Any Hammerli 102 Owners Out There?

[Luftrick]

Looking at maybe--maybe--purchasing a Hammerli 102 to get started in FP. If anyone out there is using or has used a 102, hit me back with some info as to what I can expect for pros and cons specific to the model.

And, just so everyone knows before responding, I am not looking for comparitive data as to why the 102 would suck compared to the new Ultra Match Hoo-ha 3000 Model that was used at 9 of the last 10 finals. It is reasonably priced, more than accurate enough for my needs as a beginner and I won't fret over customizing it because it is not in perfect cosmetic condition to begin with.

Thanks,

Patrick

[metermatch]

Just a thought - I just bought a "new" TOZ-35 from Larrys Guns for $995 which included new Rink grips to fit me. I'm told the TOZ is a Russian version of a Hammerli 100 series. I'm guessing the Hammerli won't be a whole lot cheaper than this, particularily if you factor in the cost of grips to fit the Hammerli. I'm just thinking it may be more cost effective to go the TOZ route. Yes, the Hammerli is likely made better, but the TOZ obviously works. Also, I think you may have a better return on investment when it comes time to sell. Now, I don't think Larry's Guns has any more TOZ (I got the last one), but he is trying to get more. You might check with him. Other than that, as I am also new, any of the free postols are far more accurate than I will be for some time. (or any other beginner for that matter)

[Luftrick]

Actually, I think I can get it for a couple hundred less than what you paid for the Toz and it doesn't need grips, so there won't be any additional cost there. I think I am going to go for it ... worst case scenerio: I don't like it and I sell it for about the same $ as ?I bought it for.

Patrick

[metermatch]

I think the important thing is that you get what you like, as opposed to what everybody else says you should have. Pretty much any of the Free Postols would work. And you are getting the Hammerli at a price that is about the lowest the gun is going to go - it will always be worth something as a high quality gun. You will get your money back. I am thinking of getting one of the 150-160/special series guns. Jeff

[Luftrick]

You have too many as it is. It's almost time for an intervention.

Patrick

BTW: The LP200 is working out great for me, thanks again.

[Greg Derr]

Luftrick: I would not buy the 102 at any price. If you consider that no parts or service are available. I have worked on them in the distant past and they are like a Swiss watch inside with many fragile leaf springs. Wait and save your money for a more serviceable free pistol. The muzzle whip on the 100 series was also a problem. You would be better served with a TOZ or a Pardini, even a 150/152 to start. Larry in your state may have something or be willing to find you something. The sponsor of this forum has some nice TOZ's on his used gun list also- Greg Derr

[Jimmy B.]

I would suggest contacting Larry Carter at www.larrysguns.com
He knows more about Hammerlis than anyone I've spoken to. He has lots of parts, but obviously not everything. The set trigger is the real issue, parts-wise. But, there are no parts which can't be fabricated. Any good gunsmith worth his salt can make springs, and that's the main thing which can wear out. Lots of black powder guys are using orignal guns with equally elaborate set triggers, and those have all been out of production for over a century!
It's a well made gun. If you like it, buy it!
By the way, if you get it, I have a complete breachblock assembly (breach, firing pin, firing pin spring) which has never been used. Let me know if you might want it.
Cheers,
Jim

[Bob LeDoux]

Potter firearms in Australia has a model 104 for sale for $400 Aus. That translates into $315 at current US exchange rates. I considered buying it myself, then I laid down for a rest until the desire went away. I've got enough target guns.

It would take several weeks to get the BATF form 6 completed for import and air shipping might add $50 to the cost.

[Luftrick]

... I considered buying it myself, then I laid down for a rest until the desire went away ...

Wow, that is a technique that I should be working on! LOL

Patrick

[Anders Turebrand]

then I laid down for a rest until the desire went away

Yeah, I use that one whenever I feel like going out running, or excercising in general... ;-)


/Anders

[FredB]

Patrick,

As a free pistol nut (not, mind you, a great free pistol shooter), I would like to own, or at least handle and shoot, just about any free pistol EXCEPT the Hammerli 100 series. A non-free-pistol-shooting friend, who is a very good bullseye shooter by the way, bought one for the "bargain" price of $800 to get started in FP. It had some minor problems, so he had it serviced by Miller(?) in Penna., the former Hammerli service person in the US. Even after service, it is still not possible to get the trigger weight higher than about 10 grams. The gun will occasionally fire by itself when it is raised to the horizontal. In addition, the grip angle is far more upright than just about any other FP I've handled, and the stock grip shape is so unfriendly it makes a stock TOZ grip seem like a Morini in comparison. As a bottom-cocker, it has all the weight of the TOZ, but without the wonderful TOZ trigger. My opinion: these may be good to buy as investment, but not as a FP to start shooting with.

HTH,
FredB