P99 Features

One of the other interesting features of the P99 is that the barrel system has been changed to resemble the Browning tilting-barrel system, something Walther used on the P88. It actually has some similarities to the Smith and Wesson Sigma autos and the Glock. These shared components include steel inserts that reinforce the rails on the polymer frame, a frame-mounted barrel catch for simplified field disassembly and a hinged trigger safety. There is also an internal striker lock that is disengaged only when the trigger is fully cycled.

The firing system is made up three separate modes and the double-action conversion mode. The first firing system which is "single-action mode (trigger forward)" occurs when the P99's slide is cycled to chamber a round. The hinged trigger must be engaged to unlock it. By applying about one pound of pressure, the trigger will move back about 3/8 inch to the next stage, which requires about 5 1/2 pounds to release the striker and fire the pistol.

The second mode occurs after the first shot has been fired. The trigger remains locked back in what Walther terms the "single-action mode (trigger rearward)."

The third method of firing the pistol is to depress the decocking button after cycling the slide or whenever it is in the single-action/trigger-rearward mode. This puts the piston in a conventional double-action mode with a long heavy trigger pull for the first shot. Thereafter all subsequent shots are fired in the single-action mode (trigger rearward).

The magazine catch can be operated on both side of the rear of the trigger guard. By depressing either lever the magazine will be released.

Because the P99 is made of polymer, the pistol is very light and compact. Unloaded, it weighs approximately 24.5 ounces and has a four-inch barrel which makes the overall length of 71/16 inches. The P99's height is 51/2 inches and is just 11/4 inches wide.

The finish is matte black, and all metal surfaces have a hard wear and corrosion-resistant Tenifer surface.