The SW99 rendition of the popular Walther P99 was the product of a joint collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Walther.
Description
The Smith & Wesson SW99 is a modern, polymer frame pistol that is nearly identical to the Walther P99.
The SW99 features an internal striker, as opposed to the classical external hammer. It is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
Mechanism
The pistol lacks a manual safety; instead a de-cocking button is placed on the top rear section of the slide, which when actuated, places the firearm into double-action mode.
The SW99 features several safety features including a loaded chamber indicator on the right side of the slide, a protruding, red-painted cocking indicator, and a drop safety.
As with the P99, the cocking indicator does not protrude from the slide of the QA variant unless the weapon is fired, as it is in a constant partially cocked state.
The SW99 also features a fully supported chamber design, which leaves no portion of the chambered round exposed.
Because of this there is less chance of casing head rupture, reducing risk of injury to the shooter and/or destruction of the pistol.
Grip
The unique and ergonomic grip of this pistol was designed by the renowned Swiss match pistol grip designer, Cesare Morini.
Much like the P99, the pistol comes with three varying rear grip inserts designed to accommodate various hand shapes and sizes; this feature permits most shooters a comfortable and efficient grip on the firearm.
Differences between SW99 and P99
Though there are slight variations in aesthetic design, the function of the SW99 is identical to its German-made counterpart.
Magazines can be interchanged between the two models, but the pistols are considered to be two separate types, and are easily distinguished from each other by the trigger guard, grip and slide design.
Design differences between the P99 and SW99 are most notable on the frame of the pistol; the grip and trigger guard both have a slightly different shape. The slide is somewhat different as well, offering serrations in both the front and rear of the slide, while the P99 only has them on the rear.
The most prominent distinction between the two firearms is that the SW99 is available in .45 ACP, while the P99 is not.