Firearm: Walther P99 AS (MSRP: $849)
Walther’s P99 reached the end of a 26-year run in 2023, and to see this innovative pistol off, the company has released the “final edition” in OD green with custom engraving. The P99, joining its fellow Walther PPK as a “Bond gun,” has an interesting DA/SA striker system in the “Anti-Stress” (AS) configuration, which offers both single- and double-action trigger pulls. As with traditional DA/SA semi-automatic pistols, when charged, the P99 offers a light, short single-action pull; when decocked, a longer, slightly heavier double-action pull makes it ideal for carry.
While this may sound somewhat complicated, it’s really rather simple. When carried, the P99 can be safely decocked via a flush-mounted lever on top of the slide that returns the pistol to a true double-action trigger pull—the trigger needs to cock and then release the striker. This does mean that, much like a SIG Sauer P226 or Beretta 92, shooters need to remember to press the decocking lever before returning the P99 to the holster. A red indicator on the back of the slide shows the status of the striker: if the indicator is visible, the striker is cocked and the pistol is in single-action mode; if the striker is not visible, it is in double-action mode.
Size-wise, the P99 is nearly the same size as the Glock G19, one of the most common concealed-carry handguns around. Barrel length is 4 inches to the G19’s 4.02, overall length is 7.1 inches vs. 7.36, height is 5.3 inches to the G19’s 5.04 and weight is identical at 24 ounces unloaded. Carrying the P99 is no more difficult than a G19 or Smith & Wesson M&P9 Compact. When it comes to shooting the P99, it is equally easy, as the grip allows for all three fingers of the firing hand to find purchase. Magazine capacity is identical to the G19 and M&P9 Compact at 15 rounds.
So, why opt for the Walther P99 AS Final Edition? Well, it’s a piece of Walther history that you can use every day, for starters. The unique operating system offers a different experience than traditional striker-fired pistols, giving a single-action trigger pull lighter than most straightforward striker-fired triggers. For a more modern take from Walther, the PDP and PDP Compact pistols are available, but for fans of the P99 (and the Smith & Wesson SW99 from before the M&P line), this last of the Walther P99 pistols might just be the thing.
Holster: Comp-Tac DCH (MSRP: $65 through Walther website)
We’ve opted for a double take on carry methods to match the P99’s two-tier operating system. Comp-Tac’s Dual-Concealment Holster (DCH) can be used either inside- or outside-the-waistband. A paddle-style attachment allows the DCH to be worn outside the waistband, either with a straight drop or an FBI, butt-forward cant, while Comp-Tac’s Infidel clip allows for easy-on and off attachment for inside-the-waistband carry. Two-screw retention adjustment allows the concealed carrier to fine-tune the holster to their individual preference.
The Comp-Tac DCH can be ordered directly from the Walther website, ensuring you can get the correct holster for your P99. The DCH ordered through Walther comes in the same OD Green color as the frame of the P99 and has “Final Edition” embossed on the holster as well. Obviously, for those looking for the DCH for other pistols, it can also be ordered from Comp-Tac directly in a variety of color options.
Accessory: Pelican 5050R flashlight (MSRP: $92.50)
Rounding out our kit today is another handy item, the Pelican 5050R flashlight. As with the other items, the 5050R also has two uses: in addition to its standard function as a handheld flashlight, it can also be used as a power bank. The included Lithium 18650 battery will run the 5050R for 2 ½ hours on high power (393 lumens) or 40 hours on low power (21 lumens). Recharging the 5050R is accomplished via a standard USB cable and takes 6 hours to fully charge. A battery level indicator on the tailcap switch flashes red when charging and turns green when fully charged.
In addition to the high and low settings, the 5050R also has a “boost” level with 883 lumens and a strobe feature as well. The beam can be adjusted between floodlight and spotlight by sliding the head of the flashlight forward or rearward. The 5050R is 6.2 inches long, weighs 5.8 ounces with battery, is constructed of Type II anodized aluminum and is water resistant to one meter. It comes with a lanyard and a micro-USB charging cable.
