Walther P99
Carl Walther GmbH · Pistol · In Production · 1997
Also known as: P99 AS, P99 QA, P99 DAO, P99 RAD, SW99
Overview
The Walther P99 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by Carl Walther GmbH since 1997.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 680 g (24.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 880 g (31.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Sight Radius | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 40 N (9.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 408 m/s (1339 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 519 J (383 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 60 m (66 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Tenifer |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
- .40 S&W — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, 10x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Striker Decocker, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Interchangeable Backstraps, Ambidextrous Mag Release, Accessory Rail, Adjustable Rear Sight, Decocker Button, 3 Dot Sights
Variants
- Walther P99 AS — Anti Stress Trigger
- Walther P99 DAO — Double Action Only
- Walther P99 QA — Quick Action
- Walther P99 Compact — Compact
- Walther P99 RAD — Licensed Production
Service history
Operators
- Finnish Defence Forces
- Polish Armed Forces · as P99 RAD
- German Police · as P99Q
- Finnish Police · adopted 2012 · as P99Q
- Royal Malaysian Police
- Irish Garda ERU
- Iraqi Armed Forces
- Canadian Police Services
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed. Widely adopted by European police and military agencies. Licensed production in Poland (Fabryka Broni Radom) and USA (Smith & Wesson as SW99).
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Horst Wesp
Notes
The P99 was one of the first striker-fired pistols to incorporate a decocker mechanism and DA/SA-like trigger. It was produced under license in Poland by Fabryka Broni Radom as the P99 RAD. Smith & Wesson also produced a licensed variant called the SW99. The P99 AS Final Edition was announced in 2024, marking the eventual end of production as Walther transitions to the PDP platform. Standard magazine capacity is 15 rounds in 9mm and 12 rounds in .40 S&W.
Background
The P99 became the fictional sidearm of James Bond starting with 'Tomorrow Never Dies' (1997), replacing the iconic Walther PPK. It was one of the first striker-fired pistols to incorporate a decocker mechanism, bridging the gap between traditional DA/SA hammer-fired designs and modern striker-fired pistols. The P99 AS 'Final Edition' was announced in 2024, marking the end of an era as Walther transitions to the PDP platform.