SW99.... should I get it?

johndavid400 · February 6, 2005, 02:40 AM

hello guys... it has been a while since I bought my last gun, but now it is that time again. I have had my eye out for the Walther P99 or SW99 ever since I bought my first gun over a year ago, but have not found one at a reasonable price since then. I currently have a full size Baby Eagle 9mm, XD-9 subcompact, Bersa .380, and Walther P22. The only two left on my near future list are the P99/SW99 and the Springfield ultra compact 1911.

I found a quick action SW99 sub compact in 9mm at my gun store today for $379 used, but in excellent shape. Is that a good price for this gun used? I am planning on buying it Monday if it is still there (it was there when I left today, an hour before they closed and they arent open on Sunday).... I just thought I would ask for your input. Thanks ~ JD

Note: I am partial to 9mm and I love sub-compacts.... so those elements are perfect, I'm just asking about price and general thoughts about the gun.

Hal · February 6, 2005, 02:51 AM

If you get it, let us know how it stacks up against the XD you have.

WaltherP99 · February 6, 2005, 02:29 PM

I have a P99 QA and it is excellent. I paid 560.00 NIB for mine (after all the paperwork and 4% for using a credit card. That price doesn't seem that bad if the gun is in good shape!

Dpswan · February 6, 2005, 10:28 PM

Not bad, but the SW99 is not as good quality as the Walther P99 version. This is not my opinion but facts I received from various sources. The SW99 is not a bad gun, just not as good as Walther. The SW99 can't handle the "hotter" loads very well such as +P or +P+. Plus they're were some problems with the SW99 slides.

InToItTRX · February 6, 2005, 10:50 PM

IMO Smith and Wesson is best at revolvers, I have herd horror stories with their semi autos.

johndavid400 · February 7, 2005, 01:44 AM

well if the Walther is better quality, then they must have used equivalently priced parts, because the import tax to get the Walther into the US would make up for the $40 price difference. I have heard nothing but good stuff about the SW99 from people that I know who own them, but I haven't ever read anything about them on the internet.

I may just wait a little while.... I am afraid that it won't measure up to my XD and I will regret buying it since I don't really need another compact 9mm. It is still on my wish list... I guess I would mainly want to do it if it were a really good deal, but if not, I can just wait a few months. Any thoughts?

Any .45 · February 7, 2005, 11:15 AM

I had a SW99 in .45 this was my first Polymer gun I loved the gun for as long as I owned and still consider them to be a good piece, I paid $450 with taxes and background check dealer price on a new one is $389.00. So 379.00 used in good condition isn't bad. I put around 3000 rounds and never had a FTE, or FTF or any other hickups. if you want it get it.

johndavid400 · February 7, 2005, 05:58 PM

well, I went to the gun store today and put the SW99 on layaway. I also found out that it has never been fired..... I failed to see that on the label the first time I looked at it. Also, I talked the store owner down $15 and it comes with everything. I looked it over and it looks perfect, no wear on the inside or outside... it looks brand new. Sooo, I have 60 days to pay the remaining $270 or to change my mind and get my money back. I am debating whether or not to sell my XD to pay for the SW99.... I am so happy with the XD that I fear that I will kick myself if I get rid of it. So I will probably just suck it up and scrap some money together. Anyways, as soon as I pick it up, I will let you guys know how it shoots. Thanks for your input

zappadragon · February 7, 2005, 08:58 PM

Good luck with it. I would have gone with the walther but we all have our own opinions.

Let us know how it works out when you get it.

fastbolt · February 7, 2005, 09:29 PM

I've fired 750+ rounds through my new SW99 Compact 9mm during the last couple of weeks. I've mostly been using 147gr JHP's, although I also included a couple of boxes of the W-W RA9TA 127gr +P+ loads we issue for duty. Boringly reliable so far, but then I didn't expect anything less, since I carry a full size SW99 chambered in .40 S&W.

A friend of mine bought the SW99 Compact chambered in .40 S&W (at the same time), and while he hasn't fired quite as many rounds through it as I have in the last week, his has also been reliable and accurate during his 'break in' range practice (just another excuse for trigger time

). Of course, I'm sure he'll catch up and exceed me rather quickly, as he normally tends to shoot more often ... and more rounds ... than I do. He's been trying his best to wear out his full size SW99 .40 for the last couple of years, and last I heard, he estimated he's exceeded 40,000 rounds fired through his full size model.

Personally, I feel they're a decent gun for the money. My G26 & G27 will be spending more time in the safe, since I'll be carrying the SW99 Compact more often.

I happen to prefer the 9mm models, myself, for the slight advantage I feel I gain when it comes to recoil management and overall controllability, although I've fired several thousands of rounds through both my issued SW99 full size .40, and my personally owned SW99 full size .40 ... and spend a reasonable amount of practice time on the range with my issued .40 model. I just happen to really enjoy the 9mm in the 99 design.

I don't think anyone could go wrong with either the Walther or the S&W versions, although I realize a lot of folks have a 'brand loyalty' perspective ... and that's fine ... since it's not like you can make a 'bad' choice when choosing between them. Pick whichever you happen to prefer, and for whatever reason is important to you.

I'd recommend using high quality factory ammunition, though, and following the lubrication instructions in the manual.

I may even 'retire' my 3913 & CS9 to the safe, as off duty weapons, in favor of the SW99 Compact.

Check out the Smith & Wesson Forum is you want to talk to even more SW99 owners ... http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi...r=12&SUBMIT=Go

johndavid400 · February 7, 2005, 10:27 PM

well, I would have gone with the Walther, but first off I can't find a Walther compact model.... secondly, I didn't really get to choose it at the price I'm going to pay. At $375 for an unfired SW99, and it being a compact model... it was really appealing (honestly I would have taken it in any caliber). But the fact that it is a SW99 and not a P99 doesn't bother me at all. I have heard nothing but excellent things from the people that have owned them.... the people that haven't owned an SW99 are quick to talk bad about it (whether they base their criticism on what they have heard or out of self-justification for buying the more expensive P99 subconsciously knowing that it isn't any better) who knows. All that I know is that those who told me to get a P99 instead, haven't shown any good enough reasons to convince me not to get the SW99. In addition, I have heard stories about S&W's excellent customer service and repair, so if anything goes wrong with it, I will just send it in for repairs.... which from what I hear will be highly unlikely.

WaltherP99 · February 7, 2005, 11:25 PM

I have actually been looking at the SW99 myself! I like the look and feel of my Walther but the SW99 is a bit different. They are really the only handguns where I really like the look. I also would prefer something a little smaller for CCW. Outside of these 2 guns, the Taurus PT111 Mil. Pro would be the only other purchase I would make. I contemplated Glocks but they don't look as comfortable!!!!

CHARLIEWALLERFAN · February 8, 2005, 12:47 AM

Your instincts about SW99 bashing are entirely correct, no one who actually owns one thinks it's inferior. My SW99 is an outstanding firearm, with better ergonomics than the Walther and to me the stainless construction is a plus. It has been exceptionally accurate and is dead reliable.

I actually damaged mine and had to send it back to Smith. I had it back in about a week. You can't ask for much better than that.

johndavid400 · February 8, 2005, 01:55 AM

That is what I suspected Charlie... I am pretty confident that it will be a good purchase and that I will have no regrets. I will probably pick it up by the end of the week.

What do you guys think about the price? Is $375 good for an unfired compact 9mm? The gun store owner said that it was traded in by his friend who bought it new, carried it, and traded it in but never fired it. Like I said, it looks perfect, and there is no wear marks on it anywear. I don't really know how much these go for used because I have never seen one for sale used. But I do know that the cheapest price that I can find one in town brand new is $489 for the compact model and $479 for the SW99 or the P99 full size.

WaltherP99 · February 8, 2005, 06:35 AM

Not a bad price in my book

TBT · February 8, 2005, 01:11 PM

Quote:

The gun store owner said that it was traded in by his friend who bought it new, carried it, and traded it in but never fired it.

He carried it without ever testing it to see if it even worked?

Myself, I run a minimal 500 rounds through a gun using the ammo I plan to carry with before I will even consider placing my life in it's hands.

CHARLIEWALLERFAN · February 8, 2005, 01:23 PM

John, that price sounds OK to me, esp. for the compact model, which would likely be a little more rare and expensive on the used market. Because of all the bashing that goes on, the SW99 has become a real "sleeper" in the gun world. It probably will not command the same kind of used price that a Walther would though.

If it were me, I'd offer $350, since you'll still have to count the additional $20 or so in tax in valuing the gun.

FYI - the latest CDNN catalog has the .40 SW99 full-size factory demo gun for $369.

johndavid400 · February 8, 2005, 01:44 PM

TBT: He is an older guy... he decided to get the full size no too long after buying the compact and said that he never fired it. Doesn't really matter too much to me, it is in flawless condition, so even if he did fire it a few times I'd still buy it.

johndavid400 · February 8, 2005, 06:34 PM

Hey guys, I picked up the SW99 today. I just finished taking it apart and cleaning it and comparing it side-by-side to my XD. I will have to say, right off I noticed that the recoil spring looked much cheaper than the XD's though they looked to be almost identical in size, shape, and function. Then I inspected the frame and it looks a bit cheaper than the XD's frame. The XD has a metal front slide rail and polymer rear whereas the SW99 has very small metal inserts on to the polymer that act as reinforcement to the polymer slide rails. The SW99 slide does however impress me. It is very very solid and looks to be incredibly sturdy and simple and possibly heavier than the XD slide (which impressed me when I got it). The barrel looks good, the XD appears to have a little more support, but just a hair. Everything looks good though, and I hope this little thing shoots as good as it looks. I'm going to the range tomorrow, so I will post then and let you know!

fastbolt · February 9, 2005, 01:10 AM

Did you buy the 'subcompact' you originally mentioned, or a regular (standard size) SW99?

The reason I ask is that when you described your new SW99, you mentioned the front frame rail inserts ... which is normal on the standard size SW99/P99's (and like the Glock, for that matter) ... while my shorter framed SW99 Compact has the front frame rails incorporated as part of the locking block. The 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP standard size 99's use the same locking block, while the compact 9mm & .40 S&W models use a different locking block (shorter frame & front frame rail configuration).

johndavid400 · February 9, 2005, 02:34 AM

yah, it is the subcompact model and I just checked it again and it appears that the frame rails are as you said, incorporated into the takedown mechanism. If you look at the XD's frame rails, you will see that they are much more sturdy looking.

I have to ask...
I was cycling some hollow point Winchester rounds through my new gun and they kept catching on the bottom of the feedramp when the barrel was tilted down, but cycled fine when the barrel was tilted up (when the slide is back the barrel is free to move a bit... that is what I mean by tilted up or down). When I close the slide, it just stops because it catches the hollow point on the tip (when the barrel is tipped down). Using fmj works perfect though. And this may not even be a problem when shooting it..... the recoil action may make it work just fine.

fastbolt · February 9, 2005, 03:42 AM

The front frame rails on the compact aren't part of the 'takedown mechanism', but part of the locking block. The space for the barrel lock (plunger) is located within the locking block, however, so I can see how you might have that initial impression.

The XD's locking block frame rails are reportedly differently designed because they bear the brunt of the slide's travel, and the rear 'rails' molded into the polymer frame are more 'guides'. I didn't see any noticeable wear in the rear 'rails' while helping with some limited testing of a XD40 recently, and owners/users report good service from them. I was told that only approx 50+ L/E agencies either issue and/or approve the optional carry of the XD pistols at this time, although I'm sure that number will slowly grow now that Springfield is taking an interest in the L/E market.

It'll be interesting to see how the HS/XD design fares with some extended evaluation in the next few years after it's been in the hands of more cops. I found it to be an accurate, well-balanced pistol. The trigger was a bit stiff, but predictable. I sort of expected it to be better than it was, however, considering that it's essentially a SA pistol. I like that you have to lock it open in order to begin disassembly, which provides for an easy way to double check whether a magazine remains in the pistol, and whether the chamber is empty. I found the frame to be a bit less precisely molded and finished, but considering that you had a different impression, that just goes to show you how perceptions are variable, huh?

Hand cycling live ammunition isn't something that's necessarily safe to do (obviously), but it also doesn't really indicate how the pistol will necessarily function when actually being shot, either.

I've fired approx. 650+ rounds of W-W 147gr JHP's through mine, and 100 W-W 127gr +P+ HP's, and the markings left by the bullet noses on the dirty feedramp shows the bullet noses to be hitting against the feedramp plenty high enough during actual shooting.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable range session with your new gun.

johndavid400 · February 9, 2005, 04:56 AM

yah, about the XD, I would agree with you that the frame is more "precise and finished" than the XD frame, I just got the impression that the XD was a more rugged design obviously with less features.

And yes, I figured that it will be different when shooting the gun rather than just hand cycling rounds.... though the only reason that I noticed was b/c when I inserted the mag and pushed the slide release.... it jammed the nose of the HP bullet right into the bottom of the feed ramp. So I pointed in a safe direction and cycled a few more to see if it kept doing it and it did, so long as the barrel was tipped down. If I pointed the gun at the ceiling, the barrel tipped back up and it loaded just fine (don't worry, I live out in the country and I was doing this in a 1 story barn... no risk of an AD shooting anyone). Like I said, the FMJ's cycled fine... but I will see tomorrow when I go to the range.

Assuming that this thing functions 100% and I can get good accuracy out of it, I plan on carrying it from now on. It is a bit smaller to conceal than the XD (longer slide, but shorter grip) and more comfortable to carry. We shall see.

fastbolt · February 9, 2005, 01:39 PM

Make sure you disassemble the mags and remove the thick shipping oil. Extra resistance against the case walls (or pinched lips, in other magazines with plastic bodies and metal liners), can often cause nose-dive's, and a completely dry magazine tube is preferable.

The rounds should obviously feed if you release the slide using the slide stop lever.

Let us know how your shooting session goes (probably better than my dental session later this afternoon

) ...

johndavid400 · February 9, 2005, 07:27 PM

well, just got back from the range...
The sw99 handled nicely. I was able to shoot at least as good if not better than my XD as far as accuracy. There was 2 hiccups, one using the hollowpoints... it failed to load properly due to the lack of a nose on the bullet. The second was a fail to fully eject on the last round of the mag using FMJ's. This was 2 in about 300 rounds or so... so it doesn't bother me. Considering that the XD has had over 3500 through it and Zero hiccups, I'd have to say that at this point, it still holds #1 in my book, but the SW99 is #2, and a very good piece. I really enjoyed shooting it, however I will need to get another grip ext. for the mag because the other mag is too short.

Im heading back to the range with my bro, so I'll post later and let you know.

February 6, 2005, 10:50 PM	#5
InToItTRX Registration in progress Join Date: December 9, 2004 Posts: 304	IMO Smith and Wesson is best at revolvers, I have herd horror stories with their semi autos. __________________ \

February 7, 2005, 09:29 PM	#10
fastbolt Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2002 Location: northern CA for a little while longer Posts: 1,965	I've fired 750+ rounds through my new SW99 Compact 9mm during the last couple of weeks. I've mostly been using 147gr JHP's, although I also included a couple of boxes of the W-W RA9TA 127gr +P+ loads we issue for duty. Boringly reliable so far, but then I didn't expect anything less, since I carry a full size SW99 chambered in .40 S&W. A friend of mine bought the SW99 Compact chambered in .40 S&W (at the same time), and while he hasn't fired quite as many rounds through it as I have in the last week, his has also been reliable and accurate during his 'break in' range practice (just another excuse for trigger time ). Of course, I'm sure he'll catch up and exceed me rather quickly, as he normally tends to shoot more often ... and more rounds ... than I do. He's been trying his best to wear out his full size SW99 .40 for the last couple of years, and last I heard, he estimated he's exceeded 40,000 rounds fired through his full size model. Personally, I feel they're a decent gun for the money. My G26 & G27 will be spending more time in the safe, since I'll be carrying the SW99 Compact more often. I happen to prefer the 9mm models, myself, for the slight advantage I feel I gain when it comes to recoil management and overall controllability, although I've fired several thousands of rounds through both my issued SW99 full size .40, and my personally owned SW99 full size .40 ... and spend a reasonable amount of practice time on the range with my issued .40 model. I just happen to really enjoy the 9mm in the 99 design. I don't think anyone could go wrong with either the Walther or the S&W versions, although I realize a lot of folks have a 'brand loyalty' perspective ... and that's fine ... since it's not like you can make a 'bad' choice when choosing between them. Pick whichever you happen to prefer, and for whatever reason is important to you. I'd recommend using high quality factory ammunition, though, and following the lubrication instructions in the manual. I may even 'retire' my 3913 & CS9 to the safe, as off duty weapons, in favor of the SW99 Compact. Check out the Smith & Wesson Forum is you want to talk to even more SW99 owners ... http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/cgi...r=12&SUBMIT=Go __________________ Retired LE - firearms instructor & armorer

February 9, 2005, 01:10 AM	#20
fastbolt Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2002 Location: northern CA for a little while longer Posts: 1,965	Did you buy the 'subcompact' you originally mentioned, or a regular (standard size) SW99? The reason I ask is that when you described your new SW99, you mentioned the front frame rail inserts ... which is normal on the standard size SW99/P99's (and like the Glock, for that matter) ... while my shorter framed SW99 Compact has the front frame rails incorporated as part of the locking block. The 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP standard size 99's use the same locking block, while the compact 9mm & .40 S&W models use a different locking block (shorter frame & front frame rail configuration). __________________ Retired LE - firearms instructor & armorer

February 9, 2005, 03:42 AM	#22
fastbolt Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2002 Location: northern CA for a little while longer Posts: 1,965	The front frame rails on the compact aren't part of the 'takedown mechanism', but part of the locking block. The space for the barrel lock (plunger) is located within the locking block, however, so I can see how you might have that initial impression. The XD's locking block frame rails are reportedly differently designed because they bear the brunt of the slide's travel, and the rear 'rails' molded into the polymer frame are more 'guides'. I didn't see any noticeable wear in the rear 'rails' while helping with some limited testing of a XD40 recently, and owners/users report good service from them. I was told that only approx 50+ L/E agencies either issue and/or approve the optional carry of the XD pistols at this time, although I'm sure that number will slowly grow now that Springfield is taking an interest in the L/E market. It'll be interesting to see how the HS/XD design fares with some extended evaluation in the next few years after it's been in the hands of more cops. I found it to be an accurate, well-balanced pistol. The trigger was a bit stiff, but predictable. I sort of expected it to be better than it was, however, considering that it's essentially a SA pistol. I like that you have to lock it open in order to begin disassembly, which provides for an easy way to double check whether a magazine remains in the pistol, and whether the chamber is empty. I found the frame to be a bit less precisely molded and finished, but considering that you had a different impression, that just goes to show you how perceptions are variable, huh? Hand cycling live ammunition isn't something that's necessarily safe to do (obviously), but it also doesn't really indicate how the pistol will necessarily function when actually being shot, either. I've fired approx. 650+ rounds of W-W 147gr JHP's through mine, and 100 W-W 127gr +P+ HP's, and the markings left by the bullet noses on the dirty feedramp shows the bullet noses to be hitting against the feedramp plenty high enough during actual shooting. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable range session with your new gun. __________________ Retired LE - firearms instructor & armorer

February 9, 2005, 01:39 PM	#24
fastbolt Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2002 Location: northern CA for a little while longer Posts: 1,965	Make sure you disassemble the mags and remove the thick shipping oil. Extra resistance against the case walls (or pinched lips, in other magazines with plastic bodies and metal liners), can often cause nose-dive's, and a completely dry magazine tube is preferable. The rounds should obviously feed if you release the slide using the slide stop lever. Let us know how your shooting session goes (probably better than my dental session later this afternoon ) ... __________________ Retired LE - firearms instructor & armorer

February 6, 2005, 02:40 AM	#1
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	SW99.... should I get it? hello guys... it has been a while since I bought my last gun, but now it is that time again. I have had my eye out for the Walther P99 or SW99 ever since I bought my first gun over a year ago, but have not found one at a reasonable price since then. I currently have a full size Baby Eagle 9mm, XD-9 subcompact, Bersa .380, and Walther P22. The only two left on my near future list are the P99/SW99 and the Springfield ultra compact 1911. I found a quick action SW99 sub compact in 9mm at my gun store today for $379 used, but in excellent shape. Is that a good price for this gun used? I am planning on buying it Monday if it is still there (it was there when I left today, an hour before they closed and they arent open on Sunday).... I just thought I would ask for your input. Thanks ~ JD Note: I am partial to 9mm and I love sub-compacts.... so those elements are perfect, I'm just asking about price and general thoughts about the gun.

February 6, 2005, 02:51 AM	#2
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,564	If you get it, let us know how it stacks up against the XD you have.

February 6, 2005, 02:29 PM	#3
WaltherP99 Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2005 Location: Berks County, Pennsylvani Posts: 134	I have a P99 QA and it is excellent. I paid 560.00 NIB for mine (after all the paperwork and 4% for using a credit card. That price doesn't seem that bad if the gun is in good shape!

February 6, 2005, 10:28 PM	#4
Dpswan Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 62	Not bad, but the SW99 is not as good quality as the Walther P99 version. This is not my opinion but facts I received from various sources. The SW99 is not a bad gun, just not as good as Walther. The SW99 can't handle the "hotter" loads very well such as +P or +P+. Plus they're were some problems with the SW99 slides.

February 7, 2005, 01:44 AM	#6
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	well if the Walther is better quality, then they must have used equivalently priced parts, because the import tax to get the Walther into the US would make up for the $40 price difference. I have heard nothing but good stuff about the SW99 from people that I know who own them, but I haven't ever read anything about them on the internet. I may just wait a little while.... I am afraid that it won't measure up to my XD and I will regret buying it since I don't really need another compact 9mm. It is still on my wish list... I guess I would mainly want to do it if it were a really good deal, but if not, I can just wait a few months. Any thoughts?

February 7, 2005, 11:15 AM	#7
Any .45 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2004 Location: SW FLORIDA, USA Posts: 604	I had a SW99 in .45 this was my first Polymer gun I loved the gun for as long as I owned and still consider them to be a good piece, I paid $450 with taxes and background check dealer price on a new one is $389.00. So 379.00 used in good condition isn't bad. I put around 3000 rounds and never had a FTE, or FTF or any other hickups. if you want it get it.

February 7, 2005, 05:58 PM	#8
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	well, I went to the gun store today and put the SW99 on layaway. I also found out that it has never been fired..... I failed to see that on the label the first time I looked at it. Also, I talked the store owner down $15 and it comes with everything. I looked it over and it looks perfect, no wear on the inside or outside... it looks brand new. Sooo, I have 60 days to pay the remaining $270 or to change my mind and get my money back. I am debating whether or not to sell my XD to pay for the SW99.... I am so happy with the XD that I fear that I will kick myself if I get rid of it. So I will probably just suck it up and scrap some money together. Anyways, as soon as I pick it up, I will let you guys know how it shoots. Thanks for your input

February 7, 2005, 08:58 PM	#9
zappadragon Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2005 Location: Virginia Beach , Va. Posts: 248	Good luck with it. I would have gone with the walther but we all have our own opinions. Let us know how it works out when you get it.

February 7, 2005, 10:27 PM	#11
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	well, I would have gone with the Walther, but first off I can't find a Walther compact model.... secondly, I didn't really get to choose it at the price I'm going to pay. At $375 for an unfired SW99, and it being a compact model... it was really appealing (honestly I would have taken it in any caliber). But the fact that it is a SW99 and not a P99 doesn't bother me at all. I have heard nothing but excellent things from the people that have owned them.... the people that haven't owned an SW99 are quick to talk bad about it (whether they base their criticism on what they have heard or out of self-justification for buying the more expensive P99 subconsciously knowing that it isn't any better) who knows. All that I know is that those who told me to get a P99 instead, haven't shown any good enough reasons to convince me not to get the SW99. In addition, I have heard stories about S&W's excellent customer service and repair, so if anything goes wrong with it, I will just send it in for repairs.... which from what I hear will be highly unlikely.

February 7, 2005, 11:25 PM	#12
WaltherP99 Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2005 Location: Berks County, Pennsylvani Posts: 134	I have actually been looking at the SW99 myself! I like the look and feel of my Walther but the SW99 is a bit different. They are really the only handguns where I really like the look. I also would prefer something a little smaller for CCW. Outside of these 2 guns, the Taurus PT111 Mil. Pro would be the only other purchase I would make. I contemplated Glocks but they don't look as comfortable!!!!

February 8, 2005, 12:47 AM	#13
CHARLIEWALLERFAN Member Join Date: January 17, 2005 Posts: 45	Your instincts about SW99 bashing are entirely correct, no one who actually owns one thinks it's inferior. My SW99 is an outstanding firearm, with better ergonomics than the Walther and to me the stainless construction is a plus. It has been exceptionally accurate and is dead reliable. I actually damaged mine and had to send it back to Smith. I had it back in about a week. You can't ask for much better than that.

February 8, 2005, 01:55 AM	#14
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	That is what I suspected Charlie... I am pretty confident that it will be a good purchase and that I will have no regrets. I will probably pick it up by the end of the week. What do you guys think about the price? Is $375 good for an unfired compact 9mm? The gun store owner said that it was traded in by his friend who bought it new, carried it, and traded it in but never fired it. Like I said, it looks perfect, and there is no wear marks on it anywear. I don't really know how much these go for used because I have never seen one for sale used. But I do know that the cheapest price that I can find one in town brand new is $489 for the compact model and $479 for the SW99 or the P99 full size.

February 8, 2005, 06:35 AM	#15
WaltherP99 Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2005 Location: Berks County, Pennsylvani Posts: 134	Not a bad price in my book

February 8, 2005, 01:23 PM	#17
CHARLIEWALLERFAN Member Join Date: January 17, 2005 Posts: 45	John, that price sounds OK to me, esp. for the compact model, which would likely be a little more rare and expensive on the used market. Because of all the bashing that goes on, the SW99 has become a real "sleeper" in the gun world. It probably will not command the same kind of used price that a Walther would though. If it were me, I'd offer $350, since you'll still have to count the additional $20 or so in tax in valuing the gun. FYI - the latest CDNN catalog has the .40 SW99 full-size factory demo gun for $369.

February 8, 2005, 01:44 PM	#18
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	TBT: He is an older guy... he decided to get the full size no too long after buying the compact and said that he never fired it. Doesn't really matter too much to me, it is in flawless condition, so even if he did fire it a few times I'd still buy it.

February 8, 2005, 06:34 PM	#19
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	Hey guys, I picked up the SW99 today. I just finished taking it apart and cleaning it and comparing it side-by-side to my XD. I will have to say, right off I noticed that the recoil spring looked much cheaper than the XD's though they looked to be almost identical in size, shape, and function. Then I inspected the frame and it looks a bit cheaper than the XD's frame. The XD has a metal front slide rail and polymer rear whereas the SW99 has very small metal inserts on to the polymer that act as reinforcement to the polymer slide rails. The SW99 slide does however impress me. It is very very solid and looks to be incredibly sturdy and simple and possibly heavier than the XD slide (which impressed me when I got it). The barrel looks good, the XD appears to have a little more support, but just a hair. Everything looks good though, and I hope this little thing shoots as good as it looks. I'm going to the range tomorrow, so I will post then and let you know!

February 9, 2005, 02:34 AM	#21
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	yah, it is the subcompact model and I just checked it again and it appears that the frame rails are as you said, incorporated into the takedown mechanism. If you look at the XD's frame rails, you will see that they are much more sturdy looking. I have to ask... I was cycling some hollow point Winchester rounds through my new gun and they kept catching on the bottom of the feedramp when the barrel was tilted down, but cycled fine when the barrel was tilted up (when the slide is back the barrel is free to move a bit... that is what I mean by tilted up or down). When I close the slide, it just stops because it catches the hollow point on the tip (when the barrel is tipped down). Using fmj works perfect though. And this may not even be a problem when shooting it..... the recoil action may make it work just fine.

February 9, 2005, 04:56 AM	#23
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	yah, about the XD, I would agree with you that the frame is more "precise and finished" than the XD frame, I just got the impression that the XD was a more rugged design obviously with less features. And yes, I figured that it will be different when shooting the gun rather than just hand cycling rounds.... though the only reason that I noticed was b/c when I inserted the mag and pushed the slide release.... it jammed the nose of the HP bullet right into the bottom of the feed ramp. So I pointed in a safe direction and cycled a few more to see if it kept doing it and it did, so long as the barrel was tipped down. If I pointed the gun at the ceiling, the barrel tipped back up and it loaded just fine (don't worry, I live out in the country and I was doing this in a 1 story barn... no risk of an AD shooting anyone). Like I said, the FMJ's cycled fine... but I will see tomorrow when I go to the range. Assuming that this thing functions 100% and I can get good accuracy out of it, I plan on carrying it from now on. It is a bit smaller to conceal than the XD (longer slide, but shorter grip) and more comfortable to carry. We shall see.

February 9, 2005, 07:27 PM	#25
johndavid400 Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 495	well, just got back from the range... The sw99 handled nicely. I was able to shoot at least as good if not better than my XD as far as accuracy. There was 2 hiccups, one using the hollowpoints... it failed to load properly due to the lack of a nose on the bullet. The second was a fail to fully eject on the last round of the mag using FMJ's. This was 2 in about 300 rounds or so... so it doesn't bother me. Considering that the XD has had over 3500 through it and Zero hiccups, I'd have to say that at this point, it still holds #1 in my book, but the SW99 is #2, and a very good piece. I really enjoyed shooting it, however I will need to get another grip ext. for the mag because the other mag is too short. Im heading back to the range with my bro, so I'll post later and let you know.