Hämmerli 206
Hämmerli · Pistol · Discontinued · 1962
Also known as: Hämmerli International 206, American Model 206
Overview
The Hämmerli 206, marked "International" on the slide, is a Swiss .22 rimfire semi-automatic target pistol produced by Hämmerli between 1962 and 1969. Chambered principally in .22 Long Rifle (with a .22 Short rapid-fire variant), it uses a straightforward blowback action and a roughly 180 mm barrel fitted with an integral muzzle brake to tame the already light recoil of the rimfire cartridge. Designed for precision bullseye and ISSF-style competition, it features fully adjustable target sights, an adjustable single-action target trigger, and hand-filling walnut thumbrest grips. The 206 sits at the head of Hämmerli's 200-series alongside the 207 and 208, prized by competitive shooters for its exceptional accuracy and refined Swiss craftsmanship.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
- .22 Short — also known as .22 Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Integral Muzzle Brake, Adjustable Sights, Walnut Thumbrest Grips, Adjustable Target Trigger, Match Grade Barrel
Variants
- Hämmerli 207 International - Adjustable Grips
Production
Production years: 1962-1969
Origin
Country of origin: Switzerland
Discontinued: 1969
Notes
Slides are stamped "International" rather than a numeric model designation; the 206 differs from the near-identical 207 chiefly in its thumbrest grips versus the 207's adjustable anatomical grips. Sold in the US as the "American Model 206." Also offered in a .22 Short rapid-fire "Olympia" configuration. Barrel length is variously reported as 7 1/16 in to 7.5 in including the compensator.
Background
The 206 wears only the word "International" on its slide - Hämmerli never stamped the 206, 207 or 208 numbers on the guns themselves, so the model number lives only in the factory catalogue, which has fuelled decades of collector debate over which pistol is which.