A heads-up on the 2003 P99s imported by S&W..

[SamColtFan]

If you are considering purchasing one of the 2003 German made P99s with the double/single action triggers you may want to know that if you experience any trigger bite issues when firing the pistol it is most likely due to the sharp serrations on the mag release lever.



Regards,
Sam

[Navy87Guy]

I guess I have to ask: If this problem is so severe, why didn't your son notice it before he bought the gun? Or did he buy it without having handled a Walther before?

I have to say that you're the first person I've ever heard with this kind of problem...I've never seen any mention of it as an "epidemic" on the Walther Forum. Maybe that's why Walther America doesn't think there's a problem. As a matter of fact, there's a rather large portion of the Walther community that prefers the 2003 version over the redesigned 2004. It leads me to think that there's something unusual about your particular gun. Have you compared it to any other 2003 models to see if you experience the same problem?

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad experience...for me, my Walther is the smoothest, most accurate and most comfortable gun I own.

[DTQ]

It's your finger position, not the design.
That’s like saying “guns kill people” or “the gun just went off”, just reposition your finger, don’t let it hang over the trigger so much.
Or better yet, let it be my problem. I'll give ya $50 for it and i might even throw in some beachfront property in Arizona.;a

[SamColtFan]

Originally posted by Navy87Guy
I guess I have to ask: If this problem is so severe, why didn't your son notice it before he bought the gun? Or did he buy it without having handled a Walther before?

The pistol was a gift. Kind of tough to dry fire a gift, even if the shop will let you do it.

I have to say that you're the first person I've ever heard with this kind of problem...I've never seen any mention of it as an "epidemic" on the Walther Forum. Maybe that's why Walther America doesn't think there's a problem.

As I understand, this trigger configuration is not being imported any longer. Could this be the reason? All three of us had the same biting experience with this particular pistol. That's three for three.

As a matter of fact, there's a rather large portion of the Walther community that prefers the 2003 version over the redesigned 2004. It leads me to think that there's something unusual about your particular gun. Have you compared it to any other 2003 models to see if you experience the same problem?

It looks like all the other military P99s that I've seen with the double/single action trigger.

I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad experience...for me, my Walther is the smoothest, most accurate and most comfortable gun I own.

I'm sorry too. For me, my Walther P5 was one of my favorites.


Regards,
Sam

[SamColtFan]

Originally posted by DTQ
It's your finger position, not the design.
That’s like saying “guns kill people” or “the gun just went off”, just reposition your finger, don’t let it hang over the trigger so much.
Or better yet, let it be my problem. I'll give ya $50 for it and i might even throw in some beachfront property in Arizona.;a

I've been shooting handguns for over 40 years. I know how to position my index finger and pull the trigger. ;Q

Regards,
Sam

[SamColtFan]

Looks like I found the culprit. The left magazine release lever is mounted a little higher than the triggerguard. The sharp edges on the magazine release lever were making contact with my trigger finger when normally held with only the pad of my finger making contact with the trigger. If I place the first joint of my finger on the trigger and squeeze the trigger, no contact is made with the magazine release lever. Smoothed out the sharp edges of the release lever with some 400 grit sandpaper and it appears the bite is much less.

We shall see what it feels like at the range.

Now, one other question....has anyone experienced any downward movement with the takedown latch during recoil?

Regards,
Sam

[BGraham]

SamColtFan, you are correct! I just posted on your other thread before I read this one. To answer your other question, I haven't had any problems with the takedown latch. I have three P99's with a couple of thousand rounds between them.

[Navy87Guy]

Sam -

Glad to see you found the culprit. My inquiries had led back to the same problem -- the mag releases. By all reports, filing it down will eliminate the problem.

I have never had a problem with the take down lever moving in recoil...but my P99 is a 9mm, not the heavier .40 S&W. How much movement are you talking about? Does it stay down after the shot? Thate definitely sounds like a problem...my takedown mechanism takes firm pressure on both sides to slide down to disassemble...if it were moving on its own, I'd be worried!

[SamColtFan]

BGraham.....
Thanks much for the input. Yes indeed both magazine release levers stick up above the triggerguard and they are sharp!

Navy87Guy.....
The trigger bite issue I believe is only partly solved. I noticed the last time I was shooting at the range that I was getting trigger bite on the bottom side of my finger-tip when the trigger was squeezed and on the top side of my finger-tip upon recoil. The only thing that was above my finger was the take down latch. I am assuming that there must be downward movement of the latch during recoil and the latch is contacting my finger. The pistol has held together but I do find this somewhat of a concern. Using standard .40 S&W factory rounds. What are your thoughts?

Regards,
Sam