Hämmerli 201
Hämmerli · Pistol · Discontinued · 1952
Also known as: Hämmerli-Walther Olympia 201, Model 201 Olympia
Overview
The Hämmerli 201 is a Swiss semi-automatic target pistol chambered in .22 Short, part of the Hämmerli-Walther Olympia series built in Lenzburg from 1952 under license from the Walther Model 1936 Olympia design. Configured for the rapid-fire discipline, this variant pairs a long heavy target barrel fitted with a removable muzzle brake and a lightweight alloy slide to cut reciprocating mass and keep the muzzle flat between shots. The simple fixed-barrel blowback action, single-action trigger, and adjustable target sights made the Olympia line one of the dominant competition pistols of the 1950s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1080 g (38.1 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Short · primary — also known as .22 Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Adjustable Rear Sight, Target Grips, Heavy Target Barrel, Lightweight Alloy Slide
Production
Production years: 1952-1963
Produced by Hämmerli-Walther in Lenzburg, Switzerland as part of the 200-series Olympia target pistols.
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Designer: Fritz Walther
Discontinued: 1963
Notes
The actual Model 201 example documented at auction carries a 9.5-inch (241 mm) barrel in .22 Short with a removable factory muzzle brake. Weight is taken from the 200-series Olympia figure of roughly 38 oz; magazine capacity and other minor dimensions are unconfirmed for this specific variant.
Background
After World War II, Hämmerli acquired the rights to Walther's medal-winning 1936 Olympia pistol and reintroduced it in 1952 as the Swiss-built 200 series - the same lineage that won five gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and later influenced the Smith & Wesson Model 41.