[Miami357]

I posted this earlier today, June 7th, on packing.org:

Considering either a Walther P99 or Springfield XD9 (have now shot both of these - was very impressed by both). So, a local shop tells me "the Walther P99 is the same thing as the Smith and Wesson." "The only thing manufactured in Germany is the barrel" He also stated the Springfield XD9 was superior, because there was "no sheetmetal used in it's construction."

Another comment from this guy, while not relevant to the 2 guns I'm considering, "the only thing that matters is "how it feels in your hand." "They all shoot the same, a bullet comes out the end, blah, blah"

I think I know where I WILL NOT be buying any firearms from, but the more important thing is, what's the story with the Walther. I was under the impression that Smith and Wesson had responsibility for customer service. If they are actually producing the P99, is there any advantage to buying whatever S & W he was talking about, i.e., better quality, better price, etc.

Out of several replies, only one stated that they indeed are different, with the nod going to the Walther.  I'd like to hear from the members on this forum....

BTW, just joined the Walther Forum this morning. I presently own a 1942 P38.

 

[Cawdor]

The guns are similar, not identical. Walther makes the frame for the SW99, and its differences are minor, in my opinion: Trigger guard, border on the slide release, and texturing. SW makes the barrel and the slide in stainless steel, and it is treated with Melonite. The Walther is carbon steel, and it is treated with Tenifer. SW offers a lifetime warranty; Walther, one year. The SW99 will probably be a little cheaper.

 

[Cawdor]

Double Post - Delete

 

[DragonRider]

Also different will be some of the checkering on the slide. The reason Tennifer is not used, is that the EPA prohibits its use in the US, another reason for why most of the companies that use that process import rather than build a factory here in the US. If you end up selling it, the Walther has a higher resale value also.

Also are you considering the Double/Single Action or the QuikShot or Double Action Only? I believe that the Springfield XD is DAO, similar to a Glock.

Just some thoughts.

John

 

[jaylsb]

If it helps, I chose the P99 in .40 over the XD and have yet to regret it in any way shape or form. I still like the XD, and will probably get an XD9 in the future, but I love my Walther. Oh, and your dealer doesn't know $#%& about the Walthers it seems!!

If it is a P99, it is made by Walther, slide barrel and frame(Unless of course if you get one of the 3000 .40's that S&W made the slide and barrel for to help Walther keep up with demand) But those are easily distinguishable by the serial number (46XXXX) and by the lack of the "Eagle over N" German proof marks that will be found on the all german slides and barrels. (all 9mm are all german) The only differences you will find are importer markings and these will be different depending on what year your pistol was built and who the importer was at the time. All this info and more are available at the P99 FAQ that Dr. Lunde has created here P99 FAQ

Good luck with whichever you choose.

J

 

[jaylsb]

Where are my manners!!!

Welcome to the forum!!!!!

Jay

 

[sigma40sw]

One physical differance between a Walther 9mm and a SW 9mm is the shape/contour of the barrel.

S&W uses the same slide for both 9 and 40, so the muzzle end of the 9mm barrel is stepped up to the 40 barrel diameter.

I have both a Walther P99 and a SW99. I have found the Walther has the best accuracy when both use the same loads.

I have switched the slide assemblies between the 2 and the accuracy follows the Walther parts, so I believe Walther has tighter tolerances.

 

[Miami357]

Thanks for all of the replies. Very nice to have the help!

I had a lot of replies on packing.org as well. All very helpful (on Florida Gun Talk section).

 

[TheMariner]

P99 in .40 S&W is one awesome machine, trust me.

 

[Miami357]

Mariner, Thanks for the tip on the .40 - I have been planning to go shoot one that a local store has for sale.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Shootout between the SW99 and P99 in .40 in the Aug/Sep 03 Handguns. Six (6) loads fired, the Walther avgd 2.4, the SW99 3.18.

A few yrs ago, same mag, two different .40s, only a .01 inch difference (2.92 v 2.91), again the edge was to Walther...

Put 'em together, 4 guns, 12 loads, the avg difference is 3.05 v 2.65 in Walther's favor.

 

[Miami357]

I happened to have picked up that same issue also. Worthwhile reading, for sure.