S&W 99 CMPD Issue

[NCSUPackman]

Recently picked up a Smith & Wesson 99 issued to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
These used to be a lot more numerous in my area when they were surplused out when the department went to the M&P.

They had an magazine disconnect safety added by Smith & Wesson per the departments request.

Having talked with several officers, the consensus was not positive.

The story goes the department wanted to move away from the 4046 and wanted something polymer and were looking at the Glock.
Smith & Wesson offered them the SW99 promising they had a polymer pistol just like the Glock coming.

The problems arose due to the gun being a lot lighter then the 4046; it kicked a lot more with the 40S&W compared to the all stainless steel 4046.
Also, the magazine release was in a complete different spot; the trigger guard versus traditional push button on the frame.
There were also issues with the magazine disconnect due to it not being integral to the original design and added after; it would work when it shouldn't and not work when it should.

It's the end of an era as the CMPD is moving to the Glock. They were the only non Glock department in the region.

It's an interesting piece of local history and I'm happy to add it my collection.

I'd be curious to hear the experiences of any other member whose department issued the SW99.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

That would have been a good addition to the collection when I was collecting LEO trade ins. I view the Sw99 as getting something polymer on the market while they worked on the M&P. Not to say t is a bad gun, and by the time I was ready to buy a polymer pistol, the M&P was available and was better for me and the SW99 had all but disappeared. Nice addition.

 

[NCBeagle]

Thanks for the great post about a local LEO gun. In fact, had no idea that CMPD ever used this pistol until our conversation the other day. Also, it’s interesting that CMPD went with this pistol when there may have been other polymer guns to satisfy CMPD requirements without modification. Good background info.

Would like to find one of those CMPD 4046s.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Ameshawki]

I have a SW99 and really like it. Points instinctively for me.

 

[3rdgenfriend]

wonder if my SW99 was a police issue ?

I bought the SW99 that I have at my lgs this summer, and I feel fortunate to have it. It was at the store for a day and the clerk knows I like the S&W line, and insisted I have a look at it. I checked out the pistol, in 9 mm, and loved the way it felt in my hand and it and looked brand new. After a day of knowledge binging, the history of Walther and the collaboration of getting a SW polymer to the market fastest, watching videos, etc. I called the store and had them put it aside for me. Next day I went in and asked to see all it came with this time. Clerk brought back the factory box and inside were 5 mags...then I lifted the black foam and there was a factory oil sealed 40 caliber barrel included...3 mags were 40 cal and 2 were 9mm. Bought it immediately for $450 cash...it is an awesome shooter in both calibers and it is my first .40 cal. (each barrel uses the same spring and guide rod btw) and I love the history of it....just wish I could get more information especially if it were issued to a pd...why did this kit have both barrels? If anyone knows any history and can guide me, would really appreciate it. Thanks Peter 3rdgenfriend PS My SW99 is the one in the middle 4506 on top (Sayer PA PD) and bottom my 365xl