Hammerli Puma 496 model 3

[gingernut]

I bought this rifle at Bisley last week.
I think I have the right model but there are no markings on it except Hammerli.

It is a sidelever tap loader in .177 built in the early 70s with an underslung full length barrel weight.
It does around 10 ft lbs and I guess it is a match rifle rather than a sporter.

After a little tlc and a zeroing session it cloverleafs at 10m with an occasional same hole shot.
Likes Gamo Match pellets and happy to bash cans at 35 yards too.

I am not normally keen on sidelevers but this is very nice to use and is going to have a stock refurb soon.
No point in messing with internals.

Anyone else got one?
And any tips and info appreciated.

[18 Wheeler]

...I think I have the right model but there are no markings on it except Hammerli...
...And any tips and info appreciated.

You're close with the model number. According to Walter (The Airgun Book, 1st Ed. p73) the model designators work like this:

Old designator (new designator in brackets)

-Puma M494 (M1) fixed sights
-Puma M495 (M2) adj. sporter rear sight and tunnel front sight
-Puma M496 (M3) As model 494 but with under barrel weight
-Puma M490 (M4) as model 495 but with under barrel weight
-Puma M497 (M10) micro adj. rear aperture sight and adj. buttpad.

So it is one or the other, but not both. Yours would be either a M496 or M490 (M3 or M4!) depending on the sights fitted and the date of production.

This Airgunaid advert (Jan 1980) would appear to confirm the use of the above naming convention.

Walter adds that the Puma name was dropped following complaints from the well known german knife maker who use that brand.

HTH

[gingernut]

I will go for M3.
Although the rear sight has vertical adjuster and you tap it for left right adjustment.
Not as posh as the one in the advert.

[frakor]

I bought this rifle at Bisley last week.
I think I have the right model but there are no markings on it except Hammerli.

It is a sidelever tap loader in .177 built in the early 70s with an underslung full length barrel weight.
It does around 10 ft lbs and I guess it is a match rifle rather than a sporter.

After a little tlc and a zeroing session it cloverleafs at 10m with an occasional same hole shot.
Likes Gamo Match pellets and happy to bash cans at 35 yards too.

I am not normally keen on sidelevers but this is very nice to use and is going to have a stock refurb soon.
No point in messing with internals.

Anyone else got one?
And any tips and info appreciated.

yes I have got one. :-0





and some others.



------------------------------------
Frank

[gingernut]

Mine has more basic sights than yours but otherwise the same.
Doubt many came to the UK.
Thanks to you both ,chaps.

[fat man]

Have the model 2, its not powerul but boy is it accurate, enjoy a classic but watch out for the sideleaver has the early ones had no anti beartrap and could be " difficult" wenn loading- watch youre fingers Have an article in the files circa 1979/80 advert offering them for sale Eddie Barbers Airgunaid, I can copy if any ones intrested. Pm me if you are.

[gingernut]

The Blue Book gives a finger warning!
But as you cock it and return the lever before loading I cant see a real problem.
Unless I am missing something?
Hopefully not digits.

[flatrajectory]

Patrick,
MarkD is mr.Hammerli, what he doesn't know about them isn't worth knowing,at least in relation to the co2 powered models.
Pete.

[I. J.]

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Airs...ml?sort=6&o=39

I feel the safest way to load is it to cock i then open the rotary tap. This way if the piston sear did fail the piston would return slowly.

HTH
Ian

[gc93]

yes I have got one. :-0





and some others.



------------------------------------
Frank

hi Frank an old post but---. researching an airgun I have and came across your old thread about them , I have what im led to believe ? a prototype or pre-production model 1. have you whatsapp or email addy I could send a few pictures for your thoughts if you are interested , regards "gc93"

[frakor]

Yes, I would like to see some pics of your rifle. :-)
My email is easy, just click on my name and you can send me a email.

================
Frank

[gc93]

hi sent a few.....