[vtwin996]

Hi, I am new to the forum. I was interested in a P99 in 9mm and was reading some of the threads about the QA versions, which seem more likely to me since I like consistent trigger pulls. Glocks are the only semiautos I own other than M1911s. Other brands also don't fit my hands as well. I've handled the p99 and am impressed with the ergonomics. I've noticed there are "military versions", is this the same trigger action as the QA? What type of night sights are best/available? I'm surprised this gun has not made significant in roads. Also, I kind of like the green.

Thanks

 

[Catbird]

Military version is a term applied to any Walther P99 with the green frame, regardless of caliber or trigger action type.

I have two P99s; my first is the green military version in 9mm with the traditional DA/SA trigger, while my second is a black on black .40 Auto with the DA/SA trigger.

Some on this board may feel differently, I wouldn't hesitate in buying a P99 with the QA  trigger. While I've only had the opportunity to dry fire two or three at gunshows, I really liked the feel...I may purchase one someday.  If you've tried the QA and like it, I say go for it.

 

[BreakerMorant]

When I considered the P99, I was aware that there were three variants. Since I had spent years using Glocks, it was a big issue for me to get one that had a comparable trigger. The P99 QA will be a reasonably smooth transition if you're a Glock shooter. The trigger is gritty for the first 500 rounds so be patient with the break-in process.

As Catbird stated, military version denotes that the frame is green not that the trigger is QA. So far, they have not released a military (green frame) version of the P99 QA.

Regarding your night sights question, this link should prove helpful:

http://www.jimcostanza.com/home.night_sights.html

Last thing regarding the P99 making in-roads... I have personally turned on four friends to the P99. Two of them are people who are long-time pistol shooters. All of them love the gun, most citing the ergonomic grip. One guy with big hands loves the fact that he could change the backstrap to something better for him. Another who is a former 82nd Airborne armorer regards the P99 as a pistol that is likely to replace the current generation of military sidearms since it is superior while also remaining "Joe-proof."

I think the gun is making in-roads slowly for several reasons. When the pistol first came out, I recall it being more expensive then it currently is. Also, I never saw one as a range rental. Another problem was that I had never seen the variants (P99QA and P990) at a gun store. (I bought the P99 QA after firing a standard model, figuring it was worth a role of the dice for the trigger as described on the Walther website- Fortunately, I was right.) Another factor that the P99 has to struggle against is the current entrenchmment of the Glocks. Both Federal and local law enforcement agencies bought Glocks in large numbers. The result was that a lot of people who wanted the guns that cops used. (In the late 80's it was the 10mm since the FBI used it. In the early 90's it was the Beretta 92 FS since the military and LAPD used it. Now it's Glocks since they are they are virtually standard issue for law enforcement.) -These people already have their guns.

-That said, I think the P99 will eventually be a leading seller. The P99 converts everyone who I've seen use it by its grip alone. Its accuracy is phenomenal, easily rivaling HK's. If there were more of them at the ranges as rentals (both the standard P99 and the P99 QA), they'd win a lot of converts.

 

[David S]

I aggree.
I am a Sherriff deputy reserve at my County Sherriffs dept and i was surprised that they are issued 9mm HK USPs..
I spoke with the gentleman that actually did the tests. They went thru many popular guns at the time (this was some years back BTW) and it came down to two guns, the Glock and the HK. The guy that was telling me said the Glock actually won out because the HKs kept breaking. But the Chief at the time went out and bought himself a USP 40 cal, and he liked it so he basically over rided the whole selections process and MADE them use HKs. Then they had to use 9Mm because of female officers, or so they said. they received a shipment of USPs and the guy told me they where all wrong. they ordered night sights and they had none, so they sent them back, and HK put compact night sights on the full size gun........then they started shooting the guns and they were breaking like crazy, the safeties where engaging while fireing and a load of other problems. the bad part is that glock would have offered them a similar gun at half the price.
This is a sad story to me.
just because LE officers use a particular gun does not mean its the best, Politics get involved. and its a shame. I would not want to be issued a weapon that i knew had problems.
Some people are DIE HARD hk fans......so be it......then there are some people , the informed ones.........that are walther fans........hehehee
I'd really like to see the P99 become more widespread. Prehaps now that S&W is distributing them, more LE agencies will have access to them. Lets just hope they dont accidentally choose the SW99.............eack!

 

[kbc]

Welcome vtwin996,
I have the black 9mm DA/SA (and the P22 3.42").
Take a look here for night sight pricing...

http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/Product....ht.html

 

[vtwin996]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I'll probably start looking for one in a couple of weeks and will let you know how it goes!