Hammerli Free Pistol

[Cyrano]

This Model 103 followed me home from Dallas last weekend. I've wanted one for a long time, and now have a grin from ear to ear. Had an unexpected problem when shooting it: the headspace is so tight that most cartridges won't chamber. I tried Winchester target, and both CCI Green Tab and Pistol Match. I cleaned the area between the extractor and the barrel so it wouldn't have a problem like some tight chambered S&W revolvers with powder residue between the extractor and the cylinder. Still had the problem. I wonder if the pistol is chambered for some european ammunition that is slightly thinner in the rim than the US stuff (RWS, Lapua, Eley?). Any Hammerli owners and shooters out there who can tell me what they shoot in their pistol?

 

[Bullet Bob]

I've always wanted of those also, nice looking handgun! Can't wait for the range report.

I have zero experience, but would think Eley tenex or Lapua would be just the ticket.

 

[Hairtrigger]

Cool pistol. Thanks for posting pics

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I don't know anything about Hammerlis, and there's an excellent chance that this is a false lead, but is there any possibility that your pistol has an Olympic chamber, therefore needing some force to push the bullet into the rifling?

I'm grasping at straws here.

 

[red9]

Very nice pistol. I have used Federal target in my Hammerlis with no problems. Eley pistol is one ammo of choice, but very few shooters are good enough to take advantage of the difference. Try cleaning the chamber with a brush from the rear to remove any wax buildup. Incidentally, I believe your gun is a model 103. The odd numbers (101, 103, 105, 107) are light octagonal barrels and the even (100, 102, 104, 106) are heavy round barrels. If you still have problems, ask for advice on the site targettalk.org. Enjoy.

Bob

p.s. I don't know if the is still around, but the best Hammerli gunsmith was Rudy Marent in Houston.

 

[Jebus35745]

Someday I'll have one, nice gun. I believe it has a Martini action of some sort. I love Martini rifles, have 3 of them. Please update us with a range report. You have some nice pellet guns also, Larry

 

[Homie]

FWIW- I had one years ago and only used the high priced RIFLE Match ammo (Eley, Lapua, Federal) w/o any issues. Super accurate!

 

[Old TexMex]

Colin, that is great! You sure should be grinning, that is a cool find. Keep us posted, amigo.

 

[Cyrano]

Red9, You're right; it's a Model 103. I went back and re-read the description in the 1962 Gun Digest : Model 101 is a round barrel, matte finish, 102 is a round barrel with polished finish and 103 is an octagon barrel.

 

[H Richard]

If you haven't been able to get ammo to fit, you might try Targettalk.com. This is a forum dedicated to International/Olympic style of shooting. I'm sure someone there could assist you.