I just sent back a NEW P99 AS .40 with bore pitting after only 200 rds of factory FMJ.
I shot it twice, cleaned it immediately afterward as I do with all of my precision firearms and looked down the bore
To my suprise and dismay I saw pitting on all of the lands running the length of the barrel. I'd hoped that my initial impression was wrong so I JB'd the hell out if it but to no avail. The bore was definately pitted
. Im bummed out but not mad at Walther. Every barrel maker gets a bad batch of steel once in a while. Its just an improper ammount of sulfur suspended in the steel. In a barrels life it forms small channels the lenghth of the barrel and slowly burns off. This forms "stress cracks" left by the absent sulfer. Thats why an old barrel takes a while longer to clean (Metal fouling gets lodged in these cracks consequently taking more work to get out). In my case there was an improper suspension of the element, it formed "pockets" and immediately burned off. Hence the pitting.
Im positive that the shop techs at S&W will see the defect and fit me with a new barrel.... I just dont want to wait! I love my 99! Other than the pitting there is absolutely nothing to complain about. Best damned pistol I've ever owned. No regrets!
Dont let my odd experience hinder any of you from buying P99's It is definitely not typical of Walthers or any other quality firearm. A fluke. Its just my luck I guess
Im positive that the shop techs at S&W will see the defect and fit me with a new barrel.... I just dont want to wait! I love my 99! Other than the pitting there is absolutely nothing to complain about. Best damned pistol I've ever owned. No regrets!
Dont let my odd experience hinder any of you from buying P99's It is definitely not typical of Walthers or any other quality firearm. A fluke. Its just my luck I guess