P99 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 generation differences

[jbrazill]

Alright, so can we get a sticky with information and visual differences between all the generations of the P99? I have a (what I think is) 3g P99, bought new in 09'.

[lechiffre]

we can't even agree on what the generations are.

is the split trigger a generation ?

is the short magazine release on the new frame a generation ?

what about the european slide release ?

[searcher451]

This is a good start on the discussion. If folks want to continue, and begin to add some photos, it'll be easy enough to turn this into a Sticky. Let's have at it and agree to agree, or disagree, on the various generations of the P99.

[Steve99]

I still like to believe there are 3 generations but I can see why others would disagree.

For me:
Gen I is the original frame/slide
Gen II is the updated frame/slide that maintains the short mag release
Gen III is the updated frame/slide with the long mag release and ambi/extended slide release.

Left to right in this picture, ignore the extra barrel sticking out

http://www.psycho.ca/walther/gen-1-2-3-9mm.jpg

[searcher451]

Good, Steve. The thread is now Stuck. Keep them coming, one and all. Maybe we'll find some resolution in this bit of business in time. For me, I still think of the gun as the P99, just as the P.38 is the P.38. Sure, it underwent some developments along the way; but until it became the P1 and then the P4 and the P5, it was still the P.38.

[XKL]

This FAQ includes a lot of relevant information:

http://www.gunfaqs.org/P99FAQ/VIII/10.html

[XKL]

Originally Posted by Steve99

I still like to believe there are 3 generations but I can see why others would disagree.

For me:
Gen I is the original frame/slide
Gen II is the updated frame/slide that maintains the short mag release
Gen III is the updated frame/slide with the long mag release and ambi/extended slide release.

Left to right in this picture, ignore the extra barrel sticking out

http://www.psycho.ca/walther/gen-1-2-3-9mm.jpg

Great picture. How do those variations relate to dates/importers?

[XKL]

It suspect it's way too late to introduce new terminology, but based on what I see, I'll call them 1.0, 2.0 and 2.1

[Steve99]

Originally Posted by XKL

Great picture. How do those variations relate to dates/importers?

Gen 1 = 2003
Gen 2 = 2004
Gen 3 = 2007

As I am in Canada there are no importer marks, they are all direct from Walther Germany.

The extended/ambi slide release seems to actually be the "standard" since 2006/2007 for P99s unless ordered without it such as S&W does.

[jonm61]

I was under the impression, so please correct me if I'm wrong, that the new frame with short mag release was only made in 2004. If that is the case, I would have a hard time calling 1 year's production a "generation", which is why I tend to lean towards the 1, 1.5, 2.