Erma ESP 85A
title: "Erma ESP 85A" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["erma-werke-firearms", "semi-automatic-pistols-of-germany", ".32-s&w-long-firearms", ".22-lr-pistols"] topic_path: "geography/germany" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erma_ESP_85A" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="infobox weapon"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Erma ESP 85A |
| image | Erma ESP 85 A.png |
| origin | Germany |
| type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| is_ranged | yes |
| designer | Stuart N. Lake |
| manufacturer | Erma |
| production_date | 1988–1994 |
| weight | 40 oz |
| length | 10 in |
| part_length | 6 in |
| cartridge | .22 LR, .32 S&W Long |
| feed | 8-round magazine (.22 LR) |
| 5-round magazine (.32 S&W Long) | |
| sights | Interchangeable blade front sight, micrometer fully adjustable read. |
| :: |
| name = Erma ESP 85A | image = Erma ESP 85 A.png | caption = | origin = Germany | type = Semi-automatic pistol | is_ranged = yes | service = | used_by = | wars = | designer = Stuart N. Lake | design_date = | manufacturer = Erma | unit_cost = | production_date = 1988–1994 | number = | variants = | spec_label = | weight = 40 oz | length = 10 in | part_length = 6 in | cartridge = .22 LR, .32 S&W Long | cartridge_weight = | caliber = | barrels = | action = | rate = | velocity = | range = | max_range = | feed = 8-round magazine (.22 LR) 5-round magazine (.32 S&W Long) | sights = Interchangeable blade front sight, micrometer fully adjustable read. The ESP 85A is a target pistol produced by the German firearms company Erma.
Mainly used as a sporting arm, it is also found in service with security companies. It is available in two calibers, .22 LR (the preferred sporting or target model) and .32 S&W Long (7.65x23mm).
There is a difference between models marked ESP85 and ESP85A. Both versions could have been had with either the 100 mm (4-inch) or 153 mm (6-inch) barrel. There is even a shorter version, where the barrel flushes with the forward front of the slide. Some models, probably the ESP85, have a longer trigger bar than the ESP85A, and also with a different placed disconnector-notch in the slide. These part do not interchange.
The ESP85 also has a simpler, all-steel trigger, whereas the ESP85A has a forward-rearward adjustable plastic-steel trigger.
The feeding ramp between the ESP85 and ESP85A is also a bit different. While one may attach the barrel to the frame, the trigger will not work, because rearward movement will stop against the feeding-ramp. But a usable conversion can be made with the help of a gunsmith.
Although the precision is on par with any top-notch target pistols, the high bore axis will increase felt recoil, and doesn't lend itself to ISSF rapid-fire matches. Reliability-problems are usually not an issue with these guns.
Other drawbacks are the simple trigger mechanism. It has a similar design to the other pocket-sized pistols of Erma. The Erma needs frequently cleaning in the trigger area, especially with the .22 version, since primer/gunpowder residue and bullet wax will make the trigger somewhat gritty and uneven.
Since the Erma has a magazine-grip, it has its limitations when it comes to grip-modifications. Shooters with stubby fingers will have problems reaching the trigger with the appropriate 90-degree angle. The grip-angle is somewhat shallow and outdated compared to new high-class pistols, meaning that the shooter must use more muscles to get a good shot.
Its strength lies in the somewhat sloppy fitting between slide and frame, securing reliability even after 2000 rounds without cleaning.
The ESP 85 is 255 mm long with a 153 mm barrel, and features single-action operation. It weighs 1140 g empty, and the magazine capacity is eight rounds. ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Erma_85A_with_red_dot_sight.jpg" caption="ERMA 85 ESP with custom red dot installed"] ::
References
References
- Peterson, Philip. "Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900 to Present".
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