[E.T.]

I've got a P99 (9 x 19 mm) Military, date code KI (1998).

Recently, during stripping and cleaning after a shooting session, I ascertained that the top surface of the locking block, the part which makes contact with the lower horizontal plane of the barrel lug, is severely battered. Has this to be considered normal or excessive wear and should I do something about it ? I mailed Carl Walther in Germany to ask if I could obtain a new locking block (to be installed by myself) but they replied that " it is not necessary to replace the locking block".

I have about 2k rounds of Sellier & Bellot and Fiocchi fired through it (all 115 gr FMJ).

I would appreciate any comments.


Thanks

 

[kbc]

Do you have any images you could post?
Then we could compare to wear on our 9mm's.

Note:  My block has what I consider "normal" wear.

 

[sigmundsauer]

E.T.,

I agree with Walther, it is highly unlikely that the locking block needs replacement after only 2K of rounds fired through it. In fact it would probably last 200K before showing signs of needing replacement. Both of my Walthers have locking blocks "in the white" with no finish visible on it and wear from the barrel camming on top of it. I believe this is normal wear and my pistols have each had less rounds through them than yours. I think it is reasonable to expect this contact area to experience higher wear than other areas on the pistol but once the initial break-in has been done wear should taper off considerably. I doubt it is anything other than normal wear. Do you have pics?

What do you define as "severely battered?"

Tim

 

[Catbird]

There have been issues with the Walther P99 locking blocks.

I strongly encourage you to visit www.parkcitiestactical.com and do a SEARCH on "locking block".

 

[sigmundsauer]

Catbird, thanks for the info. ...didn't know that.

Having done the "search" i wasn't able to totally piece together the exact problem.

Incidentally, has anyone heard of problems of striker breakage with the P99. I seem to recall hearing of an individual who broke his striker thru moderate dry firing with an empty chamber. Does anybody know anything regarding this? I do a lot of dry firing and choose to use snap caps to be on the safe side.

Tim

 

[Catbird]

I dry fire all of my guns (except the .22s) without snap caps with reckless abandon.  I've dry fired each of them, including my two P99s, hundreds of times (maybe thousands).  I've never experienced a problem in the last 25 years of collecting and shooting guns.  If a striker did happen to break, get a new one, no big deal.  I don't even own any snap caps, even for my .22s; I simply re-use a previously fired brass case once or twice, toss it, then use another.  

 

[Bruz]

I too dry fire mine, especially since I got my laser, with no problems to date.

 

[E.T.]

Tanks for the replies !


As I already smoothened up and polished the locking block surface with a fine file and sandpaper, I do not have any pictures available. But FWIW the 'white' surface (finish already gone) was that battered that it could be considered slightly 'dented' so that - while horizontally moving the the cam of the barrel forward over the locking block - a point of resistance (little bump halfway the surface) could be felt. I got worried because I never shot the gun without greasing it. I'll keep an eye on it and if it comes back, I'll keep you informed !

As for the dry firing, I always use a snap cap (much cheaper than a new striker assembly)

 

[kbc]

I use snap caps for all my centerfires.
The P22 blocks the hammer with the safety, so don't need to
worry there.