Hämmerli 230

About the Hämmerli 230

The Hämmerli 230 is a Swiss semi-automatic target pistol chambered in .22 Short, built by Hämmerli AG of Lenzburg specifically for the ISSF 25 metre rapid fire pistol event. Its blowback action feeds from a shallow five-round detachable magazine sized for the short rimfire cartridge, and the ported barrel vents gas forward through a compensator to hold the muzzle down during the rapid five-shot strings. The pistol combines a lightweight aluminium-alloy receiver with a heavy steel barrel assembly, an adjustable two-stage target trigger, adjustable open sights, and anatomical walnut grips with a thumb rest and optional balancing weights. Produced from 1970 to 1983 in the 230-1 and 230-2 forms, it was ultimately superseded by the more compact Hämmerli 232.

Chambered in the diminutive .22 Short, the 230 was a purpose-built rapid-fire duelling pistol whose barrel was drilled with gas ports that bled toward the muzzle to tame recoil across the sport's frantic four-, six- and eight-second strings.

Hämmerli 230 specifications

The 230's forward-venting gas ports fouled quickly in competition use, which prompted Hämmerli to replace it with the shorter, conventionally-ported Model 232. The magazine is too shallow to accept .22 Long Rifle, so the design is dedicated to the .22 Short rapid-fire cartridge.