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Differences between P99 & P990
- Thread starter sniper47
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There are several variants of the Walther/S&W 99-class pistols. All feature a light rail of some kind, with newer P99-series guns (2004 and newer) and SW99-series guns featuring a more standard open rail.
The standard P99 or P99 A/S is a traditional double action striker fired pistol which also features a third "anti stress" trigger mode. When the slide is racked to load the first round, the trigger stays fully forward and gives a long, light pull. Follow up shots have a short single action pull. The pistol can also be decocked for a long, heavy double action pull. This variant can be identified by a large decocker button on the top of the slide near the rear sight.
The P990 or P99 DAO is a double action only variant with a long, heavy double action trigger pull. They are identified by the lack of a decocker button.
The P99QA is a "quick action" variant, with a trigger pull similar to a Glock or M&P. They are identified by a small decocker button on the slide used for disassembly of the pistol.
All 9mm P99-series pistols are identified by a cutout near the front of the slide. .40 variants don't have this cutout.
The SW99 series are mechanically identical pistols with slight cosmetic differences built by S&W. They are available in a .45ACP version, which the P99 does not offer. The SW99 corresponds to the P99/AS, the SW990 corresponds to the P990/DAO, and the SW990L corresponds to the P99QA.
I have a P99 in .40S&W and I've found it to be one of the most accurate pistols I've ever fired. Great pistol. The S&W M&P is also worth a look if you like the 99-series guns.
The standard P99 or P99 A/S is a traditional double action striker fired pistol which also features a third "anti stress" trigger mode. When the slide is racked to load the first round, the trigger stays fully forward and gives a long, light pull. Follow up shots have a short single action pull. The pistol can also be decocked for a long, heavy double action pull. This variant can be identified by a large decocker button on the top of the slide near the rear sight.
The P990 or P99 DAO is a double action only variant with a long, heavy double action trigger pull. They are identified by the lack of a decocker button.
The P99QA is a "quick action" variant, with a trigger pull similar to a Glock or M&P. They are identified by a small decocker button on the slide used for disassembly of the pistol.
All 9mm P99-series pistols are identified by a cutout near the front of the slide. .40 variants don't have this cutout.
The SW99 series are mechanically identical pistols with slight cosmetic differences built by S&W. They are available in a .45ACP version, which the P99 does not offer. The SW99 corresponds to the P99/AS, the SW990 corresponds to the P990/DAO, and the SW990L corresponds to the P99QA.
I have a P99 in .40S&W and I've found it to be one of the most accurate pistols I've ever fired. Great pistol. The S&W M&P is also worth a look if you like the 99-series guns.
FirebirdV8
SWCA Member
MattB has got the differences down perfectly. I will just add that I have a SW99 (the S&W equivilent of a A/S) and it has been a great gun. It is accurate and the interchangeable backstraps really get that pistol to fit ones hands. The only real warning on these guns I would give is to not be rough on the rear sights. The rear sight is not as tough as it appears and could be broken with a good direct hit, unlike the third gen semi-autos.
That's very true...the plastic rear sight on my P99 definitely feels weaker than the metal sight on my M&P. Some of the replacement night sights are metal though so there are upgrade options.
Another thing to note about the Walther P99s is that they officially only have a 1-year factory warranty, but in practice S&W is willing to fix issues free of charge even outside the 1-year period. Four days after I bought my 2002 model P99 used, the sear block failed while dry firing. S&W repaired it at no charge and had it back to me within a week. The SW99s are covered by the full S&W lifetime warranty.
Thank you for all of the info. I just realized that the mag release is on the trigger guard. Now that might be a deal breaker. My friend has the Walther made version so I may have to track him down and ask to shoot it first. I am not sure I could get used to that feature.
FirebirdV8
SWCA Member
This can be an issue depending what you are used to and your training. However, the mag release on this model has 2 major benefits. First, it is ambidextrous, you don't have to mess around with switching it to the other side for left handed people. Second, it is almost impossible to accidentally release the magazine. The normal S&W style mag release has the slight chance to accidentally release the magazine when in an IWB holster (it takes some random combination of actions to make this happen, but it has happened to me). While it doesn't happen too often, if your gun has mag safety, you are left with a paper weight when it does happen. Of course, do what works for you and fits your hands best and if you don't plan on carrying it the above isn't even a consideration.
It's definitely worth trying out before you buy one. I found that once I got used to it I had no real issues coming from the button release on the M&P. I find it's easiest to use my index finger and hit the release on the right side of the pistol.
The P99 mag release is the best I've ever used, and I've used nearly all of them. You have several options as to how to use it, and I find it superior to any other.
The P99 is an excellent pistol.
Your picture raises another point about the P99s. 2004 and newer models have an extended mag release as shown in the picture above, where the older models have the short mag release seen below:
JamesArthur60
US Veteran
True, the P99 takes a small adjustment. And a few cosmetic changes have been made. But man what a well built, accurate, reliable firearm. Walther for some reason just does not market them well in America. I've kept mine for some years.
That's a nice looking P99. Is that one of the Titanium-coated slide models?
Of interest is that Magnum Research, best known for the Desert Eagle, appears to now offer their own P99 clone under the name "Baby Desert Eagle Fast Action" despite the fact that the gun looks nothing like a Desert Eagle (see page 11 of the catalog linked to below). Personally, I'll stick with the proper P99 and SW99.
http://www.magnumresearch.com/docs/Magnum_catalog_2010.pdf
Of interest is that Magnum Research, best known for the Desert Eagle, appears to now offer their own P99 clone under the name "Baby Desert Eagle Fast Action" despite the fact that the gun looks nothing like a Desert Eagle (see page 11 of the catalog linked to below). Personally, I'll stick with the proper P99 and SW99.
http://www.magnumresearch.com/docs/Magnum_catalog_2010.pdf
sheriff51
Member
I carried a SW99 as a duty weapon for several years. After a little practice, you will fiind the mag release to be one of the best features of the pistol. Now that I'm retired, I carry it as my primary CCW
Blackpaladin
Member
I have an early design German P99, and I agree, one of the nicest layed out pistols I have found!
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