REVIEW: Testing the Straight-Pull Hammerli Force B1 Rimfire Rifle

Shooting guns isn’t always the most affordable hobby one can have, but when you find something that is affordable, reliable, accurate, and fun to shoot, you have found yourself a winning combination sure to become a favorite amongst your collection. When it comes to that list of qualities one seeks in a new gun, the Hammerli Force B1 checks all the boxes, appealing to shooters of all disciplines.

Hammerli Force B1

While straight-pull bolt-action rifles aren’t exactly considered a mainstream platform, they offer speed and stability that many may prefer over a standard bolt action. This firearm style is often sought after by those competing in PRS, KYL, or even Biathlon competitors as they permit quick cycling and superior accuracy. Paying homage to the tried-and-true Ruger 10/22, the Force, also chambered in .22 LR, utilizes the same rotary-style magazines, great news for anyone looking to pick up a few spares as these are easily found online or at your local gun shop.

If you have never spent time behind the trigger of a straight pull, it will not feel natural at first, and you’ll most likely find your fingers fumbling a bit. Stick with it though, and in no time flat you’ll quickly get used to the intuitive nature and quickness it brings. After each shot, simply pull the handle back to the rear to eject the spent brass, then maneuver it forward to chamber a fresh round.

Think back to the last time you worked a standard bolt-action rifle and try to remember how you rotated the bolt upwards and to the rear, then forward and down in between each shot. Did you do so light-handedly, or did you do so assertively and with purpose? Feathering the bolt on any straight pull is a recipe for creating a jam. Operate it like any other classic bolt for a snag-free range session. Once you’ve run through your 10 rounds, simply utilize the extended magazine release to drop the empty magazine with ease and toss in a fresh one all without removing your cheek from the stock.

Quick-Change Barrel System

One of the unique things about the Force B1 is the quick-change barrel design Hammerli worked into its construction. This system will allow you to easily swap between .22 LR and .22 WMR barrels. This feature is a favorite amongst those looking to do a bit of varmint hunting. Speaking of customization, should you not be a fan of the stock trigger and want something a bit lighter, simply swap it out with your preferred 10/22 aftermarket bang-switch. Luckily, at such an affordable price point, you don’t have to feel bad about doing a little DIY customization work on your new rifle.

Additional customization options that can be found, free of charge of course, include an adjustable length of pull, adjustable comb, and a variety of attachment points for slings, accessories, and more. Mounting an optic is simple, courtesy of the Picatinny rail sitting up top. Moving on down to the barrel, you’ll find that it is threaded and ready to accept your favorite .22 suppressor. If you haven’t shot .22 suppressed, you don’t know what you’re missing!

Rounds Downrange

Range day rolled around, and the weather was hotter than ever with temperatures in the mid-90s and no breeze. Before heading out, we took advantage of the Force’s threaded barrel and installed a Pluto Micro courtesy of Mercy Firearms. Resembling the suppressor version of a fun-size candy bar you’d get at Halloween, it measures a mere 2.5 inches in length and weighs a feather-light 1.5 ounces. After threading this can directly onto our barrel, it was time to send some rounds downrange. When testing anything suppressed, I always enjoy taking a shot into the dirt before shooting steel or paper targets. The sound of a .22 caliber bullet hitting dirt is typically the loudest part of the firing process. The Pluto Micro did not disappoint and provided a much-appreciated respite from the supersonic rounds being tested hours prior.

Lastly, we topped the Force B1 with a Bushnell Elite 4500 2.5-10×40, placed securely within a set of Talley Modern Sporting Rings. These rings are CNC machined from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, lightweight, and easily installed on your gun’s Picatinny rail system. This riflescope was chosen as it provided a magnification range well suited for both varmint hunting as well as shooting a traditional woods walk or KYL course. I prefer a simpler, cleaner reticle, so the Multi-X featured in this optic was a great fit.

Ammo Tested

The ammunition chosen for testing included CCI’s 45-grain Suppressor, Winchester’s Subsonic 42 Max 42-grain, and Browning’s 37-grain BPR. At a distance of 100 yards, we shot group after group in the afternoon heat. 22 Long Rifle is a finicky round, with some rifles loving one brand while another rifle will produce groups you’d be embarrassed to show a buddy. Being a brand-new rifle and not having seen many rounds through it, I was fairly pleased to see our results. At the top of the leaderboard was CCI with an average group size of 1.5 inches. Bringing up the rear, but not by much and resulting in an almost near tie, were Browning and Winchester with average group sizes of 2.4 inches and 2.5 inches, respectively. Each ammo type ran flawlessly through the Force B1, as long as I didn’t short-stroke the bolt and worked the straight pull as intended.

Fully intending to do some small-game hunting with this rifle, I took a few parting shots at the cottontail target on our woods walk, courtesy of Atlas Target Works. Available in 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch AR500, this target measures 8×7-5/8 inches and comes ready to hang. With our suppressed rounds from CCI, we snuck up on that rascally rabbit, and needless to say, he won’t be hopping away anytime soon!

Final Shots

All in all, this rifle proved itself to be a versatile and appealing addition to any firearm collection. Its straight-pull bolt action offers a unique shooting experience, delivering speed and stability that anyone can appreciate. The quick-change barrel system and compatibility with Ruger 10/22 magazines further enhance its practicality and customization potential. Whether you’re hunting small game, plinking at the range, or testing your skills in competition, it’s sure to deliver reliable performance and plenty of fun. So, if you haven’t tried a straight-pull rifle yet, the Hammerli Force B1 might just be the perfect place to start.

For more info, visit hammerliarms.com.