The Walther P99 .40 vs. The S&W M&P .40

Troy26 · October 20, 2006, 03:15 AM

Is there actually any real difference?

ITEOTWAWKI · October 20, 2006, 03:56 AM

Not when you take into consideration how much you shouldn't get either in favor of a springfield xd.

Sorry, I'm just biased against S&W polymer pistols...I haven't had the best of luck with them.

shield20 · October 20, 2006, 07:25 AM

From reading the specs, sounds fairly comparable, but they are not the same gun. Off the bat, no internal safety lock on the P99, and no imbedded trigger safety. S&W has novak sights which are nice. MP has ambi slide release, P99 has ambi and different style mag release. P99 has external decocker, and is available in a few trigger options. M&P has steel re-inforced frame.

Big one would be the mag safety on the M&P - is it optional or not? Not sure.

tydephan · October 20, 2006, 08:17 AM

The Mag safety is an option on the M&P, as is the Internal Locking System. It's a nice pistol.

KRoyal · October 20, 2006, 08:51 AM

XD-40

shield20 · October 20, 2006, 09:44 AM

Why the XD?

KRoyal · October 20, 2006, 10:15 AM

Simply Awsome Gun.

Recon7 · October 20, 2006, 11:11 AM

I must need glasses or something I thought the title said "the walther p99 .40 vs. the S&W M&P .40" I diddn't even notice the fine print where it says "vs the XD .40"

mbf5482 · October 20, 2006, 11:28 AM

go with the with the walther p99. I have one and cary it every day.

shield20 · October 20, 2006, 11:38 AM

KR,

Why is the XD awesome? What features do you like better then other models?

HorseSoldier · October 20, 2006, 11:46 AM

P-99 is solid and a great shooter. Seems like I've read some mediocre reviews of the M&P (haven't fired one) questioning durability and such. That may only apply to early production, however.

KRoyal · October 20, 2006, 11:51 AM

1.shot about 400 rounds through it had a ejection problem maybe once or twice.
2.the ergonomics are great i shoot the full size service model and i have small hands and it feels really good in the hand.
3.very easy to field strip.
4.comes with some cool accessory's for a new buyer.
5.very customizable and more accessory's being added all the time.
6.last but not least its backed up by the Springfield Armory name.

Flaws
1.have to dry fire to field strip. (not that big of deal)

shield20 · October 20, 2006, 12:02 PM

That's great - that it fits you well and you shoot it well, AND more important that you are happy with it! I would be a bit weary of a 'couple ejection problems' in 400rnds (would not meet my definition of "awesome"), but hopefully that will work out as it gets broken in more.

I checked them out (the XD subcompact), but ended up with the P99c - that is why I was curious to someone else's opinion. The Walther had about every feature I wanted, esp. a great trigger, a decocker, nice & adj. fit, light weight, great capacity, good sights, and from experience would be 100% reliable. (& not for nothing - is a good looking gun!

)

LH2 · October 20, 2006, 12:22 PM

I don't have any experience with the M&P other than holding one in the gun shop. I think S&W really did their homework on it and it seems like a well designed and ergonomically-friendly pistol.

I have a P99c in 9mm and love it. Not sure which trigger variant you prefer but I have the AS trigger and am very pleased. Durable tennifer finish, reliable, accurate...

I'm thinking if you shop hard you may be able to find the S&W for nearly $100 less than the Walther. Not sure how important that savings is to you.

Either way you get S&W customer service with free 2-way shipping if needed.

Good luck!

KRoyal · October 20, 2006, 12:55 PM

Well i really don't think it was the guns fault for the two spent casings to not eject i think it was the cheap wolf ammo. All this talk made me want to go shoot so over lunch i went to the gun club and burned 50 rounds and not even a hick up.

ITEOTWAWKI · October 20, 2006, 02:17 PM

Shield, in answer to your question, not that guns were designed to withstand being thrown at you by your spouse, I just kinda feel that if they were, an xd would withstand the punishment. A p99 will not. I will say no more. (But I love the walther design, very asthetic and ergonomic)

Gotta love the crazy ones...

Desert Heat · October 20, 2006, 02:21 PM

I have had a lot of polymer pistols, and I have to agree with a lot of you that the XD is the best thing to ever happen to polymer.

I had a S&W polymer and it was the worst pistol I ever owned. It may be because it had a 15lb trigger or becuase it was .40 cal, but either way, don't get the Sigma.

shield20 · October 20, 2006, 03:09 PM

ITEO,

Ha - sucks that I could picture that too! (the "wife throwing the pistol" part, NOT the P99 breaking part!). The main reason I keep my current gun purchases a secret!

Understood if you aren't happy with the results.

KR, Good to hear re:the ammo, and the XD functioning well. Planning on taking the 99c out after work (damn rain ruined lunchtime for me).

teejhot.40cal · October 20, 2006, 03:11 PM

I like the p99 because it has a lower bore axis and I can actually grip the gun so it doesn't feel like it is going to fly out of my hand on the first shot.

Rail · October 20, 2006, 03:51 PM

Hey DH - did you have one of the 1st gen Sigmas? I have a LE version of the 2nd gen and a consumer version SW40VE and they have both been great to me, clean or dirty. I have read a lot of the same sentiment that you stated and am just wondering what I may have to look for?

Many thanks in advance for your opinion.

As for the P99 I have it but no experience with the M&P, so while I love the P99 I can't comment.

Troy26 · October 20, 2006, 05:07 PM

KROYAL,
I don't mean to be an a^$, but the title of this thread was very specific. I agree the XD 40 probably is a great gun, but I didn't ask about the Walther and the m&p to get info. on eth xd...I've just had to wade through several posts that have absolutely NOTHING to do with why I started the thread in the first place.

Niantician · October 20, 2006, 08:37 PM

There are entire forums for xd's and glock. This guy asks a simple question and the thread gets jacked. But anyway get the S&W, if the Walther was a better gun, than S&W would have stuck with their version (SW99). Which by the way is a fine gun, at least in 45acp.

ITEOTWAWKI · October 20, 2006, 10:19 PM

I'm sorry for diverting your thread, it's only that I wouldn't trust an S&W polymer pistol. If the origional question was intended as a "I'm thinking of going this route, which of these two are worth a damn?" line of questioning, I simply wished to express a widely held opinion of "neither".

That being said, Yes, they are different, but No, I don't know how. When broken down they seem like totally different animals.

KRoyal · October 20, 2006, 10:43 PM

I'm very sorry about messing up your thread. Please accept my appoligy i was just trying to steer you in the direction of a great weapon.

I'm sorry again.

akr · October 20, 2006, 10:49 PM

The NEW S&W M&P .40 is the best pistol of the 3 guns mentioned, in my opinion.

October 20, 2006, 03:15 AM	#1
Troy26 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2006 Posts: 314	The Walther P99 .40 vs. The S&W M&P .40 Is there actually any real difference?

October 20, 2006, 03:11 PM	#19
teejhot.40cal Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Posts: 394	I like the p99 because it has a lower bore axis and I can actually grip the gun so it doesn't feel like it is going to fly out of my hand on the first shot. __________________ Stay safe!!

October 20, 2006, 08:37 PM	#22
Niantician Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2005 Location: Ct. Posts: 546	There are entire forums for xd's and glock. This guy asks a simple question and the thread gets jacked. But anyway get the S&W, if the Walther was a better gun, than S&W would have stuck with their version (SW99). Which by the way is a fine gun, at least in 45acp. __________________ There are many things in life that are out of my control. Recoil isn't one of them.

October 20, 2006, 03:56 AM	#2
ITEOTWAWKI Junior member Join Date: September 22, 2006 Posts: 454	Not when you take into consideration how much you shouldn't get either in favor of a springfield xd. Sorry, I'm just biased against S&W polymer pistols...I haven't had the best of luck with them.

October 20, 2006, 07:25 AM	#3
shield20 Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2005 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 1,371	From reading the specs, sounds fairly comparable, but they are not the same gun. Off the bat, no internal safety lock on the P99, and no imbedded trigger safety. S&W has novak sights which are nice. MP has ambi slide release, P99 has ambi and different style mag release. P99 has external decocker, and is available in a few trigger options. M&P has steel re-inforced frame. Big one would be the mag safety on the M&P - is it optional or not? Not sure.

October 20, 2006, 08:17 AM	#4
tydephan Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 437	The Mag safety is an option on the M&P, as is the Internal Locking System. It's a nice pistol.

October 20, 2006, 08:51 AM	#5
KRoyal Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2006 Posts: 159	XD-40

October 20, 2006, 09:44 AM	#6
shield20 Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2005 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 1,371	Why the XD?

October 20, 2006, 10:15 AM	#7
KRoyal Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2006 Posts: 159	Simply Awsome Gun.

October 20, 2006, 11:11 AM	#8
Recon7 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Posts: 707	I must need glasses or something I thought the title said "the walther p99 .40 vs. the S&W M&P .40" I diddn't even notice the fine print where it says "vs the XD .40"

October 20, 2006, 11:28 AM	#9
mbf5482 Member Join Date: April 28, 2006 Posts: 54	go with the with the walther p99. I have one and cary it every day.

October 20, 2006, 11:38 AM	#10
shield20 Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2005 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 1,371	KR, Why is the XD awesome? What features do you like better then other models?

October 20, 2006, 11:46 AM	#11
HorseSoldier Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: OCONUS 61°13′06″N 149°53′57″W Posts: 2,282	P-99 is solid and a great shooter. Seems like I've read some mediocre reviews of the M&P (haven't fired one) questioning durability and such. That may only apply to early production, however.

October 20, 2006, 11:51 AM	#12
KRoyal Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2006 Posts: 159	1.shot about 400 rounds through it had a ejection problem maybe once or twice. 2.the ergonomics are great i shoot the full size service model and i have small hands and it feels really good in the hand. 3.very easy to field strip. 4.comes with some cool accessory's for a new buyer. 5.very customizable and more accessory's being added all the time. 6.last but not least its backed up by the Springfield Armory name. Flaws 1.have to dry fire to field strip. (not that big of deal)

October 20, 2006, 12:02 PM	#13
shield20 Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2005 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 1,371	That's great - that it fits you well and you shoot it well, AND more important that you are happy with it! I would be a bit weary of a 'couple ejection problems' in 400rnds (would not meet my definition of "awesome"), but hopefully that will work out as it gets broken in more. I checked them out (the XD subcompact), but ended up with the P99c - that is why I was curious to someone else's opinion. The Walther had about every feature I wanted, esp. a great trigger, a decocker, nice & adj. fit, light weight, great capacity, good sights, and from experience would be 100% reliable. (& not for nothing - is a good looking gun! )

October 20, 2006, 12:22 PM	#14
LH2 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 635	I don't have any experience with the M&P other than holding one in the gun shop. I think S&W really did their homework on it and it seems like a well designed and ergonomically-friendly pistol. I have a P99c in 9mm and love it. Not sure which trigger variant you prefer but I have the AS trigger and am very pleased. Durable tennifer finish, reliable, accurate... I'm thinking if you shop hard you may be able to find the S&W for nearly $100 less than the Walther. Not sure how important that savings is to you. Either way you get S&W customer service with free 2-way shipping if needed. Good luck!

October 20, 2006, 12:55 PM	#15
KRoyal Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2006 Posts: 159	Well i really don't think it was the guns fault for the two spent casings to not eject i think it was the cheap wolf ammo. All this talk made me want to go shoot so over lunch i went to the gun club and burned 50 rounds and not even a hick up.

October 20, 2006, 02:17 PM	#16
ITEOTWAWKI Junior member Join Date: September 22, 2006 Posts: 454	Shield, in answer to your question, not that guns were designed to withstand being thrown at you by your spouse, I just kinda feel that if they were, an xd would withstand the punishment. A p99 will not. I will say no more. (But I love the walther design, very asthetic and ergonomic) Gotta love the crazy ones...

October 20, 2006, 02:21 PM	#17
Desert Heat Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 341	I have had a lot of polymer pistols, and I have to agree with a lot of you that the XD is the best thing to ever happen to polymer. I had a S&W polymer and it was the worst pistol I ever owned. It may be because it had a 15lb trigger or becuase it was .40 cal, but either way, don't get the Sigma.

October 20, 2006, 03:09 PM	#18
shield20 Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2005 Location: Hudson Valley, New York Posts: 1,371	ITEO, Ha - sucks that I could picture that too! (the "wife throwing the pistol" part, NOT the P99 breaking part!). The main reason I keep my current gun purchases a secret! Understood if you aren't happy with the results. KR, Good to hear re:the ammo, and the XD functioning well. Planning on taking the 99c out after work (damn rain ruined lunchtime for me).

October 20, 2006, 03:51 PM	#20
Rail Member Join Date: June 23, 2005 Posts: 36	Hey DH - did you have one of the 1st gen Sigmas? I have a LE version of the 2nd gen and a consumer version SW40VE and they have both been great to me, clean or dirty. I have read a lot of the same sentiment that you stated and am just wondering what I may have to look for? Many thanks in advance for your opinion. As for the P99 I have it but no experience with the M&P, so while I love the P99 I can't comment.

October 20, 2006, 05:07 PM	#21
Troy26 Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2006 Posts: 314	KROYAL, I don't mean to be an a^$, but the title of this thread was very specific. I agree the XD 40 probably is a great gun, but I didn't ask about the Walther and the m&p to get info. on eth xd...I've just had to wade through several posts that have absolutely NOTHING to do with why I started the thread in the first place.

October 20, 2006, 10:19 PM	#23
ITEOTWAWKI Junior member Join Date: September 22, 2006 Posts: 454	I'm sorry for diverting your thread, it's only that I wouldn't trust an S&W polymer pistol. If the origional question was intended as a "I'm thinking of going this route, which of these two are worth a damn?" line of questioning, I simply wished to express a widely held opinion of "neither". That being said, Yes, they are different, but No, I don't know how. When broken down they seem like totally different animals.

October 20, 2006, 10:43 PM	#24
KRoyal Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2006 Posts: 159	I'm very sorry about messing up your thread. Please accept my appoligy i was just trying to steer you in the direction of a great weapon. I'm sorry again.

October 20, 2006, 10:49 PM	#25
akr Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,379	The NEW S&W M&P .40 is the best pistol of the 3 guns mentioned, in my opinion.