Hammerli Force B1 .22 LR / .22 WMR Rifle Review

May The Hammerli Force B1 Be With You & Your Rimfire Game

Without question, the .22 rifle is one of the best ways to get people into the firearms world. They have low recoil and are fun to shoot. They can also serve as solid guns for us to practice our fundamentals on as well. This is especially true if they are upper-level, precise rifles. A rifle that fits that category is the new Hamerli Force B1.

Inside Scoop On Hammerli

Hammerli Arms isn’t exactly a household name here in the United States, but they’ve been part of Walther since 2006, when Walther acquired the trademarks of the Swiss sporting firearms manufacturer. In Europe, however, they are a mainstay. They have been building guns since 1863 and are known for their precision air rifles and .22s.

Meet The Hammerli Force B1 Rifle

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. 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 .22 LR- and .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 personally found the trigger in the gun to run well.

For live-fire shooting action on the author’s range, check out this video on Hook & Barrel Magazine’s YouTube channel. >>>

Quick-Change Barrel System

To facilitate shooting .22 WMR, the B1 is designed with a quick-change barrel. It is a unique, spring-loaded locking collar 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.

The Force B1 launched initially in January of 2024 with a .22 LR and a .22 WMR barrel. The action is a bit unique for the American market but runs very well. The bolt is a biathlon-style handle that extends from the side of the action. 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 in the beginning, but I had mastered it in short order and was able to run the action quickly.

Adjustable Stock Keeps You Locked In

The stock on the gun is unique as well. A press of 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 Testing The Hammerli Force B1

For testing, I added a couple of items. First was a Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18 optic. I know, it may seem a bit much, but I believe you can never have enough glass. In that the B1 has a threaded barrel, I also attached the Nosler SR22 Ti suppressor.

Lastly, I attached a Magpul bipod and we were off to the races. Ammo for my range session would be 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 certainly 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 the legs out a bit 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.

The Hammerli Force B1 Upshot

While a few hundred rounds is 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. Coming in at under $650.00 it is a lot of gun for the money. It is a solid gun for both plinking as well as 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.

Specifications: Hammerli Force B1

Caliber: .22LR / .22WMR
Finish: Black
Barrel: 16.1 inches
OA Length: 35.5 inches
Capacity: 10
Weight: 5.75 pounds
MSRP: $649