Smith & Wesson 99 Instructions Manual

							•Be sure that all cylinders and actions of firearms are 
open, that chambers are clear of cartridges,
magazines are removed, and that firearms are 
pointing in a safe direction before anyone is allowed 
in front of the firing position.
•Be alert at all times. Never shoot if you are tired, 
cold or impaired in any way.
•Treat your firearm as if it were loaded at all times.
AMMUNITION
PREPARATION FOR FIRING  CONT’D.
A.GENERAL PRINCIPLES•A firearm and ammunition are a system and must work 
together. Their performance is closely related. There are 
different types of ammunition for different types of firearms.
Your firearm has been designed for ammunition of a specific 
type and a specific caliber. It is important to select the 
proper ammunition for your firearm.
!!  W
ARNING  !!
•Never use ammunition not specifically designated for 
use in your firearm. Failure to use the correct type or 
caliber of ammunition may cause the firearm to jam, fail 
to fire or even generate excessive pressure which can 
damage or even rupture your firearm, causing personal 
injury or property damage.
•You are responsible for selecting ammunition that meets 
industry standards and is appropriate in type and caliber for 
this firearm.
•Locate the caliber designation printed on the  handgun.
This information indicates the ammunition caliber that 
should be used in this firearm. (See figure #4)
B.
HANDLOADED OR RELOADED AMMUNITION
!!  WARNING  !!
•Never use non-standard, reloaded or “handloaded”
ammunition which has not been subjected to internal 
ballistic pressure testing.Reloaded or handloaded
ammunition, may have many manufacturing and quality 
variables (such as the type and amount of gun powder).
•Any ammunition that is improperly manufactured,
even in the slightest degree,
may fail to fire or may 
generate excessive
internal pressures which 
can damage or even 
rupture the firearm,
causing personal injury to 
the shooter or those in the 
immediate vicinity.
11
FIGURE 4 
						

							•Use only commercially manufactured ammunition with
internal ballistic pressures which are in strict accordance 
with the specifications of the Sporting Arms and 
Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI).
•Be certain all ammunition you use complies with the 
SAAMI specifications. If you are uncertain, contact your 
ammunition supplier for verification.
C.
MISFIRES
•If your firearm fails to fire when the trigger is pulled 
(misfires), keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, 
remove your finger from the trigger, and wait 10 seconds.
Only after you have completed all of the above steps, 
remove the magazine or open the cylinder and remove the 
cartridge from the chamber  and dispose of it properly.
Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
•If you have heard an unusual sound or felt an unusual recoil 
on firing, stop firing, wait 10 seconds, unload the firearm, 
and examine the barrel bore for obstructions.
•Make sure your barrel is clear and free of obstructions.
If you see an obstruction, return your firearm to 
Smith & Wesson or take it to a qualified gunsmith. Never 
fire a firearm with an obstructed barrel.
D
.AMMUNITION SPECIFICS
•Use only ammunition specifically recommended by
Smith & Wesson for your firearm.
•Never mix ammunition.
•Never use a cartridge not specifically designated for use in 
your firearm. Pressure from the wrong type of ammunition 
may be beyond the capability of your firearm to withstand 
and may damage or even rupture your firearm.
•Whenever rimless pistol cartridges are used in the cylinder 
of a Smith & Wesson revolver, (except M547) full or
half-moon clips MUST be used to both position and extract 
such cartridges. Failure to use ammunition clips with
rimless cartridges may result in malfunction of the revolver.
•Additional ammunition calibers can be fired from the
following list of select calibers.
Caliber on Barrel
Can also Fire  .44 Magnum  .44 Special  
.357 Magnum  .38 Special, .38 Special +P  
.45 ACP  .45 Auto Rim (in revolvers only)
.22LR   .22L, .22 Short, .22CB, .22BB  
10mm  .40 S&W  (in revolvers only)
•In some cases, a round of ammunition not specified on your 
handgun may fit into the chamber or cylinder. Firing 
ammunition not specified on your handgun may cause it to 
rupture and cause serious injury or death.
AMMUNITION  CONT’D.
12 
						

							INSPECTING YOUR
PISTOL
When you inspect your pistol, you should first check for yourself
to insure that it is unloaded. To do this, grasp the pistol with your
finger off the trigger and outside the tr
igger guard, (Figure 5)
point the muzzle in a safe direction. Depress the magazine
release, and remove the magazine.
With the muzzle still pointing in a safe direction, grasp the
serrated sides of the slide from the rear with the thumb and
fingers and briskly draw the slide fully rearward in order to
extract any cartridge from the barrel chamber and clear it from
the pistol. Do not obstruct the ejection port because doing so
can interfere with ejection of a cartridge and thereby creates the
risk of exploding an unchambered cartridge and possible injury.
In order to lock the slide in the open position, allow the slide to
move slightly forward from the rearmost position while pressing
upward on the slide stop. You are now able to safely check the
barrel chamber and bore visually for any obstructions. You
must follow this procedure every time your firearm is inspected,
cleaned, handed to another person, transported or stored.
Unload the magazine by holding it with the bullet end of the 
cartridge pointing away from you and others and pressing each
cartridge forward and out of the magazine.
FIGURE 5
13
DO NOT BLOCK EJECTION PORT! 
						

							LOADING
•Do not load the pistol until you are ready to use it.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready
to fire.
WARNING: Once the magazine is removed from the
pistol and the trigger is fully released, subsequent
cycling of the trigger will not fire the pistol until the
magazine is fully reinserted. (This may not apply to certain
pistols that have been marked “CAUTION - CAPABLE OF
FIRING WITHOUT  MAGAZINE”)
WARNING: Some Smith & Wesson centerfire pistols
are designed to disengage the trigger linkage, and
thereby prevent the trigger from firing the pistol
when the magazine is removed from the pistol. Be certain
to fully release the trigger and remove your finger from
within the trigger guard when the magazine is removed from
the pistol. Failure to fully release the trigger could result in
firing the handgun. After inserting a magazine, always test
to make sure it is locked in place by applying some removal
pressure to the exposed portion of the magazine butt plate.
14
REPLACING THE
BACKSTRAP
WARNING: Make sure the handgun is unloaded
before changing the backstrap.
•If the backstrap currently on your pistol does not fit your hand 
comfortably, you can install one of a different size and shape.
Using a pin punch, gently tap out the roll pin in the lower part 
of the grip and remove the backstrap.
•When installing the new backstrap, first fit the small tab at the 
top of the backstrap into the frame, then push the lower end 
into the slot.
•Carefully put the roll pin back in place and tap it into the grip 
until it is centered.
FIGURE 6 
						

							15
•Only use Smith & Wesson magazines specifically
manufactured for your particular model of pistol. Do not
interchange magazines from one model pistol into another 
model pistol.
•Smith & Wesson has provided you with a magazine 
designed to operate in your specific model of pistol. While 
your magazine may be able to be inserted into another 
model pistol, it will only function properly in the specific 
model for which it was designed.
•Follow instructions in this manual and any other specific 
instructions which may be marked onto, or accompany, a
magazine. Failure to use the particular type of Smith & 
Wesson magazine specified for your model and caliber of 
pistol may result in a malfunction.
•Load the magazine by pressing a cartridge head (rear of 
cartridge) downward on the forward portion of the magazine 
follower (or downward on the case of the previously loaded 
cartridge) and sliding the cartridge fully under the lips of the 
magazine until the cartridge head is against the rear wall of 
the magazine. Repeat the procedure for the number of 
cartridges you wish to load, up to the magazine capacity.
Do not attempt to load your magazine with more than the 
specified number of cartridges because doing so can cause 
a feeding failure.
•Inspect your pistol as previously described in the “Inspecting 
Your Pistol” section. Hold the pistol in one hand with the
muzzle pointing in a safe direction and with your finger off 
the trigger and outside the trigger guard. Insert the loaded 
magazine into the magazine well of the pistol until it is locked 
in place.
WARNING: Do not use excessive upward force when
inserting a loaded magazine into the pistol. Excessive
upward force could cause the slide to move forward,
chambering a round and making the pistol ready to fire.
•To make sure that the magazine is fully and securely
inserted, apply some removal pressure to the exposed 
portion of the magazine butt plate.
•Press down on the slide stop to release the slide and allow it 
to carry fully forward. This strips a cartridge from the 
magazine and seats it in the chamber of the barrel.
CAUTION
The pistol can now be fired simply by pulling the trig-
ger to the rear.
LOADING CONT’D. 
						

							FIRING
•Hold the pistol in your shooting hand with your finger outside 
the trigger guard. After verifying that the target and the area 
beyond are safe, align the sights on the target. When you 
are ready to shoot, place the pad of your index finger on the 
trigger.
•When the trigger is drawn fully to the rear, the striker is 
released, striking the cartridge primer and firing the cartridge.
•Upon firing, the slide moves rearward thereby extracting and 
ejecting the spent cartridge case. The slide then returns 
forward feeding the next cartridge from the magazine into the 
barrel chamber. During firing operation, the thumb must not 
interfere with the slide or slide stop. This sequence can be 
repeated until the last round has been fired at which time the 
magazine follower exerts upward pressure on the slide stop 
causing it to engage the slide and to hold it in the open
position.
WARNING: The single action trigger pull is lighter
and may be shorter than the double action pull.
Check the cocking indicator in the rear of the slide
to determine if you are in double or single action
mode before putting your finger on the trigger.
WARNING: Upon firing the pistol or releasing the
slide from the slide stop, the slide moves rearward
or forward with significant force and speed. To avoid
injury be sure no part of your body is in the path of
the slide’s travel.
16
LOADED CHAMBER 
INDICATOR
•If the chamber is loaded, the rear of the extractor is recessed 
in the slide. There is a red dot on the right side of the slide 
which is visible when the chamber is loaded with a cartridge.
WARNING: Cleaning
solvents or wear
may darken or
remove the red
color, or powder residue or
dirt may cover it up. If you
do not see the red dot, don’t
assume the chamber is
empty. Pull the slide back
until you can look in the
chamber and verify whether it
is empty or not.
FIGURE 7 
						

							17
COCKING INDICATOR
•When the striker is cocked, it protrudes out of the slide end 
cap and displays a red dot.
WARNING: Do not count on seeing the red dot.
Cleaning solvents or wear may darken or remove
the red color, or powder residue or dirt may cover
it up. If you do not see the red dot, don’t assume
the striker is decocked. Look at the striker or feel it with
your finger so you know if the striker is cocked.
TRIGGER - SW99NJ
SINGLE ACTION - Trigger Forward
•This operation mode features a cocked striker for a long, 
reduced weight single action trigger pull. The SW99 will be 
in this mode after releasing the slide to chamber a round or, 
moving the slide 3/8” to the rear and releasing. Although the 
trigger is in the same forward position as the double action 
mode, the trigger pull is much lighter.
SINGLE ACTION - Trigger Rearward
•After firing, the pistol cycles, ejecting the fired case,
chambering a round and cocking the striker. Subsequent 
rounds are fired in a short stroke single action mode. The 
pistol should be returned to the trigger forward mode before 
holstering.
DOUBLE ACTION
•In the SW99NJ pistol, an additional mode is only available in 
the event that the chambered round failed to fire and may be 
used to restrike the cartridge in the chamber. It may also be 
used to dry fire the pistol.
WARNING: The single action trigger pull is lighter and
may be shorter than the double action pull. Check the
cocking indicator in the rear of the slide to determine
if you are in double or single action mode before
putting your finger on the trigger.
FIGURE 8 
						

							TRIGGER - SW99
The SW99 features one double action and two single action
modes for firing.
DOUBLE ACTION
•The Smith & Wesson traditional double action mode begins 
with the trigger in the forward position. The trigger is pulled 
through the full length of travel, cocking the striker and firing 
the pistol in one motion.
SINGLE ACTION - Trigger Forward
•The second operation mode features a cocked striker for a 
long, reduced weight single action trigger pull. The SW99 
will be in this mode after releasing the slide to chamber a 
round or, when the gun is decocked, moving the slide 3/8” to 
the rear and releasing. Although the trigger is in the same 
forward position as the double action mode, the trigger pull is 
much lighter.
WARNING: The single action trigger pull is
lighter and may be shorter than the double action
pull. Check the cocking indicator in the rear of the
slide to determine if you are in double or single action
mode before putting your finger on the trigger.
SINGLE ACTION - Trigger Rearward
•After firing, in either of the above modes, the pistol cycles, 
ejecting the fired case, chambering a round and cocking the 
striker. Subsequent rounds are fired in a short stroke single 
action mode. The pistol should be returned to one of the 
trigger forward modes before holstering. The SW99 can be 
decocked from any trigger position.
18
AFTER FIRING
SW99NJ
WARNING: During the procedure of manually cycling
the slide, any chambered round will be ejected and
should be recovered once the firearm is safely
secured.
•To return the trigger to the forward position, change the 
magazine and cycle the slide to assure that the pistol is 
ready to fire. This process will return the trigger to the 
forward mode. If immediate readiness is not a concern, the 
pistol may be unloaded.
OPTIONAL TECHNIQUE
•Pull the slide rearward 3/8” and then press the slide forward 
to assure that it is in battery. This process will also return 
the trigger to the forward mode.
WARNING: Keep your finger off the trigger and out of
the trigger guard during this process.
WARNING: Failure to cycle the slide “briskly” on a
loaded weapon could cause a jam. 
						

							DECOCKING THE
STRIKER - SW99
When the striker is cocked, the trigger is in single action mode.
To return the trigger to double action mode, press down on the
decocker. This will allow the striker to go forward without firing
the cartridge in the chamber.
WARNING: Keep your finger off the trigger and
out of the trigger guard during this process.
CLEARING MISFIRES
•If, during firing, a cartridge fails to fire, the chamber must be 
manually cleared. Wait ten seconds while keeping the muzzle 
pointed in a safe direction. Grasp the serrated sides of the slide 
from the rear and briskly pull the slide fully rearward to eject the 
misfired round. Keep your finger off of the trigger and out of the 
trigger guard. Do not obstruct the ejection port, and do not 
attempt to catch the round by placing your hand over the ejection 
port. (See figure 5) Also, remember that any time you release the 
slide while a magazine containing cartridges is in the pistol, you will 
have reloaded the chamber.
PRODUCT WARNING
All Smith & Wesson Handguns Capable of Double Action
Firing
•It has come to our attention that some users of 
Smith & Wesson pistols capable of firing in double action 
may stage the trigger in anticipation of firing a shot in the 
double action mode. Staging is the act of pulling the trigger 
rearward toward — but just short of — the point where the 
hammer falls and the pistol fires. Such manipulation of the 
trigger can reduce the user’s control of the handgun and can 
result in an unintentional discharge. Furthermore if the user 
decides not to fire, release of the trigger from a position 
close to the firing point in the staging process could result in 
a discharge.
•Obviously “staging” the trigger violates a basic rule of firearm 
safety which warns you to keep your finger off the trigger and 
outside the trigger guard until ready to fire.
•We warn all users of our pistols capable of firing in double 
action to refrain from “staging” the trigger.
19 
						

							TARGETING AND
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
•Your pistol has been targeted at the factory, however should 
you wish to further adjust the windage, simply move the sight 
in the direction you want the bullet to move on the target.
There are four different front sight heights available from our 
product service department.
•To move the rear sight, turn the screw on the right side of the 
rear sight. One click (1/4 turn) moves the bullet a little over 
1/16” at 25 yards. Turn the sight screw clockwise to move 
the point of impact left. Turn the sight screw counter -
clockwise to move the point of impact right. The elevation is 
adjusted by changing front sight heights. To change the front 
sight, follow the instructions for field stripping and remove 
the barrel from the slide assembly, remove the front sight 
screw from inside the slide assembly and remove the front 
sight. Assembly is in reverse
order. To move the point of 
impact up, install a lower front
sight. To move the point of 
impact down, install a taller front
sight.
20
UNLOADING
•Lock the slide to the rear by pushing the slide stop lever 
upwards while pulling the slide back and allowing it to go 
forward slightly to be held rearward by the slide stop lever.
•Look into the chamber and down through the magazine well.
Verify that no ammunition remains in the pistol.
•Pull the slide to the rear and release it or depress the slide 
stop lever to allow the slide to move forward.
•Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Make sure your finger is 
off the trigger, and the trigger is in the at rest or forward 
position. Depress the magazine release, and remove the 
magazine. With the muzzle still pointing in a safe direction, 
and with your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger 
guard, grasp the serrated sides of the slide from the rear with 
the thumb and fingers, and briskly draw the slide fully 
rearward in order to extract any cartridge from the barrel 
chamber and clear it from the pistol.
WARNING: Do not obstruct the ejection port
because doing so can interfere with ejection of a
cartridge and thereby creates the risk of exploding
an unchambered cartridge and possible injury.
•Visually check the barrel chamber to be sure it is empty.
•Unload the magazine by holding it with the bullet end of the 
cartridge pointing away from you and pressing each cartridge 
forward and out of the magazine.
Figure 9