TargetTalk

I have been trying to research a target pistol that I have. I believe that it is a Hammerli Model# 100. I've attached some pictures (hopefully) and if anyone can confirm the model that would be great! It's serial number is #1311; On the left side it has "Hammerli, Switzerland". On its right side it has "London 1948" only. It has an octagon barrel and "Cal .22 extra long" stamped on it. I'm reasonably sure it is the model# 100, just looking for confirmation.

What I'm really searching for is any kind of manual or instruction on setting the trigger pull. The trigger pull right now is a fraction of an ounce. If you cock the pistol and lay it down it is liable to fire. I recently read that these pistols triggers were sometimes set at 40 to 60 grams. I've take it apart to study it, I think that the small screw/bolt that is threaded into the bottom of the receiver directly behind the trigger is used to set the trigger but in adjusting it I can't get it to alter the trigger pull hardly at all. When I let it all the way out it seems to make the trigger very very slightly tighter but it is so subtle of a change it could be wishful thinking :-) As it is it isn't particularly safe so any advice at all would be helpful. Thank you in advance, Joe.

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Hi Joe,

Yes, it's a model 100. Serial number sequence began with #1001. The trigger adjustment screw sets the engagement between the trigger and first lever. It does not affect weight. That is a separate and lengthy topic!
Please be aware that the 22 extra long, also known in Switzerland as the Patronen No. 7, was made by RWS and by the Thün arsenal in Switzerland. Generally speaking, pistols chambered as such were intended only for the domestic market. Yours is interesting in that it's marked "Switzerland".... All the 22 extra longs I've seen were marked "Schweiz".
The chambering was discontinued by Hämmerli in 1948 when the mentioned ammunition factories stopped producing the ammo. Originally loaded with 8 grains of black powder, it was later offered in smokeless/non-corrosive loadings. It had a fine reputation for accuracy. It is not to be confused with the American cartridge known as the 22 Stevens extra long.

If you search the archives you'll find I've already posted a lot more info on the Hämmerli 100 that I'd rather not re-type.

Hope this helps,
Jim

Jim,

Thank you very much for your response. I've been searching and reading a lot of the threads that you have posted (a whole bunch of them) :-) I've found one where it was mentioned that there could be a way of increasing the weight of the pull by adjusting the the trigger spring. I thing that information was from one of your posts but it could have been from some articles written by a gentleman named Tom Gaylord. I am looking for posts that have more detail/information on setting trigger weight, if you know of any keywords that might help me be more successful in finding your posts I'd be very grateful.

Hi Joe,

Yes, I have mentioned on a few occasions that the trigger return spring is the key to setting the trigger weight. With the early Hämmerli 100- 103, generally these were built with the single screw adjust set triggers. From what I've been told by former Hämmerli folks, adjusting the trigger weight on these is a gunsmith only proposition that involves disassembly of the trigger mechanism. Yes, I think I know the article you refer to that mentioned 40-60 grams as a "standard" trigger weight. This is not true. If it's the article I'm thinking of, it is filled will a lot of errors.
Back then, each Hämmerli was built to order. You had to submit a hand tracing, specify trigger weight, grip angle, eye dominance, etc, plus lots of cosmetic options. They even built left handed ones with a left hand frame, trigger mechanism, and grip. There was no standard model.
Later, Hämmerli added the second trigger adjust screw. This screw is nothing more than a strain screw that bears on the trigger return spring. It allowed the user to make their own adjustments.
Sometimes, you'll find an early model that has had a later trigger unit substituted. Also, I know for a fact that some Hämmerli gunsmiths would, upon request drill and tap the old model trigger housings to add the second screw. These conversions still needed to have a new trigger return spring added, to the weight specifications of the owner.

By the way, a bit more info relevant to your Hämmerli. Rudy Haemmerli died in 1948, I believe, and the family sold the business, upon which it became incorporated. Immediately, they reorganized along the lines of a more modern factory model, rather than a more or less artisan-type workshop. In the process of the change, there were quite a few one-off type pistols that appeared using a mix of model 100 and post-war MP33 parts, perhaps to simplify inventory. Your pistol, according to the serial number, was probably made in 1948. But, it can be confusing and fascinating to know all the facts. The old records were lost in a fire. I've seen one or two oddballs with serial numbers that aren't supposed to exist.
But, I'm delving off into collector territory.

Best Regards,
Jim