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Reliability hacks for the Hammerli 208s

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JHHolliday
gwhite
chiz1180
Dcforman
DA/SA
Drawman623
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Reliability hacks for the Hammerli 208s Empty Reliability hacks for the Hammerli 208s

Post by Drawman623 Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:01 pm

Im a new 208s owner.

I’ve stopped competing with this amazing pistol because of function issues.  Rounds not firing (light hits) seems the predominant issue.  Feeding is fine, extraction is fine. 

To the Hammerli shooters out there, what are your moves to improve reliability?

Reliability hacks for the Hammerli 208s Img_0010

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Post by DA/SA Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:36 pm

Mine is 100 %

Never had any reliability issues other than a few CCI SV rounds that don't ignite.

Have you replaced the main spring and cleaned the chamber?

If so, look at the breech face for a firing pin dimple from dry firing without protection.
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Post by Dcforman Sun Jan 05, 2025 8:42 pm

DA/SA wrote:
Have you replaced the main spring and cleaned the chamber?

+1. Dirty chamber and/or weak recoil spring can result in the round not fully seating. Impact from firing pin is absorbed by the full seating of the round, with not enough oomph to actually set it off. Plunk test will give you some good feedback. With barrel removed, rounds should fall into the chamber and fully seat.

Dave

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Post by chiz1180 Sun Jan 05, 2025 9:10 pm

Highest probability is dirty chamber, followed by a spring issue, slightest of a firing pin issue. This is true for most all target 22s. Think of a 208 as an old bmw or mercedes, if they are maintained they are quite nice. If they are neglected they will let you know.
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Post by gwhite Sun Jan 05, 2025 9:13 pm

REALLY cleaning the chamber (especially if the previous owner let crud build up and fossilize) is not a quick scrub & you're done endeavor.  See:

Have You REALLY Cleaned Your Chamber?

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Post by JHHolliday Sun Jan 05, 2025 9:50 pm

Agree with all of the above.  And after you really clean the chamber (and probably change the mainspring), try Norma Tac-22.  It runs very reliably in my 208s - better than Aguila or CCI.
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Post by Drawman623 Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:26 pm

Reliability hacks for the Hammerli 208s Img_5210
chiz1180 wrote:Highest probability is dirty chamber, followed by a spring issue, slightest of a firing pin issue. This is true for most all target 22s. Think of a 208 as an old bmw or mercedes, if they are maintained they are quite nice. If they are neglected they will let you know.

Your analogy is on point. Sold my old AMG to a buddy to fund an older M Coupe. 

Dirty chamber was my conclusion too, but a dry fire dimple could be a possibility too. I have a replacement spring to rule out that issue and lubrication will be improved as well

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Post by joeangi Sun Jan 05, 2025 10:27 pm

Just went through the exact same issue with my 208. It wound up taking a combination approach. The chamber was cleaned and scrubbed, a new firing pin and spring fitted. I also changed the main spring. My 208 is not an “S” model and getting the right springs was an issue, but all said and done, it has been performing flawlessly with Cci SV.

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Post by TampaTim Sun Jan 05, 2025 11:01 pm

Rack the slide back and look to see if the firing pin end is mushroomed. Years ago, there were some poorly heat-treated firing pins. If it is just replace it. I agree with most comments about the dirty chamber carbon ring will cause misfires. When the chamber is clean a round will drop in completely to the rim and will fall out when the gun is pointed up.

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Post by Blazin Mon Jan 06, 2025 4:01 am

Agree with all of the above. Mine also requires frequent brushing of the slide face and breechface; I often find debris in the firing pin channel, and gunk on the breechface. Also, I had to give up on CCI SV; I now run Fiocchi Range Dynamics for practice and leagues, and SK in matches. SK has been 100%. I've been wanting to try S&B Club. Good luck!

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Post by mspingeld Mon Jan 06, 2025 6:59 am

Reliability hacks for the Hammerli 208s Img_5912

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Post by mspingeld Mon Jan 06, 2025 7:00 am

Old firing pin on the left. Once changed, problems went away. (although CCI isn't it's favorite)

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Post by Drawman623 Mon Jan 06, 2025 8:29 am

Thank you all for providing info and putting me on the path here.
All insights taken on board and appreciated.

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