Hammerli 208S - 215S Slides

[shadow]

Is it acceptable to put a 215S slide on a 208S? If not, I will just shoot my 215S.

[Leon]

They are exactly the same - but would you want to do this?

[shadow]

Because the 208S slide is in for repair and I am used to my 208S. The 215S is my backup - very slightly different trigger feel - just used to the 208S - s 15 year relationship. Who can knock a 15 year relationship?!

[J]

One needs to be a little careful about the slide swap, if one plans to return the 215S to the original configuration. The slides do wear into the gun. Use of the slide on another gun can create problems when it is returned to the original gun and visa versa, if lots of rounds are fired. One needs to be very careful about lubrication. Watch or clock oils work best, unless the parts (on both guns) already have had MoS2 burned in by repeated use. Then, MoS2 re-lubrication is best.

The triggers on the guns are the same. The difference in the feel most likely is due to a difference in setting of the adjustments, lubrication, or degree of parts wear in some combination.

The mass difference in the 208S slides from the USA SigArms imports (with safety) are a little different also, if they include the safety.

[Jon Eulette]

Slides are loose on the Hammerli. I don't think you'll have any issues. Just lube as you normally would. The headspace shouldn't make a difference (bolt face recess). Mass difference is negligible.
Jon

[J]

Perhaps the significant question and answer are the ones not stated: why did the old slide need repair? That could be relevant to the exchange question. The recoil spring (and rear safety if yours has it) geometry on the Hammerli 208/215 S can make that especially relevant.

Also, if the 215S is the backup for the 208S, it might make sense to adjust it so that the triggers and such are identical. If that is done, remember there is a specific sequence to the adjustments, to avoid going back and forth and redoing them, as they are not totally independent of one another.

The very insightful comments about usual lubrication, tightness of slides, head space, slide mass probably introduce areas that are too large or complex to discuss here. In part, those areas deal with "factor of 10" differentials: guns that 3000 vs 30,000 or 100,000 rounds, and 208S/215S with 1.2-1.5 MOA accuracy, vs 0.12 MOA.

[shadow]

I have received my 208S slide back and both pistols are now in their original configuration. The slide exhibited slight peening and the extractor needed to be replaced - after 15 years.

[Ed Hall]

I have received my 208S slide back and both pistols are now in their original configuration. The slide exhibited slight peening and the extractor needed to be replaced - after 15 years.

Excellent! Thanks for posting an update...