Conversion Kit German Pistol

[kannonfyre]

I recently visited the local gun club and when I checked the buy/sell notice board, I saw something interesting. It was a notice that said:

For sale, 1 semi automatic pistol.
Brand: Erma Werke
Model: ES 85
Description: One lower receiver with two interchangeble upper receivers. One receiver chambered in .22LR and the other chambered in .32 S&W Long. Trigger is target grade, sights are adjustable and 2 10rd .22LR and 2 10rd .32 S&W magazines are included.
Condition: NRA Excellent
Asking price: US$460

A picture was also posted that I notice that the .32 S&W receiver was featured. On the sides was engraved ".32 S&W Long Wadcutter".

My questions are:

1) Has anyone heard of this manufacturer?
2) Does anyone here own this gun?
3) Is the asking price fair?
4) Does the markings on the .32 upper mean that ONLY wadcutters can be chambered? Or does it simply mean that the feed ramps have been designed to chamber wadcutters? If I buy this gun, can it accept .32 LRN rounds?

Lastly, if forced to use this piece for self protection, how is the penetration of .32 S&W Long wadcutters like at 15 meters? Please assume that the target is clad in summer clothing.

 

[Jim Watson]

1. Erma is an old German gun company. I don't think it is a first line maker but they have made decent guns for a long time.

2. I don't, therefore all my comments are based on reading and pictures.

3. The price looks good, if you really want it.

4. I suspect it is wadcutter only. Even .32 S&W Long RN is a pretty long cartridge for an auto.

Strangely enough, .32 S&W L wadcutters are actually loaded to higher velocity than the standard old roundnose. As to penetration, a lot of people will tell you to use .38 wadcutters for self defence, but in my opinion even they lack penetration.

I rather doubt it has a ten round magazine capacity in .32. Most target events are based on five shot strings and a magazine to handle more rimmed cartridges would be a challenge.

Since it is advertised locally, why not contact the owner and get a look at the gun? I would want to testfire an uncommon piece like that before buying.

 

[rudolf]

This is a Target shooting Pistol. It does not make sense to have it for self defense. In Germany, it is common to have a .22 and a .32 System with one Pistol as you can shoot two sport disciplines but only need the license for one pistol.

 

[kannonfyre]

Rudolf:

Have you ever seen a pistol of the same model as the one I described? Do their owners seem happy with them? Is Mr Watson correct in that the gun can only chamber .32 wadcutters and NOT .32 LRN?