TargetTalk

I have just borrowed a Hämmerli 150. I have no experience with freepistols. Is this an ok pistol? some known problems with it? witch period was the 150 made? As i understand there are made some different 150 models?. On this one i adjust the sear engagement on the backside of the frame. The example on Potter Firearms site have this adjustment in front of trigger unit. On my example the trigger unit is bolted with 2 screws through backside of the frame. As I shoot standard, centerfire and military rapidfire I will not use this gun a lot, maybe 3-4 competitions a year + the Norwegian championship. I have tested the gun 50 shoots. The grip angle was way to extreme for me. Even when I use no pressure on the grip the front points upwards, but this I will adjust if I buy it. I guess the owner would'nt be to happy if I give back the gun with a grip fitted to me :-) and then start arguing about the price!
I will be grateful for all answers. (And excuse my English, I guess there are a lot of errors). Greetings to all pistolshooters out there !!!!

TOR,

I have a Hammerli Model 150 and am very pleased with it. There are a number of good pistols out there. I think the most important thing is that the pistol fits you well.
The model 150 was made in the 1980's and there are three variations. The first had trigger problems and these would a have a low serial number. The second version had an improved trigger but it still had some problems. The third generation had a new trigger mechanism that solved all the problems of the earlier triggers and works very well. Somewhere I have a list that groups the three generations by serial number so you can tell exactly which one you have. I'm at work and don't have it with me. I think the third group starts around serial number 15-2400 but I'm not sure of that at all. Mine is 15-28XX and is in the thrid group.

The only problem I had with mine was when I first got it I was a little timid about operating the lever that drops the action. If you don't use enough pressure the action opens and the brass is partially extracted but then the extractor slips out from under the brass and the return spring takes over and the extractor shoves the brass back into the chamber with the extractor holding it there. You must then pry the brass out of the chamber or use a rod through the barrel to push it out. This only happened once but I carry a nylon rod for piece of mind just in case it ever happens in a match. If you don't operate the lever in a positive manner it is also possible to drop the action with out cocking the striker and then you get a light strike and the round doesn't go off. I had that happen in practice once but as long as you operate the controls in a positive manner it functions flawlessly.

If you can't find the serial number ranges let me know and I will find them and post them for you.

Shoot well,

Doug in Virginia

TOR - from my limited experience I can say the Hammerli 150 is a good solid free pistol. Mine is an early production model, and despite several references to trigger problems I can honestly say that trigger adjustment is good, reliable and safe. The only limitation is that one has to accept some slight movement of the trigger before the shot breaks - this is because the trigger design is limited in the amount of adjustment in the trigger unit sear. Mine is now hovering around 30 grams and feels quite good.

In terms of mechanical reliability, the pistol is excellent, and I would say best typifies the kind of quality for which the Swiss have become famous. Spare parts are very expensive (over $100 US for a firing pin!), but the mechanical reliability is very high so there's not much need for parts. So far I have to say my pistol has performed perfectly, as long as I remember to follow the advice which VAshooter provided above.

As for grip angle, if you shoot the pistol regularly you'll eventually find the grips on your other pistols are too vertical. The H-150 provides an extreme rake angle which contributes to a locked wrist, and very good stability during the shot. Getting a grip that fits is critical as the factory grip is only good for firewood. In this regard I would recommend a Rink adjustable grip. I have a Morini non-adjustable grip on my H-150 and find it to be only marginally better than the original factory grip.

Hope you enjoy free pistol shooting!

Mark & Doug ! Thank you for valuble answers. The serial number on the pistol was 15-36XX. For the last 4 years I have used a Sako Triace with a rather vertical grip (compered to a Pardini, Morini or Fas), so it proably will be a matter of me getting used to it as you mention. Tomorrow I will use the Hämmerli in a competition. And Doug ! The first thing I did was to fasten a brass between the extractor and chamber.

Best wishes from Norway