Other Walther Model 55 & SIG HAMMERILI 401 (420)

[pwcosol]

Well, thought I would post a couple more unusual air rifles while I am at them. The first is a Walther Mod 55 ... a beast of a air rifle to be sure! Found this one at the NGD show in Louisville, Ky. about six years back. Seal needs replacement but found some online info about how to make a work-around/replacement. From what I read, this is a pretty accurate air rifle. The massive stock really adds to the weight as well. BTW, if it reminds you of a violin, not surprising as the manufacturer made violins! I think this rifle runs no more than 400 fp. As such, it is closer to a zimmerstutzen for close-range use and punching holes in paper targets.

The other rifle is from the early 1970s. I guess it was an attempt to make a kind of pseudo-military arm for commercial sales in Europe and the USA. Can't recall the number, but think about 2000 were produced. Interestingly, one variant was made for the Euro/English market and had a greenish-black swirl stock. The faux mag box below the stock is just for looks. Unfortunately, the snap-on plastic buttplate has gone missing. The stocks are also a bit brittle as well. Again, this springer needs a new seal as well. Rifle is not actually mine, but haven't decided whether I will take it or not... depends on what my friend wants for it (he had been hinting at $200.)...

 

[MDriskill]

A lovely pair of classics, thanks for the pics!

The Hammerli is a bit outside my wheelhouse, but the Walther rifles are special. They absolutely dominated early post-war air rifle 10-meter competition. Walther's first post-war model was the LG 51 light sporter, whose basic architecture and powerplant, by way of gradually improved stocks, triggers, weights, and sights, evolved into the LG 53, LG 55, LGV, and LGV Spezial match guns. The Weihrauch HW 55 was a serious competitor, but really Walther was no. 1 until recoilless rifles from Anschutz, Diana, and Feinwerkbau came on the scene in the early 1960's.

The Tyrolean stock on your LG 55 makes it even more special, this was a pricey upgrade with a lot of hand work required. These work so well that they were deemed an unfair advantage, and banned from high-level 10-meter comps in the 1970's!

These guns will shoot much harder than 400 FPS though - if yours is this low you should "cease and desist" until you've checked it out. As with most target air rifles, they run in the high 500's / low 600's FPS range. Older LG 55's had leather piston seals, but later ones had nylon which will disintegrate to powder over time, and the LG 55's seal mounts to a fixed threaded stud on the piston which can wreak havoc when the seal fails.

 

[pwcosol]

Much appreciate your thought on both rifles. Regarding the LG55, have not shot this rifle as I knew the seal was bad when acquired. Had done some research a couple of years back and found this three-part blog on LG55 repair:

https://anotherairgunblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/walther-lg55-overhaul-part-1.html

https://anotherairgunblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/walther-lg55-takes-few-detours.html

https://anotherairgunblog.blogspot.com/2011_03_27_archive.html

I also recall some other article showing a greenish, completely disintegrated seal, but maybe it was on Pyramid Air's website. However, got a Sheridan Blue Streak I will take a swing at shortly. Not ready to take on the LG55, but am all ears for any pearls of wisdom anyone would care to send my way in that regards...