SW99 safe carry

sigma_pete · Sep 7, 2010

I just picked up a used SW99 9mm and promptly downloaded/read the manual from S&W but can't tell for sure which modes are safe for carry.

1. uncocked, DA - Definitely safe for carry, the only thing safer would be an empty chamber.
2. cocked, SA w/ trigger forward - This is the one I can't figure out. If safe, this is the mode I'd like to keep it in.
3. cocked, SA w/ trigger half-back - Am I correct to assume this mode wouldn't be safe?

The DA trigger pull is god-awful. It makes my former SW40VE feel like a finely tuned 1911 relatively speaking. The SA pull is fairly decent though for a Tupperware pistol. I know that I can go from mode 1 to 2 by pulling the slide back a 1/2 inch or so but this is not a maneuver I'd want to make in the event I should ever have the misfortune of needing to draw and use the pistol.

BTW, it’s been a while since I've posted on the forum but I've been an actively posting member for over 5 years now. Anybody know when/why my post history would have been purged yet my log-in and profile info is still there?

shawn mccarver · Sep 8, 2010

sigma_pete said:
I just picked up a used SW99 9mm and promptly downloaded/read the manual from S&W but can't tell for sure which modes are safe for carry.

1. uncocked, DA - Definitely safe for carry, the only thing safer would be an empty chamber.
2. cocked, SA w/ trigger forward - This is the one I can't figure out. If safe, this is the mode I'd like to keep it in.
3. cocked, SA w/ trigger half-back - Am I correct to assume this mode wouldn't be safe?

The DA trigger pull is god-awful. It makes my former SW40VE feel like a finely tuned 1911 relatively speaking. The SA pull is fairly decent though for a Tupperware pistol. I know that I can go from mode 1 to 2 by pulling the slide back a 1/2 inch or so but this is not a maneuver I'd want to make in the event I should ever have the misfortune of needing to draw and use the pistol.

BTW, it’s been a while since I've posted on the forum but I've been an actively posting member for over 5 years now. Anybody know when/why my post history would have been purged yet my log-in and profile info is still there?

All three modes are safe to carry in this sense: If the gun is in proper order, it will not "go off" by itself, nor will it "go off" if dropped. However, remember to keep your finger off the trigger, as pulling the trigger will cause the weapon to fire.

So, you can (1) chamber a round and decock, (2) chamber a round and leave the trigger forward so there is a long, but light, pull, or (3) chamber a round and set the trigger back so you can have a short and light pull.

sigma_pete · Sep 8, 2010

I know some pistols won't pass the drop test if in certain modes. I didn't know if this was the case with the SW99 or not. I would prefer to carry in mode 2 (as I listed them) but want to make sure I'm not compromising safety somehow by doing so.

Railbender · Sep 9, 2010

Number 2 is fine. That is how I carry my 99s (2 S&W and 1 Walther). The trigger is why I prefer the 99 over the other "Tupperware" pistols.

FirebirdV8 · Sep 9, 2010

The other posters are correct that all are safe in that there is a firing pin block on the 99 series. As long as your finger doesn't touch the trigger, you will be fine. However, carry how you feel most comfortable and how you train. I personally carry my SW99 in the decocked mode because, I usually a carry a S&W 3rd gen with a TDA trigger system and that is how those are carried properly.
On another note, if your trigger, in Decocked mode, is worse than a sigma you may want to have it checked out. My SW99's DA style trigger is smoother than any sigma's I have ever shot (not putting down sigma's here, just stating my experience).

Ron1971 · Sep 10, 2010

I have the SW99 in .40cal and carry it with it in uncocked since very little travel is needed to recock it. I found I feel safer that way. Just a slight downward push returns it to ready to fire IMO, hope it helps

sigma_pete · Sep 10, 2010

FirebirdV8 said:
The other posters are correct that all are safe in that there is a firing pin block on the 99 series. As long as your finger doesn't touch the trigger, you will be fine. However, carry how you feel most comfortable and how you train. I personally carry my SW99 in the decocked mode because, I usually a carry a S&W 3rd gen with a TDA trigger system and that is how those are carried properly.
On another note, if your trigger, in Decocked mode, is worse than a sigma you may want to have it checked out. My SW99's DA style trigger is smoother than any sigma's I have ever shot (not putting down sigma's here, just stating my experience).

Thanks, this helps alot. I don't have a Sigma anymore to do a side by side comparison but the trigger pull is heavier than I remember it being. It's definitely heavier than my S&W 5946 (DAO) and Sig P226 (in DA).

FirebirdV8 · Sep 10, 2010

sigma_pete said:
Thanks, this helps alot. I don't have a Sigma anymore to do a side by side comparison but the trigger pull is heavier than I remember it being. It's definitely heavier than my S&W 5946 (DAO) and Sig P226 (in DA).

I don't know the history of your SW99 (used or new), but I picked mine up as NOS from CDNN. Straight out of the box it had a fairly nice trigger pull. It has only gotten better as I shoot it more. I would just make sure, if you got it used, no one tried any home gun smithing on it, or call S&W, if you got it new. Yours is the first mention I have heard of a SW99 having a heavier trigger pull than a sigma. I haven't shot enough DAO S&W's to compare my SW99 to and have never shot a sig before so I can't really compare notes on that one either.

SW99 safe carry

sigma_pete

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shawn mccarver

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sigma_pete

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Railbender

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FirebirdV8

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Ron1971

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sigma_pete

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FirebirdV8

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