Hammerli Force B1 Rifle

It has been said that .22LR rifles are a gateway drug to the rest of the firearms world. As a long-time shooter, I can confirm this. Getting new shooters on the range with a 22 is the best way to introduce them to firearms. This is especially true if they are upper-level, precise rifles. A rifle that fits that category is the new Hamerli Force B1.

Hammerli isn’t exactly a household name here in the United States. In Europe, however, they are a mainstay. They have been building guns since 1863 and are known for their precision air rifles and 22s. Walther now owns them and has been making their US presence known. The B1 is a straight-pull, biathlon-style, .22 Long Rifle-chambered rifle with a few unique features that make it an attractive rimfire option. While it comes to us from across the pond, it has some familiar features.

Hammerli Force B1 Rifle

First, it uses Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines for feeding. Upon closer inspection, you will see a small plate attached to the end of the magazine. That is because the magazine well is sized for both 22LR as well as .22 WMR-length rotary magazines. Hammerli makes an adapter that slips onto the back of .22 LR rotary magazines to allow them to fit into the same space. Another familiar face is the trigger. The B1 uses a Ruger 10/22 trigger. This gives you the opportunity to switch it out should you choose. I found the trigger in the gun to run well.

Quick Change Barrel

To facilitate shooting 22WMR, the B1 is designed with a quick-change barrel. It is a unique, spring-loaded locking collar that is not unlike a quick-disconnect hose fitting that enables barrels to slip into and out of the action quickly and easily. This not only allows users to change out different barrel lengths and profiles, but it also allows for easy caliber interchangeability, and the Force B1 launches initially with a .22 Long Rifle and .22 WMR barrels. The bolt is a biathlon-style handle extending from the action’s side. Also called a “toggle” action, it is designed as a short stroke, horizontal motion. The handle is large enough to get several fingers on it, and the motion is smooth. It was a bit odd initially, but I had mastered it in short order and could run the action quickly.

Unique Adjustable Stock

The stock on the gun is unique as well. Pressing a button on the back of the stock allows us to choose six different lengths of pull. There is also a rubber insert on the top of the stock. This insert can be taken out and inverted, giving us an elevated cheek riser. A QD swivel cup sits at the toe of the stock, just ahead of the recoil pad. The forend has four MLOK slots to support a bipod or other items. Optics can be mounted on the 15-slot Picatinny rail machined integrally into the receiver top. There are no iron sights. The .22 LR-chambered barrel measures 16″ and is threaded ½-28 TPI for suppressor compatibility, and it comes with a nicely knurled thread protector. Hammerli says it will thread all additional barrels for the Force B1.

Range Proven

My range session would use a mix of CCI 40gr Clean 22 subsonic, CCI 40gr lead round nose, and CCI 22 High-velocity poly coated. Each ran well, but the sub-sonic paired with the Nosler suppressor better. While I have indeed shot a 22 rifle at 100 yards, I decided to shoot groups at 25 yards. My best group was just at .95 on an inch with the high-velocity poly-coated rounds. The toggle-style action was smooth and worked well. It takes a bit to get a smooth stroke, but in short order, it was flying. The trigger was good and broke cleanly. Once my groups were complete, I stretched my legs on this gun. I have steel at 50 and 75 yards. Each became child’s play once my scope was adjusted. It never ceases to amaze me just how fast you can shoot through several hundred rounds of 22.

While a few hundred rounds are not a true endurance test, I believe the gun is a winner. It is accurate, light, and feature-rich. One of the best things about the gun is the price. At under $650.00, it is a lot of gun for the money. It is a solid gun for plinking and even varmint control. If you are looking for a new 22 that can jump to 22 WMR, take a hard look at the Force B1.

For more details, visit hammerliarms.com.