[rsm38]

Who sells metal guide rods for the P99?. The polymer rod seems kind of flimsy to me, has anyone ever had problems with it?. Are any parts interchangable with the S&W 99, like the magazines and such. Thanks.

 

[Catbird]

It's interesting that you should bring this guide rod question up!

There is a member (Don) over on
http://www.hs2000talk.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi
who is making some one-piece, metal guide rods for our HS2000s and XDs.  These are excellent quality.  I just advised him yesterday that I believe there might be substantial interest by Walther P99 owners; I invited him to visit this forum and ask for himself.

I was quite surprised to find that when I tried one of Don's XD guide rods in my P99, it was almost an exact fit.

Currently, he provides the guide rod and a bronze washer that fits in the front of the slide's rod opening (this keeps the end of the spring from "snaking" through the opening)...you supply the spring.  At this point, we XD owners, are using Colt Commander springs with 3 coils removed in the weight you choose (usually 18#, 20#, 22# or maybe even 24#).

Here's a picture of the guide rod and the bushing:

A 18# Wolff variable power recoil spring for a Colt Commander:

A comparison between Don's guide rod (right) and the factory unit (left):

The bushing is installed in the slide:

The guide rod installed:

A closeup of the guide rod:

The front of the HS2000/XD with Don's guide rod installed:

A view of Don's guide rod with the slide retracted:

I would encourage you to visit the HS2K/XD forum and you will find pictures and a lot of information. Check it out.

I believe Smith & Wesson also sells metal guide rods...sort of.

 

[CKW]

Good news everyone.  I was going to wait until it was ready but since this topic came up, here's what I've got.

I have been talking to William McMoore, President of Alchemy Arms Co.   I sent him an example .40 P99 guide rod assembly which he is modeling in stainless steel.  It will be a captured guide rod.  Not yet sure what the final cost will be but will post when all the details have been worked out.  

For those of you unfamiliar, Alchemy Arms produce some top shelf stuff.  They also manufacture stainless Glock recoil rod assemblies so they are already ahead of the curve.  

Like stated earlier, as soon as all the details are worked out regarding availability and cost you guys will be the first to know.  Stay tuned!!

Regards,
Chris

 

[P88]

I've never had a problem with the recoil spring assembly. One of my P99's has over 6000 rounds through it on the same spring.

Magazines are interchangeable.

 

[Catbird]

P88 -

I haven't had a problem with my stock guide rod with its captured spring either.  The reason I'm interested in this steel one with its non-captured spring is because it will allow me to custom tune my gun's performance to my personal reloads by changing the spring weight.  I build some of my ammunition for precision target shooting and some for full power combat style shooting.  By being able to quickly and easily change to a heavier weight spring when shooting full power loads, I'll be able to lessen possible frame battering as well as make the shooting session more enjoyable.

1911 shooters have been "playing" with their recoil springs for many years; I'd like that ability, too.  Actually, my Colt Gold Cup National Match came from the factory with two recoil springs...one for light target loads and one for hardball.

Bottom line:
I'm not concerned too much about the guide rod - it's the spring that I'm interested in.

 

[rsm38]

Thanks for all the info.

Catbird you mentioned that the recoil rod that you ordered for you HS200 was almost an exact fit in your P99, does that mean it fit perfectly or did you have to make any adjustment to it?

P88 I was told by Smith & Wesson tech support that the magazines between their SW99 and the P99 are not interchagable. Do you use SW99 magazines in your P99.

Thanks again for all the info.

 

[Catbird]

Quote[/b] (rsm38 @ Feb. 04 2003,6:49)]Catbird you mentioned that the recoil rod that you ordered for you HS200 was almost an exact fit in your P99, does that mean it fit perfectly or did you have to make any adjustment to it?

To answer your question, the guide rod appears okay "as is". I can't really do any testing because I don't have an appropriate recoil spring yet; I plan to order a couple of Colt Commander springs later today.

It is my belief that the guide rod, itself, is close enough to the factory guide rod dimensions to work well.  If you look at the above pictures, you will see the bronze washer.  It's this washer that fits a tiny bit looser in the P99 slide recess than the HS2K's recess.  I do believe it would still work, though.  I might shop around and see if I can come up with a washer (maybe polymer or DELRIN) that fits a tad better.  

If you want exact guide rod, spring and washer dimensions, please visit the HS2000/XD board and see my thread.

 

[sigma40sw]

RSM38,

"P88 I was told by Smith & Wesson tech support that the magazines between their SW99 and the P99 are not interchagable." Do you use SW99 magazines in your P99.

They are the same, the bases are different,but only slightly.
I use either kind in both my 9mm and 40 P99's. with no problems. They are both made by Mec-Gar. I am now using S&W's improved 40 mags in my 40 P99 QA. Improved feeding problems with Rem Gold Dot Bullets.

Also Walther P88 Compact 9mm mags will work in the P99.
The base is only 1/16" longer. You can let it hang out of the gun or, I drill a hole and put a 1" 1/16" dia. roll pin to act as a stop so you won't get them jamed in the gun.
The mag tubes are the same,just the base is different.
CDNN was selling these for about $18 each new.

Sigma40sw

 

[P88]

Yes, I have also used SW99 mags in my P99. No problem. I've even used full sized P88 mags with no problems.