[naeco81]

Modding the PPQ (exposed striker)

From what I can tell, the striker assembly is identical aside from a small metal tab for the decocker on the P99. Credit to Balance for the images and idea.

http://i.imgur.com/DgHjPqq.jpg

I'm interested in doing this for the P99 slide end cap and exposed striker. While I prefer the aesthetics this way, it serves a utilitarian purpose too: a visual reminder the PPQ is (almost) always cocked for myself and anyone else that may handle my firearm.

http://i.imgur.com/y9RGCaE.jpg

Has anyone done this? Any tips/advice?

 

[chinot4r]

I did the swap on both my PPQ's. Ordered the items from Earl's and one for one swap. I actually picked up this mod from another members photo. I loved the end result.

 

[imaoldfart]

Yep, looks good, and thanks to balance for the previous post about this subject, including pictures. I haven't done this to my Q's yet, but might consider it in the future. Let me ask this....what did the striker assembly and slide end cap cost you?

 

[blckdmnd]

I did the swap on both my PPQ's. Ordered the items from Earl's and one for one swap. I actually picked up this mod from another members photo. I loved the end result.

I've wondered why they didn't include this on the PPQ. Can you post steps for doing the mod?

 

[HES]

I like the idea behind this. Shold Walther come out with a new gen PPQ I think they should consider this. Question is what are changes of introducing debris into the pistol this way

 

[balance]

From what I can tell, the striker assembly is identical aside from a small metal tab for the decocker on the P99.

Actually, that extra tab is there so that the trigger bar can "catch" onto the striker for the DA pull of the P99.

I've wondered why they didn't include this on the PPQ.

A cocked indicator on a SAO pistol isn't necessary. It makes sense that Walther did not include it in the PPQ design.

If a PPQ (that is functioning normally) is loaded, the striker is cocked.

Question is what are changes of introducing debris into the pistol this way

Less than on the P99, since the PPQ is supposed to be carried cocked, with the cocked indicator protruding through the hole, whereas the P99 is designed to be carried decocked, with the hole wide open.

 

[naeco81]

Actually, that extra tab is there so that the trigger bar can "catch" onto the striker for the DA pull of the P99.

A cocked indicator on a SAO pistol isn't necessary. It makes sense that Walther did not include it in the PPQ design.

If a PPQ (that is functioning normally) is loaded, the striker is cocked.

Less than on the P99, since the PPQ is supposed to be carried cocked, with the cocked indicator protruding through the hole, whereas the P99 is designed to be carried decocked, with the hole wide open.

Balance, you are a real American hero. Thanks for sharing your knowledge & happy 4th of July!

I'm curious how much the necessary parts were from Earl's as well. If someone could chime in it would be much appreciated.

 

[23738]

While this can be a good idea for those who may not be familiar with the mechanics of the PPQ's always partially cocked state, I'd hate to think that anyone would ever rely SOLELY on this as the loaded vs. "safe" to handle indicator.

Not to derail this very good thread...but when handing them off to someone, the slide is always locked back, so that they can tell visually that it's in an inert state. Otherwise, with these pistols it's always best to assume that the thing is loaded and ready to fire, without relying 100% so on an indicator.

In fact, with my PPS, I never look at the indicator....it's ONLY use is to "tell" my thumb if the trigger is being moved when holstering. It's a tactile, not a visual thing. I used to paint it orange, but stopped after a time or two of cleaning, wiping it off with alcohol, and repainting it, as i truly never do look at it. It could be invisible..and I'd not lack for it lol.

Just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. What's the phrase...complacency breeds disaster? or something along those lines..


Sorry for the long drawn out post....my LGS got me started with this mindset...can't be much safer handing a pistol to someone than with the slide locked open, cylinder opened out (if it does indeed swing open, or a rifle with the bolt/action/lever/chamber opened for visual assurance.

No offense meant to you guys...surely as heck, most of you all have more handgun experience than I myself have.

I do tend to look at the loaded chamber indicator every time I pick up the PPQ (home defense pistol). It's pretty hard for that to be inaccurate.

 

[HES]

While this can be a good idea for those who may not be familiar with the mechanics of the PPQ's always partially cocked state, I'd hate to think that anyone would ever rely SOLELY on this as the loaded vs. "safe" to handle indicator.

Quick question. I thought the Q in PPQ stood for quick action and that the striker was fully cooked where as the striker in a Glock or M&P was only partially cooked.

 

[balance]

I do tend to look at the loaded chamber indicator every time I pick up the PPQ (home defense pistol). It's pretty hard for that to be inaccurate.

Don't rely on it. I'd suggest not even looking at it to be honest, since it is not to be trusted anyway.

If the hook of the extractor (the front of th extractor) was to chip or break off, which does happen on occasion, there would be nothing to pivot the rear of the extractor in to expose the loaded chamber indicator, which would indicate that the pistol was empty, when in reality there could be a round in the chamber.

Don't trust any loaded chamber indicator on any pistol.

Quick question. I thought the Q in PPQ stood for quick action and that the striker was fully cooked where as the striker in a Glock or M&P was only partially cooked.

This is true. The striker of the PPQ is held 100% fully cocked by the sear.

 

[naeco81]

Thunderbirdsport302:

This is great advice and everyone should be mindful of this. Generally you should never hand a loaded weapon to anyone. LCI can fail too, so don't trust that as other's have stated.

However, I don't think there is anything wrong with adding additional layers of notice which is what I'm striving to do here. I correlate this to the four basic rules of safety. Many people seem to think that just because they've cleared a pistol as safe and know it is unloaded the other rules don't apply.

This is contrary to the point of the four basic rules. The whole idea is that even if you accidentally break one of them the gun is still perfectly safe. You cannot have a dangerous ND if you adhere to the other rules. Every injury is a result of someone violating TWO OR MORE of the four basic safety rules. That's why even if you are 100% positive the gun is unloaded you still don't point the gun in an unsafe direction, put your finger in the trigger guard until ready to shoot, or press the trigger until you have your sight picture.

Anyone else considering this mod should be well aware of the dangers of complacency. This is an ever so slight additional layer of safety/notification. It does not replace anything else.

 

[naeco81]

Via PM. Thanks to Chinot4r for responding with what we all wanted to know.

 

[naeco81]

I ordered these today from Earl's and the price quoted to me was $85 for the striker assy and $25 for the back plate. I didn't really push them on it though.

They also said M2 magazines were not in country yet and they would expect them to go out the 3rd week of July.

 

[23738]

Anyone else considering this mod should be well aware of the dangers of complacency. This is an ever so slight additional layer of safety/notification. It does not replace anything else.

Roger that...just didn't want to have folks think it replaced any or all of the safe handling methods.

Don't want to hear of anyone accidentally perforated by a Walther....
(if someone gets a free piercing because they were committing a crime, that's a whole 'nother bee's nest )

 

[Pewpew]

Hello all,

I have a specific question about the P99AS striker assembly put into the PPQ, and maybe balance can help me out:
Does the extra little double-action lug, protruding from the P99 striker, touch or depress the PPQ "adjustable trigger bar guide" (Walther part 38.2) every time the slide goes rearwards? It looks to me this might happen, might even cause a lot of wear.
Point being, once I purchase the P99 sriker assembly, do I need to grind off the little lug? And yes, I would exchange the striker springs to be sure.

 

[balance]

Point being, once I purchase the P99 sriker assembly, do I need to grind off the little lug?

It doesn't interfere with the function of the PPQ in any way.