SW99 in .45

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marcus99

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I have three 1st gen Walther P99’s in 9mm and one S&W SW99 in 9mm, so I’ve been passively keeping an eye open for an SW99 in .45. I didn’t happen to care whether I found a particularly clean example, but the one that came home with me is just that - excellent condition, two mags, original box, one extra large backstrap (my understanding is that the .45 SW99 only came with two, a small and a large, no medium) and most of the paperwork. Wondering who else might have some love for the SW99 and can answer the following:

1 - Any leads (or does anyone have an extra) for a spare recoil spring assembly? The SW99 in .45 appears to have it’s own that isn’t shared with the 9mm version nor the Walther or Magnum Research iterations.
2 - Anyone know of a spare SW99 manual? Appears to be the only piece of paperwork I’m missing.
3 - Can anyone confirm whether the SW99 in .45 uses the same backstrap as the 9mm version? I don’t have my 9mm version on hand to confirm. It appears the 9mm backstraps are tapered slightly inward whereas the .45’s appear straight their entire length, which makes sense given the .45 version is a bit thicker.

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Great find !! My LGS had a used SW99 with a bonus...it was the 9mm version barely used, but also came with the 40 cal barrel, using the same spring. I went home did a little research, and called the store back to have them hold it for me. This is my first 40. cal (wasn't looking to have another caliber but what a bonus) and man what a great round 40 is and what an incredible shooter it is... I have enough 45 pistols but if I found SW99 in 45, i'd have a hard time walking out of the store without it...
 
Does anyone know of any other firearm whose captured recoil spring assembly is interchangeable with the .45 SW99?
 
Posting pictures of the recoil spring and guide with dimensions would help determine the difference between the SW99 and Walther P99 in 45 ACP if someone on the forum owns the P99. Knowing specifics about the shape and style of recoil assembly helps narrow down possible replacement from another pistol. Knowing wire size and number coils per inch will determine if Wolff stocks a replacement springs. In a last case situation you can buy comparable wire springs from McMaster-Carr or other vendor. Guide rods can be reproduced with proper dimensions and definitely good enough for shooting.


McMaster-Carr


Here is a link to the S&W user manual for the SW99 pistols. As last resort a talented person with a good printer could recreate the manual.


https://www.smith-wesson.com/sites/default/files/owners-manuals/SW99.pdf
 
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The Turkish manufactured Canik produce a 9 mm copy of the Walther P99. I’m unsure if any of the parts compatible to the SW99.

Probably should’ve said very similar design style but I bet the patents have expired on the P99. Here is a link to the Canik pistol I was referring. This model was one of the first models to be imported into the USA.

TP9DA | Canik
 
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If memory serves me correctly, Walther did not make a 0.45 in the "99" series. SW brought in parts and then put their own imprimateur on it. At least that was the case in the one that I had a few years ago. Dave_n
 
I have 2 SW99's in 45. I like the gun, shot a lot of IDPA matches with the first one, the second is still NIB, now a spare/Safe Queen. I have some spare parts, I may have a factory guide rod for 45, I also have a SW99 in 9mm. I will compare them (measure) and let you know what the spec's are.
 
I too have a couple of SW909s -- two in 40 (full and compact) and one in 9mm although it is a Magnum Rearch.
I concur Walther did not make a .45 P99.
And I too am looking for one in the big slow bullets, although I can't imagine why except to have to whole "set;" I've got enough .45s to be honest.
 
Recoil spring assy. are NOT compatible between SW99 9/40 and the SW99 45 version. The 9/40 spring guide is too short/ less spring length.

SW99-45 Guide rod is approx. 3.285" long with 38 coils of flat spring.

SW99-9/40 Guide rod is approx. 3.106" long with 33 coils of flat spring.

The plastic guide rods appear to be the same only length is different.
The head end against the barrel is .490" dia. and the coil spring dia. is .500" dia.

So, the 9/40 guide rod is .180" to short, for use in the 45 version.

BTW, I checked my 4" 2.0 M&P 45 guide rod. Rod length 3.04", rod head was .410" and spring dia. was .426" It is a steel guide rod.

These are great pistols, unfortunately they are now orphans without support. From what I have heard, even S&W doesn't have parts for them.
You are stuck searching for what ever you can find.
 
My SW99 .45, purchased around 2003, came with 3 backstraps.
Treat them with kid gloves because all of mine disintegrated, which appears to be a common problem.
This forum and Smith and Wesson support both say the Walther P99 backstraps will fit, but don't on mine. I ordered two from Walther and with the rollpin holes aligned they are too short for the cutout.
I'd post a photo but it appears since I just joined the forum I can't create an album to link to.
 
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Rovernut said:
My SW99 .45, purchased around 2003, came with 3 backstraps.
I'd post a photo but it appears since I just joined the forum I can't create an album to link to.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about creating an album, just scroll down to "Additional Options" below your text box and click the "Manage Attachments" box. A new window will open that allows you to choose a file to upload. I believe you can upload 5 pics; try them one at a time if your computer is slow. Afterwards you can always click "Preview Post" to see how it will look before final submission. It works pretty well.

Edit -- I just realized this thread was last active over a year ago when you posted so some of those repliers may have resolved their issues already. Still a good topic.

Welcome the the Forum!

Todd
 
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No need to post photos etc., Rovernut is correct. Shortly after I acquired my SW99 in .45 I compared it to my 9mm SW99 and three 9mm Walther P99’s. The SW99 .45 backstrap is larger and will not interchange, and I am not aware of any P99 copy that will work on it, either. In my experience the plastic curing chemical used in the SW99 backstraps does not hold up over time. The backstraps become tacky and sticky and yes sometimes break apart. For the 9mm’s this isn’t as big of a deal as P99, MR9 and perhaps other copy backstraps will work. For the SW99 in .45 you are kind of screwed. And given their low production I doubt anyone will ever make replacements, but it would be nice.
 
I bought a used S&W 99 in .45 ACP. I lucked into it at my favorite gun shop. It came with 4 mags. It was a very good deal as I recall. Great guns.
 
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