If 007 is using the P99, then it must be cool, right? Is it? The answer is yes. The P99 .40 used for this review is compact, but feels more like a mid-size gun and exudes self-assurance.
The molded finger grooves on the grip frame are actually designed for human hands, unlike other guns’ grip grooves that seemed to have been designed by alien gunsmiths.
The Walther P99 .40 is also an excellent concealed carry weapon, combining two of the most desirable qualities of a carry piece; small and powerful. In addition to that, it is a well-balanced, easy to handle firearm.
Its design is weighted to give the shooter every advantage toward accuracy. Interchangeable backstraps also create another degree of customization comfort.
During range testing, the Walther P99 .40 was unsurpassed. This gun can handle any ammo you can put through it and come back for more without giving up its accuracy. The P99 .40 punched out tight groupings from just about every close-range self-defense position. Author George Hill describes the P99 accuracy in his article “Walther P99 .40” at USConcealedCarry.com:
“One of the factors contributing to the accuracy has to be the Walther quick-action trigger system. The pull is a little heavy at a solid 8 pounds, but it is reasonably smooth with a travel distance of only .31 inches. This is a good trigger by any measure.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)
The .40 caliber round seems to work well for the P99. Although the weapon is available in 9mm and .45, the .40 is a good middleweight between the quick bantamweight 9mm and the sluggish heavyweight .45. It still provides more than enough stopping power for self-defense.
If there is a negative aspect to the Walther P99, it’s the position of the decocker. It’s placed in an obscure area on the top of the slide, in front of the rear sight. The decocker is more annoying than problematic because the way the double-action only system operates on the P99, a decocker is basically superfluous. Yet once you start shooting it, the decocking contraption is soon forgotten.
If you're looking for the perfect combination of size, power, and secret agent flair for your next concealed carry weapon, then look no further than the Walther P99 .40.