Which Hammerli is this?

I originally had this gun up for sale on the list a few days ago. I wasn't happy with what I thought was a single stage trigger. Tripscape had a dialogue with me about what this pistol actually was. I appreciate his honesty. Since it says "Hammerli International" I assumed it was a regular 208. Nowhere on the pistol does it say 208. I took it over to a friend that has two 208S's. After three full turns on the 1st stage weight increase it does  now have a two stage trigger equal to his 208S. I still would like to know what model it is. The serial# is 42535.

I believe either a 215S or 208S. With that trigger guard, definitely an "S" type...........

Just my opinion.

Ric

Not necessarily an S model since the trigger doesn't slide to adjust LOP. Some later 208/215 had 2 stage triggers but possibly not the slide feature. It's pretty confusing since they don't mark some well and there were some revisions within each individual part number. I've also never seen a SN dating guide. Luckily my 208S is clearly marked.

zanemoseley wrote:Not necessarily an S model since the trigger doesn't slide to adjust LOP. Some later 208/215 had 2 stage triggers but possibly not the slide feature. It's pretty confusing since they don't mark some well and there were some revisions within each individual part number. I've also never seen a SN dating guide. Luckily my 208S is clearly marked.

I didn't notice the trigger doesn't slide.......... I just never saw one with that shaped trigger guard that wasn't an "S".................

New one to me...........

Ric

Appears to be a late model 208/215 with a non adjustable LOP,  2 stage trigger, as Zane stated. Pic of the top strap or the serial number should allow you to identify the specific model for sure. The square guard was most likely added by a user, not factory. 

Dave

Comparing serial number to mine I tend to think, that this is rather earlier version of 208 (based on surface finish and trigger configuration). 

AP

Whoops. Just saw the serial number in the original post. Late model 208 for sure. Every 208 after serial number 40335 was a two stage trigger.

Dave

So the way I saw it is a late model 208 by the serial number. However, International designation was more common to 215. Some were made in 208, but rarely do you see a 208 International. Judging by the front sight configuration it is a 208. We also know iti s a 2 stage trigger, so a later model 208. Square guard could have been factory or added by the previous owner. I learned that the guard does not mean anything. Safety switch at the rear was more common to 215, as the 208 commonly had a rotary safety. What does all that mean? A rare config of 208

Could be an earlier slide on a later gun.

It is definitely a 208s or a 215 s. They were the only ones with square trigger guards.
Both are the same but the 208s had more finishing machining.
If you look carefully it should identify which one it is.
I have owned both and can give you a promise that it is one of the two.

I’m 99.999% certain this is a plain 208. Good evidence is that I have two in the safe. One is less than 100 serial numbers from this one.
One is exactly like this gun, meaning as someone also posted, a 208 with a “S” trigger guard and markings. Slide markings possibly depending on the importer. The guards were readily available back then. No other changes visible.

The barrel configuration is 208 not 215. the 215 has an integral ramp at the muzzle end that looks somewhat like an hour glass. This occurs on the barrel itself not to be confused with the sight ramp. I'd call it a 208 international. I currently shoot a 215 international with a 2 stage trigger. The 2 stage models have an adjustment screw in the trigger and through the top of the front of the mag well. You can adjust the second stage so it is a single stage if you prefer. Remember to use the molybdenum disulfide grease on the sear that Larry recommended as the hammer and sear are case hardened and have only a thin skin of hardened metal on the surface.... Hammerli parts are a little sparse these days. Great pistols, I shot my best rimfire score of 894 with one.

I had a 215s. The finish on the bbl and muzzle looks like a 215 as 208 s had a glossier finish. It doesn’t have the adjustable length of pull trigger. So it’s not an S. My guess 215