Hämmerli 210

About the Hämmerli 210

The Hämmerli 210 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 209, it was purpose-designed for the 25 m Olympic rapid-fire event, where five-shot strings against turning targets demand a fast-cycling, low-recoil action. A row of adjustable 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 210 is distinguished from the 209 by its fully adjustable orthopaedic grip and palm rest, letting a shooter tailor the fit for consistent hold and sight recovery. 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 210's ported barrel and muzzle brake exist purely to tame recoil enough to make that possible.

Hämmerli 210 specifications

International rapid-fire target pistol; approximately 1,676 units produced. Distinguished from the Model 209 by its adjustable grip and palm rest. Some sources list barrel/overall dimensions with the ported barrel and muzzle brake, so figures vary slightly between listings.