Hämmerli 209

About the Hämmerli 209

The Hämmerli 209 is a semi-automatic target pistol chambered in .22 Short, built by the Swiss maker Hämmerli of Lenzburg as part of its International rapid-fire competition line. Blowback-operated and closely related to the Model 210, it was purpose-designed for the 25 m Olympic rapid-fire event, where five-shot strings fired against turning targets demand a fast-cycling, low-recoil action. A row of gas-escape ports on top of the barrel just ahead of the chamber, together with a specialised muzzle brake, bleed off pressure to keep muzzle jump to a minimum between shots. The 209 is distinguished from the 210 by its fixed anatomical sports grips rather than a fully adjustable orthopaedic grip and palm rest. Produced only briefly in small numbers, it is a specialised precision instrument rather than a general-purpose handgun, prized by competitive and collector shooters for its accuracy and craftsmanship.

Hämmerli's International rapid-fire pistols were built for the frantic pace of Olympic 25 m rapid fire, where a competitor must place five shots on five turning targets in as little as four seconds - the 209's ported barrel and muzzle brake exist purely to tame recoil enough to make that possible.

Hämmerli 209 specifications

International rapid-fire target pistol. Distinguished from the Model 210 by its fixed sports grips (vs the 210's adjustable grip and palm rest). Dimensions vary between listings because the ported barrel and muzzle brake are quoted differently by different sources.