Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Hammerli Arms More Info

About the Gun

Blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol developed as the refined evolution of the Model 208 within the International series for 25 m standard pistol, rapid fire, and NRA bullseye competition. Produced in Lenzburg, Switzerland, it retained the blued steel receiver and barrel with extensive machining for precise tolerances from the earlier Model 208, while introducing a squared trigger guard and a fully adjustable two-stage trigger system. The trigger permitted separate adjustment of first-stage weight and travel, second-stage weight, overtravel, and overall pull weight, along with a sliding trigger shoe adjustable forward and backward for reach. It included a cylindrical knob safety at the rear of the slide for later U.S. import compliance, walnut grips with an adjustable palm rest and thumb shelf in the standard competition configuration, and provisions for optional barrel weights to alter balance and recoil dynamics.

Production

This model was produced from the early to mid-1980s through the late 1990s to early 2000s

Market value

MSRP was in the $1,400–$1,800 range for late-production examples in the 1990s. Current used examples in good to excellent condition range from $1,500 to $3,000.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.22 LR
Alias:	.22 Long Rifle
More Info

Analysis

The Model 208S represented the culmination of Hammerli’s semi-automatic target pistol development before production ended in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Its enhanced trigger adjustability and ergonomic refinements allowed greater customization compared to earlier 208 variants, supporting consistent performance in precision disciplines with standard-velocity .22 LR ammunition. Although it saw use in competitive circles, it did not achieve the same volume of world-record documentation as some predecessors. Post-production, parts availability has remained limited, contributing to its status among collectors and shooters who value the mechanical refinement and historical position of the International line in rimfire target shooting.1.6sFast