between it and the ejector when slamming the mag into the magwell..
That's good info that I wasn't aware of. I still have both OEM and ProMag in my get rid of box. I will compare them later and will post a photo if I can.
Was it with both 9mm and .40SW?
I remember the guys with the broken ejectors having 9mm P99 pistols. I believe the .40 mags have this cutout on the feedlip as well.
The factory 10rd mags I have for my 9mm P99 don't have this cut, because the entire feedlip is cut slightly shorter to allow more space for the ejector.
Hogsgunwild
05-25-13, 12:15
My two P99AS compacts are my favorite two guns now. I bought them to have a compact version of my PPQs. Very well thought out platform. This is the first decocker that I have liked and I find it useful at times. Incredibly accurate little handgun.
My Trijicon WP-01s (for the full-size model that I put on my compact) seem more accurate on the compact than the factory sights and have a close POA / POI at 25 yards. The Meprolights that I purchased, stated to be for the compact P99, had too short of a front sight and the shots placed way high. In case you should get a compact, which I highly recommend! On the other hand, the same Trijicons were less accurate than my PPQ's factory sights, leading me to the purchase of the Walther factory night sights for my PPQ as I have read of people finding them more accurate (but dimmer) than the aftermarket ones due to the sight picture. I imagine that it should be the same on the P99 full-size. I have not yet had time to fit the factory night sights on my PPQ so cannot comment on them with firsthand experience, yet.
I have not yet had time to fit the factory night sights on my PPQ so cannot comment on them with firsthand experience, yet.
These are what I have on my PPQ at the moment. Later on I'm either going to be getting the DP sights, or the Heinie or 10-8 sights when they are released.
All the factory night sights are, are factory PPS sights with the holes drilled out of them and tritium vials inserted. I find that they are pretty quick to pick up, since the rear sight matches the contour of the slide, and the whole back of the slide becomes the rear sight. I also like how they are one of the few night sights available that do not use the spring loaded plunger and adjustment screw setup.
I don't like how dim they are, I don't like how they are set to sight picture #2, and I don't like how wide the rear notch is.
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/100_0815.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/100_0815.jpg.html)
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/100_0820.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/100_0820.jpg.html)
For what it's worth, a member on the Walther forum took this picture, showing the factory PPS sights next to the Meprolight 18802 sights for the PPS (which also fit the P99 and PPQ). They are brighter than the factory Walther night sights, and may be a better option for those who would otherwise go with the factory night sights.
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/Meps-PPSvsfactory.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/Meps-PPSvsfactory.jpg.html)
Hopefully more aftermarket sight manufacturers will jump on board as far as offering more sight options for these pistols. The fact that Heinie and 10-8 are supposed to be coming out with some soon is welcome news to me. I've been "waiting" for years.
El Pistolero
05-25-13, 14:10
A 9mm P99AS had been very high on my short buy-on-sight list. I love the ergonomics. Probably my favorite polymer-frame handgun.
A 9mm P99AS had been very high on my short buy-on-sight list. I love the ergonomics. Probably my favorite polymer-frame handgun.
The grip was designed by Cesare Morini, an Italian Olympic pistol grip designer.
The P99 was released back in 1997, when all other polymer pistol grips felt like bricks. The ergonomics were ahead of their time, and even today, only two polymer pistols have grips that feel better in my hands, the H&K P30 and Walther PPQ.
eternal24k
05-25-13, 16:24
thanks for all of the info,
After bringing it home, I have determined that it is a 2nd Gen, and a gem to shoot. I really am not a fan of the adjustable rear, It has a little play when pulling on them with my fingers, but seems to reset to the same spot. Dawson sights are definitely going to happen.
The pistol is incredibly easy to strip, the rear plate comes off a lot easier than a Glock, but then again the extractor is separate. Extraction is reliable and consistent, with tight groups.
Overall, I really cannot complain, $400 out the door, no box, 2 mags, and 1 backstrap in like new condition, that is Sigma pricing and the trigger on this thing is unreal.
What are the light options? My X300 is too long. Does the PPQ have this issue?
I am going to try and get some mags and put it through the 2k challenge next :cool:
I used the Streamlight TLR3 and TLR4 on my .40. One of their adapters fills the slot perfectly and the toggle was easy to manipulate with either hand.
What caliber did you get?
Another source of info, especially FAQ for the P99 family -
http://lundestudio.com/WaltherP99FAQ/
Old photo that I had posted somewhere in the past.
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l555/AlabamaBeachboy/02052011_gear006_33.jpg
I will see if I can locate any others.
Must have been working on a glamor shot :blink::blink:
http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l555/AlabamaBeachboy/02052011_gear004_35.jpg
I remember the guys with the broken ejectors having 9mm P99 pistols. I believe the .40 mags have this cutout on the feedlip as well.
The factory 10rd mags I have for my 9mm P99 don't have this cut, because the entire feedlip is cut slightly shorter to allow more space for the ejector.
I take it from this post that you live in a ban state? Good to hear that they manufacture magazines for this pistol, I may have to check it out.
Are you having problems finding replacement magazines beyond those that came with your gun?
crowkiller
05-25-13, 22:46
What are the light options? My X300 is too long. Does the PPQ have this issue?
Post 2004 P99 have the S&W proprietary rail. I know the Streamlight TLR1 comes with a S&W key adapter and will work.
I take it from this post that you live in a ban state? Good to hear that they manufacture magazines for this pistol, I may have to check it out.
Are you having problems finding replacement magazines beyond those that came with your gun?
No the only reason I have two 10rd mags, is because I bought a 1st generation P99 that came out during the AWB, that came with two 10rd mags. 10rd mags are available though. The cheapest option would be the 10rd mags for the MR9.
I have a good enough supply of mags already, so I haven't been looking for more recently. From what I hear, they are hard to find at the moment. After the buying frenzy dies down, and Walther Arms gets more in, I bet the situation will improve.
What are the light options? My X300 is too long. Does the PPQ have this issue?
I have a 1st generation P99, so I'm pretty much screwed as far as light options, unless I buy a rail adapter. The 2nd and 3rd generation P99 pistols used the S&W rail, which is like the universal rail on Glock pistols, but with the notch a little further back. My guess as to why they used this rail rather than the universal rail, is because the SW99 had it since the beginning of SW99 production, and Walther probably decided to use the S&W rail because of this.
The PPQ rail is better, but I still had to modify one of the TLR-1 keys to get the light to fit flush against the trigger guard.
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/100_0772.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/100_0772.jpg.html)
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/100_0771.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/100_0771.jpg.html)
Hogsgunwild
05-27-13, 09:20
These are what I have on my PPQ at the moment. Later on I'm either going to be getting the DP sights, or the Heinie or 10-8 sights when they are released.
All the factory night sights are, are factory PPS sights with the holes drilled out of them and tritium vials inserted. I find that they are pretty quick to pick up, since the rear sight matches the contour of the slide, and the whole back of the slide becomes the rear sight. I also like how they are one of the few night sights available that do not use the spring loaded plunger and adjustment screw setup.
I don't like how dim they are, I don't like how they are set to sight picture #2, and I don't like how wide the rear notch is.
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/100_0815.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/100_0815.jpg.html)
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/100_0820.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/100_0820.jpg.html)
For what it's worth, a member on the Walther forum took this picture, showing the factory PPS sights next to the Meprolight 18802 sights for the PPS (which also fit the P99 and PPQ). They are brighter than the factory Walther night sights, and may be a better option for those who would otherwise go with the factory night sights.
http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n524/balance740/Meps-PPSvsfactory.jpg (http://s1138.photobucket.com/user/balance740/media/Meps-PPSvsfactory.jpg.html)
Hopefully more aftermarket sight manufacturers will jump on board as far as offering more sight options for these pistols. The fact that Heinie and 10-8 are supposed to be coming out with some soon is welcome news to me. I've been "waiting" for years.
Thanks for all of the info. I look forward to trying the factory night sights out when I have time.
What sight picture do you prefer? I prefer #2 followed by #1 but always like to learn what works for others and why they do it that way. I know that I have had good luck with the bullseye style of #1 in the past but tend to prefer the POI being right on the POA at 25 yards, anyhow.
What sight picture do you prefer? I prefer #2 followed by #1 but always like to learn what works for others and why they do it that way. I know that I have had good luck with the bullseye style of #1 in the past but tend to prefer the POI being right on the POA at 25 yards, anyhow.
I don't know what I was thinking earlier when I wrote that the factory sights are set to sight picture #2. They are actually set to sight picture number #3, where the bullet hits what the dot covers.
I prefer sight picture #2.
eternal24k
05-27-13, 09:50
So mine has trijicon marked night sights, but the rear is adjustable. It is a nice square shape and could be used for single hand slide manipulation, but as mentioned, there is a little bit of play.
Today I am taking the soldering iron to mine to fix the slippery grip :D
LowSpeedHighDrag
05-31-13, 13:11
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