Hammerli Trailside onwer, need your input .

[newbie1234]

Thinking to acquire a Hammerli Trailside , I have some questions to ask Hammerli owners.

(1) How much is Hammerli Trailside better than Ruger Mark II Target Model, Browning Buckmark Contour and High Standard Sport King .

(2) You aces shoot your Hammerli with CCI mini-mag or something better or just bulk ammo.

(3) Is this worth to get the metal trigger kit (aruond $200 from Larry guns)

Edit : How about the rear sight, fix rear sight is OK or must have adjustable rear sight.

Best Regards.

[rimfire11]

I got a Trailside Standard with the 6" barrel this year and really like it. The extras I got from Larry's were:
-the metal trigger kit, based off of other internet recommendations
-2 extra magazines
-Rink stippled wood grips w/ thumb rest
-95g Barrel weight for the 6" X-Esse/Trailside. To replace the factory plastic piece
1-Xesse Accuracy, for me...of course, is a little better than my Ruger MKIII Target with VQ trigger, and about the same as my S&W 41. Grip angle is close to the 41.

2-If you'e buying a higher end rimfire pistol for accuracy then I would recommend doing the same with your ammo. Since you, practically speaking, won't be reloading 22LRs then buy the better quality/more consistent ammo. Even if you do buy the mid grade SV ammo, you'll still need to find which one your pistol prefers. Of course, you can buy whatever you want and maybe you'll find a HV round or bulk round your Xesse shoots well with. I shoot CCI SV, SK Std Plus/Wolf Match Target, SK Rifle Match/Wolf Match Extra or Eley Target with my Xesse and 41.
3- Since I've never used the plastic trigger I can't comment. I got the metal trigger because others on the internet have said that they were glad they switched to it.

-Biggest differences between the Xesse and my Mark III and 41 are:
1-Weight: The Xesse is noticeably lighter.
2-Recoil: Since the Xesse is lighter you feel the recoil more, even if it's only 22LR.
3-Trigger: The Xesse has a 2 stage trigger. This takes a little getting used to, but I really like the feel. For one thing, it helps remind me to slow down and focus on a slow steady trigger pull.
4-Rear Sights: The Xesse has the rear sights on the slide, and the other two don't.
Hope this helps
....It is very easy to insert snapcaps or empty 22LR cases into the Xesse for dry fire practicing.

[k1dude]

-Biggest differences between the Xesse and my Mark III and 41 are:
1-Weight: The Xesse is noticeably lighter.
2-Recoil: Since the Xesse is lighter you feel the recoil more, even if it's only 22LR.
3-Trigger: The Xesse has a 2 stage trigger. This takes a little getting used to, but I really like the feel. For one thing, it helps remind me to slow down and focus on a slow steady trigger pull.
4-Rear Sights: The Xesse has the rear sights on the slide, and the other two don't.
Hope this helps
....It is very easy to insert snapcaps or empty 22LR cases into the Xesse for dry fire practicing.

Of the 3, which do you prefer? I'm trying to decide between the Xesse and the 41.

[Barbarosa]

I've got the Trailside, Ruger and High Standard. I use the Trailside more than the others because it seems to be more reliable with ammo than the other two - not to say the others are problematic but the Trailside just seems a little better.

I have never had a problem with the stock trigger and see no reason to upgrade. I don't think you could go wrong between either the Trailside or S&W 41, except everyone has a 41. If you want to stand out from the rest get the Trailside.

[rimfire11]

Of the 3, which do you prefer? I'm trying to decide between the Xesse and the 41.

That's a tough one, and as of today I wouldn't sell any of them. I would agree with Barbarosa that you would probably be happy with either the Xesse or 41. Since I sprung the Xesse from jail I also use it more than the other two, and it could be that it's just newer than the other two.
For me:
-The Xesse is less finicky with different SV ammo than my 41.
-Both the Xesse and 41 are very easy to take apart and clean.
-Much, much easier to insert empty 22LR cases into the Xesse than the 41 for practice.
-Some people like the rear sight to NOT be on the slide, like the 41, so they can keep their sights on-target better after a shot. This may bother me sometime in the future, but not now as I slow fire paper targets.
-I like the ambidextrous raised thumb rest on the Xesse for 1 and 2 handed shooting.
-I like the ambidextrous raised thumb rest on the 41 better for 1 handed shooting than the Xesse.
-I do not like the ambidextrous raised thumb rest on the 41 for 2 handed shooting. The thumb rest on the 41 is higher in height than the Xesse and comes to a ridge, and since I mostly shoot 2 handed, I use the Xesse more. Maybe my 2 handed grip is off, but I don't like feeling the ridge of the thumb rest of the 41 under my trigger finger. I did buy another pair of 41 wood grips to play with the height and shape of the thumb rest on the trigger finger side, but I haven't gotten around to working on it yet.
All of that to say what Barbarosa and I said, either one would be great, but I am using the Xesse more.

[gunprofit]

I own Ruger Mk I's, Ruger MkII's, and a Ruger MkIII. Also own S&W 41 old model with 8" barrel and flash hider and a newer one with 5" barrel. Own a 6" Trailside. Own Browning International Medalist, Browning Challenger I, Browning Nomad, and on and on. I love 22 pistols and rifles. Which one do I like the most? Very very hard question to answer. I certainly do like the Trailside. It is a shooter! Very reliable and very accurate. There is no wrong choice between the Trailside and the S&W 41. Both are great guns. Of course, the S&W is going to be more expensive. For me, and only me, if I had to have only one, I would go for the S&W Model 41. Reasons would be better trigger out of the box. Better sights and mounted in a location not affecting accuracy. Lot of upgrades for the S&W 41.

Yes, if I could have just one between the Trailside and the S&W 41, it would definitely be the Model 41.

[k1dude]

Ugh. The 41 has been unobtainium for years. I prefer the sights not to move. So I guess I have to keep looking and waiting for the unicorn.

[mrboma]

Thinking to acquire a Hammerli Trailside , I have some questions to ask Hammerli owners.

(1) How much is Hammerli Trailside better than Ruger Mark II Target Model, Browning Buckmark Contour and High Standard Sport King .

Better trigger stands out to me.

(2) You aces shoot your Hammerli with CCI mini-mag or something better or just bulk ammo.

I do NOT shoot HV in my Trailside. SV only. Read the manual.
CCI Std. and Aguila Extra SV.

(3) Is this worth to get the metal trigger kit (aruond $200 from Larry guns)

No, the trigger is adjustable as is. Mine is a nice sub #3. Spend the $200 on a Burris FFIII and find your local Steel Challenge Match.

Best Regards.

Your not going to go wrong with either pistol (Trailside vs. S&W41). I have ALWAYS been in the market for a 41, just haven't found my unicorn yet either.

Since this picture I have added the 165gram barrel weight. Looking forward to Sunday's Steel Challenge with the new weight up front. It sure feels like it's not going to recoil at all.



Regards,
Mike

[bsg]

I own Ruger Mk I's, Ruger MkII's, and a Ruger MkIII. Also own S&W 41 old model with 8" barrel and flash hider and a newer one with 5" barrel. Own a 6" Trailside. Own Browning International Medalist, Browning Challenger I, Browning Nomad, and on and on. I love 22 pistols and rifles. Which one do I like the most? Very very hard question to answer. I certainly do like the Trailside. It is a shooter! Very reliable and very accurate. There is no wrong choice between the Trailside and the S&W 41. Both are great guns. Of course, the S&W is going to be more expensive. For me, and only me, if I had to have only one, I would go for the S&W Model 41. Reasons would be better trigger out of the box. Better sights and mounted in a location not affecting accuracy. Lot of upgrades for the S&W 41.

Yes, if I could have just one between the Trailside and the S&W 41, it would definitely be the Model 41.

thanks for your input and that of the other contributors on this thread. i'd be happy to own the Trailside and/or S&W 41.

[k1dude]

Is Larry's the only place in the US you can buy a Trailside?

[mrboma]

Is Larry's the only place in the US you can buy a Trailside?

k1,

No they are not, but you'll have to really look around for one.
Mine was bought new in 07' from AZ Sports in ID.
Larry's bought most of the parts up for the Trailside/X-esse line and is one of the few that service and carry accessories. I have had nothing but good dealings with them. If you find another please drop me a PM.

Regards,
Mike

[softmentor]

don't own a Ruger have shot one 1 time, it was ok
don't own a Buckmark, have shot a couple of models, and like them. I put them in league with my Beretta Neos. Not in the same league as Trailside
shot a High standard one time one round and the slide slice and the resulting bleeding cured me of ever wanting one of those
don't own a 41 but it is way high on my list. have shot them and love them
have owned 3 Trailsides, 2 4" and 1 6". all were stock with stock grips and trigger. amazingly accurate. I could drill a target the size of a quarter at 15 yards (almost.. 44 feet actually the length of the bay at my club) all day long
CCI mini-mag is not the round for the trailside. You want a slower sub-sonic round of target quality. I shot mostly Green Tag (from CCI) also a lot of Norma TAC 22 and Norma Match. Tried Wolf match, just went with the other for no particular reason.
The stock trigger on the Trailside is good, not amazing, but the barrel and chamber are genuine match grade. A good 2 stage trigger is n-i-c-e!! You will soon love taking the first stage out, then when you're ready, letting the second break like a vacuum into space. The first time you "get it" and have that experience, you will sigh with satisfaction and have a lingering smile on your face.
grips? Pay your money, take your choice. Grips are very personal as to what you like. If you are serious shooter, you will wind up modifying a couple of sets till you tune in what you like. If you like shooting well with a great gun on a reasonable budget, the stock trigger and stock grips do just fine.
definitely a step up from Buckmark and Ruger in my never to be humble opinion.
I consider the Trailside the high end target gun for middle class America. Way more gun than the price tag would tell.

[rimfire11]

K1,
I also had a very good experience with Larry's. The lady I spoke to on the phone was very knowledgeable and pleasant.
Champchoice also sells the Trailside

http://www.champchoice.com/store/Main.aspx?p=ItemDetailOptions&item=2742752

It doesn't look like they are as "flexible" with options as Larry's.
OBTW, Champchoice has been a great place for me to buy SV 22LR.

[k1dude]

Thanks for the info everyone. Now I just have to figure out how to sneak a $1,000 purchase past my wife.

[igorts]

Here is mine, with some upgrades.
Get one if you can...


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