Walther P99
The Walther P99 is one of the most influential striker-fired pistols ever designed — a DA/SA striker-fired 9mm that introduced the Anti-Stress (AS) trigger mechanism, which gives the shooter a longer, heavier first pull followed by shorter, lighter follow-up pulls without ever needing to manually decock. Originally released in 1997 and carried by police agencies worldwide, the P99 is now available in its Final Edition and Collector’s Edition configurations as Walther transitions focus to the PDP platform.
Read our full Walther P99 Buying Guide ↓
The Anti-Stress Trigger: What Makes the P99 Unique
Most striker-fired pistols (Glock, S&W M&P, Sig P320) have a single consistent trigger pull for every shot. The P99’s AS trigger works differently: the first pull from a decocked state is longer and heavier (roughly 8–9 lbs), simulating a traditional DA pull, while every subsequent shot fires in a short, light SA mode (roughly 4–5 lbs). You can also pre-cock the striker by racking the slide, giving you an SA first shot. This system gives the P99 the carry safety of a DA first pull with the precision of an SA follow-up — a design philosophy that influenced the later Walther PPQ and PDP trigger designs.
P99 Final Edition
The P99 Final Edition marks the conclusion of the P99’s production run with a limited-production model in olive drab green and black finish, 15-round capacity, 4-inch barrel, and all the features that defined the platform across its 25+ year production life. Once current production runs are exhausted, the P99 will be discontinued.
P99 Collector’s Edition
The Collector’s Edition ships with the P99 Final Edition pistol plus a hardcase, commemorative coin, Final Edition knife, holster, and two 15-round magazines — a package designed for P99 enthusiasts and collectors.
P99 vs. Walther PDP
The PDP is Walther’s current-production flagship that replaces the P99 in the lineup. The PDP uses a conventional striker-fired trigger (no DA/SA cycling), offers an optics-ready slide, and is available in more size configurations. The P99 remains the better choice for shooters who specifically want the DA/SA Anti-Stress trigger mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Walther P99 still being made?
In limited Final Edition and Collector’s Edition production only. Once current runs sell through, the P99 will be discontinued.
What caliber is the P99?
9mm Luger, with a 15-round standard capacity (10-round in restricted states).
Is the P99 a good carry gun?
Yes — its DA/SA trigger provides carry-safe handling, and the ergonomics are excellent. However, the PDP has largely replaced it for modern carry use.
Does the P99 have a manual safety?
No external manual safety — the AS trigger’s long DA first pull and the decocker serve as the safety system.
See Also: Walther • Walther PDP • Walther PPQ • Walther PPK • 9mm Pistols