Difference Hammerli 208 and the Hammerli Xesse?

Looks like the same pistol only with minor changes.

I have both a 208s and a Hammerli Trailside and as far as I can tell there's not much difference. The only difference I know of is that the Trailside doesn't have the two stage trigger like the 208. Now I don't know the difference between the Exesse and the Trailside so the Exesse may have a two stage like the 208. However I don't think there's much difference between the Trailside and Exesse.

Xesse does have an improved trigger that is easily a 2 stage. While the trailside is some what of a 2 stage. neither is as good as the 208. Xesse has a barrel liner and an improved trigger bar spring that the trailside lacks.

Better sights on the 208.

The trailside and xesse are less expensive versions of the 208.  meant to be  more of a sport pistol

You can find the disassembly diagram of 208s, Trailside and later Xesse easily and compare them. From the diagram, the major difference on 208s that can be seen is a fixed rear sight and more adjustment mechanism on trigger. And it has steel slide while Trailside and Xesse has aluminum slide. Trailside and Xesse are almost identical, except the barrel liner and trigger adjustments, but the trigger in Trailside can be easily upgraded by ordering new Xesse parts from Walther.

Below is the second stage plunger of Trailside (top) and Xesse (bottom), which share same thread and can be exchanged.

The major functional difference between 208s and Trailside /Xesse to me is the ability to adjust sear engagement. But as Larry has indicated, the sear engagement reduction in Trailside/Xesse can be done by stoning some of the radius away from the sear. I did it in my Trailside and very straight forward. The only thing you need to make sure is you have a factory sear as backup.

I like a Lot Hammerlis 208,208s, if you find a Good deal,buy.

You can also upgrade your trailside trigger with the xesse version.  The Xesse has a 1st stage weight adjustment just like Larrys trigger. Basically a set screw and spring.  Yes Larry's trigger feels better. More stable to me. Hopefully they still have some...but the Xesse is a less expensive alternative.