Walther P99 Semi-Auto

Walther P99 Semiautomatic Pistol. A quick rundown of the advanced features of this German automatic, and a link to an exceptionally fine blank firing version, licensed by Walther.
1860 Henry Lever-Action Rifle

Building on the foundation of successful, well-engineered predecessors such as the PPK, the P5 and the P88 semiautomatic pistols, Germany's Carl Walther Sportwaffen GmbH rolled out their next addition to the marque's history in 1998, the P99.  Like many high-end German goods, it was developed under a veil of secrecy--most likely to prevent the new design from being spoiled by a copycat competitor. This is a price that must be paid in order to keep one's hard work from being compromised by a cheap imitator.  Incorporating many tried and tested features of previous models and adding some revolutionary new ones, the Walther P99 brought with it the futuristic look and advanced innovation that would become standard in early 21st Century firearms design.  Even a decade after its debut, it doesn't appear to be the least bit outdated, nor has it lost any of its allure. It is a serious, professional-grade firearm.


As with all other Walther semi-automatic pistols, the P99 is known for its fine accuracy, high quality materials, good ergonomics, and innovative German engineering.  No matter how good a firearm is, there are always those who have their preferences and will suggest improvements or complain about a feature.  In the case of the P99, there are of course people voicing their preferences, but in this case, almost every one you're likely to see is no more than a minor, picky detail.  This is no crapola Saturday Night Special-type of gun, nor is it likely to be found at the scene of a street crime. Like other reputable quality firearms, they are expensive, cared for, respectable and well-guarded.  This demographic alone puts it in an echelon that is above and beyond the reach of most unprofessional and irresponsible scum-bucket street criminals.  The P99 is a very solid, well-built firearm of extraordinarily high quality, and has a strong following of loyal owners.


The Walther P99 has a lightweight composite polymer frame and grips, in a variety of colors.  The most common are black or dark gray and olive drab, some with a brushed metal slide and some two-tone variations, but I have also seen them in a metallic-looking brassy color.  Once at an armory, I actually saw a pink Walther P22 semi-automatic. Just thought I'd throw that in here since it's the only pink firearm I'd ever seen.


1860 Henry Lever-Action .44 Caliber Repeating Rifle

The P99 and its variants have a steel slide.  Rather than using an external hammer, the P99 has an internal striker with a red tip that protrudes through the slide, although the QA (Quick Action) model is a little different, in that it does not protrude unless fired.  Unlike other semi-automatics equipped with hammers, the P99 is always in "half-cock" mode unless decocked.  These features vary, depending on the model.


There are many different variations on the original P99. In the United States, there is the SW99, a joint venture between Smith and Wesson and Carl Walther Sportwaffen GmbH, which is available in .45 ACP caliber.   In addition to the standard 9mm Parabellum caliber, there is also version on the American market chambered for SW.40 caliber.  The Walther P99 has an ambidextrous magazine release.   The AS model has the most the innovative feature introduced to firerams in decades.  On the AS model, there's an ingenious 2-position trigger anti-stress arrangement (the AS is for "Anti-Stress) that allows the user to select the amount of travel of the trigger.  The first is the full, strong trigger pull, all the way back.  The second stops and locks the trigger half way back, and requires only a very easy pull to fire.  The purpose of the AS system is to help prevent accidental discharges in tense, high-stress situations.  If in DA (double action) mode, a strong, longer travel of the trigger is required to fire the weapon.  In fact, you actually have a sort of resistance point, midway in the trigger pull.  If you truly wish to fire it, you must pull it past this point, and all the way to the rear.


The P99 features tool-free take down, and has exchangeable grip backstraps in different sizes for user preference, and the grip has an exceptional ergonomic fit, and rests very well in the hand.  It also has an ambidextrous magazine release.  There is no manual safety on the P99, but there are four internal safeties on other P99 models, one of which is to allow the firing pin to be locked.  On the AS model and you can choose between single action and double action mode by using the trigger and/or the "decocker" button, but there is no safety mechanism on the P99AS, which is obviously made for professional police and military use, or anyone else who can take the professional  approach to firearms ownership.  
Some of the different models of the Walther P99 are the above-mentioned P99AS, and there is the P99DAO, (Double Action Only) and  the P99QA, (Quick Action) the P99C (Compact).  There are also some special editions available, the MI6, or the "James Bond" edition, the Y2K or Year 2000 editi on, and the La Chasse edition for game hunters.  The Walther P99 and its variants are used by police and military forces around the wor l d, as well as being available for commercial purchase in the areas where guns have not been banned.  As of October, 2009, the going rate for a Walther P99 starts at around US $700, and goes up.  Ammunition has also gotten to be much more expensive than it was a year ago, and sometimes harder to obtain.  

Firearm Type: Single Action/Double Action Short Recoil Semi-automatic Pistol
Nation Of Manufacture: Germany, United States
Service Dates : 1998-Present
Variations: P99, P990, SW99, P99 (AS, QA, DAO, C), MI6, LaChasse, others
Ammunition: 9mm Parabellum, 9 X 21mm, SW.40 and .45 ACP (USA Market),
Wars: Used by Military and Police Forces Worldwide
Recent Prices : US $680-$1,000+ (Depending on model, accessories, etc.)



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Interested in a Blank-Firing Walther P99?
We have Walther Blank-Firing Semi-Automatics in Black and Nickel finishes.
This Blank-Firing Semi-Automatic is Licensed by Walther, and is in every way like the real thing. It can be taken down for cleaning, and has the full crisp and satisfying  semi-automatic action. When fired, it is as loud as the real thing! Eye and hearing protection are included with purchase. This is the very best blank-firing semi-automatic pistol that money can buy!


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