Hammerli pistol wanted

[markkeogh]

Does anyone have an opinion on Hammerli AP20 pistols?
My daughter is 13 and really enjoying 10m target with her Weihrauch HW40 and getting very good grouping but I think to keep the interest going a more suitable weapon is required.
Having looked around the Hammerli seems the best option for her age and has the ability to improve her skill level further so if anyone has one I could be interested in buying.
I have seen forum comments that they go for around the £400 to £450 mark.
Is that about right as I cannot find a sale to reference from?
Cheers
Mark

[Rutty]

We bought one as a club gun and a member bought one. The weak point of these air pistols is the fact that the cylinder and body threads are very fine and alloy to alloy. They require a lot of care to avoid cross threading and damage. If damage does occur, debris can easily enter the body of the piastol. The cylinder seal is prone to damage and although very easily replaced; they supply quite a few spares!; it is annoying. Both pistols required new cylinders after a fairly short time. I also have reservations about the cylinder valve sytem. All in all it is a pity because the AP20 is otherwise a good improver air pistol. If you bought one secondhand I would be prepared to have to buy a new cylinder.

Personally I wouldn't recommend that you buy one, unless it was very very cheap. I think that you could do much better for £400-450.

Rutty

[markkeogh]

We bought one as a club gun and a member bought one. The weak point of these air pistols is the fact that the cylinder and body threads are very fine and alloy to alloy. They require a lot of care to avoid cross threading and damage. If damage does occur, debris can easily enter the body of the piastol. The cylinder seal is prone to damage and although very easily replaced; they supply quite a few spares!; it is annoying. Both pistols required new cylinders after a fairly short time. I also have reservations about the cylinder valve sytem. All in all it is a pity because the AP20 is otherwise a good improver air pistol. If you bought one secondhand I would be prepared to have to buy a new cylinder.

Personally I wouldn't recommend that you buy one, unless it was very very cheap. I think that you could do much better for £400-450.

Rutty

Thanks Rutty,
what else is there in the field of target pistols that would suit a junior more as so far I can only find these pistols?

[Rutty]

Top of the list has to be a Steyr LP2 Compact or failing that any compact (or equivalent) from FWB, Morini, Walther. They might cost a bit more but would be a much better investment in all respects.

Rutty

[SteveR]

Top of the list has to be a Steyr LP2 Compact or failing that any compact (or equivalent) from FWB, Morini, Walther. They might cost a bit more but would be a much better investment in all respects.

Rutty

I totally agree with Rutty, and would add that if you buy one of the above, they tend to keep their value, so even if your daughters interest slips, you aren't going to lose much if anything if you come to sell it.

[markkeogh]

I totally agree with Rutty, and would add that if you buy one of the above, they tend to keep their value, so even if your daughters interest slips, you aren't going to lose much if anything if you come to sell it.

I can't really afford the Hammerli price tag to be honest so going higher is not an option I'm afraid.