Hammerli Power B1 Overview | RECOIL OFFGRID

When it involves the world of firearms, the .22 LR is a high contender for the title of “most versatile.” So it’s all the time thrilling when firearms producers discover an revolutionary approach to put a brand new spin on this time-tested caliber. Throughout SHOT Present 2024, the Hammerli Power B1 bolt-action rifle was unveiled for the primary time, and we have been desirous to get our arms on one to see the way it stood as much as scrutiny. We took one for a take a look at drive, and the outcomes have been spectacular.

Hammerli Arms started as a Swiss firearms producer established in 1863 by Johann Ulrich Hammerli. The model has a wealthy historical past of manufacturing high-quality firearms for looking and sports activities. Initially acknowledged for his or her precision craftsmanship in rifles and shotguns, the corporate later shifted focus to focus on pistols, gaining vital acclaim in aggressive taking pictures, notably within the Olympics. Through the years, Hammerli Arms has frequently advanced, sustaining its repute for precision and excellence, and incomes respect inside the taking pictures neighborhood for its revolutionary designs and constant efficiency.

Above: Out of the field, the Power B1 is a powerful .22 rifle, and including a high quality optic to the Picatinny rail makes it much more so.

Design and Construct

The Power B1 includes a quick-change barrel system that enables for seamless transitions between completely different calibers, notably .22 LR and .22 WMR. This adaptability is essential for customers who may wish to swap shortly between looking small recreation and goal taking pictures. Constructed into the design is an adjustable inventory, permitting for personalisation of the size of pull and comb top, and creating a snug and exact taking pictures expertise tailor-made to particular person preferences. As any precision shooter understands, getting comfy and relaxed behind a rifle is a big a part of sustaining tight teams. General size ranges from 35.5 to 37.4 inches, with a weight of 5.75 kilos, making it a manageable choice for prolonged use within the discipline.

By using a toggle-style straight-pull bolt motion, the Power B1 is able to surprisingly speedy follow-up pictures. The rifle’s barrel is threaded, prepared for varied muzzle units and suppressors. One attention-grabbing function is the rifle’s capability to make use of Ruger rotary-style magazines, recognized for his or her reliability. This integration ensures easy feeding and operation, crucial for sustaining efficiency beneath various situations.

Outfitted with a Picatinny optic rail, the Power B1 facilitates straightforward mounting of varied optics for improved accuracy. The rifle can also be appropriate with widespread Ruger 10/22 model set off teams, permitting customers to customise their set off setup to match their taking pictures model. Moreover, the rifle’s adaptable magwell and threaded barrel develop its performance, enabling customers to tailor their firearm to particular wants and preferences.

Above: The usual Ruger-style journal holds 10 rounds, however there are many 15- and 25-round magazine choices available on the market as properly.

First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Hammerli Power B1, the very first thing that stands out is its glossy and durable construct. The rifle’s ergonomic design, that includes an adjustable inventory, allowed a direct resolution for a snug match. The short-change barrel system is a notable function, promising straightforward transitions between calibers, which is a major benefit for many who have interaction in each looking and goal taking pictures.

The toggle-style straight-pull bolt motion feels easy and exact, enhancing the rifle’s general dealing with. Its Picatinny optic rail presents ample customization choices, permitting for varied scopes and sights to be simply mounted, from light-weight micro pink dots to bigger magnified optics. Dealing with the rifle, the burden distribution feels balanced, and the general weight of 5.75 kilos is manageable, even for prolonged intervals. Incorporating a Ruger rotary-style journal and set off meeting makes the rifle appropriate with confirmed and extensively used elements, slightly than requiring patrons to attend for the aftermarket to meet up with a brand new design. It additionally helps guarantee reliability, since these elements have already been in use for many years.

Each part of the Hammerli Power B1 appears thoughtfully designed. If there was one thing to critique, it might be that it takes a bit of observe to take away the journal shortly — however I’d nonetheless say it’s noticeably simpler than the Ruger 10/22 that makes use of the identical mags. Additionally, the adjustable inventory may be eliminated fully if you happen to’re attempting to regulate it too shortly. However general, my first impression of the Power B1 is very constructive.

Above: The barrel is threaded to connect your suppressor of alternative, and the adjustable inventory adapts to all kinds of customers.

Vary Efficiency

Earlier than taking it to the vary, I fitted it with an optic able to actually driving these tiny rounds dwelling with precision. Riton’s 3 Primal 3-12×56 match the invoice. Its 56mm goal lens and 3-12x magnification supplies a transparent and vibrant picture in a variety of ambient lighting situations. The scope is supplied with Riton’s superior R3 reticle, totally multi-coated lenses, and has sturdy development. It’s additionally waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, making it appropriate for varied environments. With this optic, the Power B1 turns into a formidable varmint-slayer and vary plinker.

Beginning with the .22 LR barrel, the rifle carried out exceptionally properly. The straight-pull bolt motion was not solely easy and responsive, however it was additionally a enjoyable approach to pull off speedy follow-up pictures with minimal effort. In contrast to a standard bolt motion, this doesn’t require two separate actions (up and again) to eject a spent case — simply pull straight again after which press ahead to chamber one other spherical. This mechanism’s quiet operation was additionally a pleasing shock, making it ultimate for hunters needing to take care of stealth within the discipline or shooters who’re pursuing the quietest doable rimfire suppressor host. The Ruger rotary-style journal fed flawlessly, offering constant and dependable efficiency all through each vary session.

Above: The magwell matches Ruger-style magazines, which is nice information if you happen to already personal a ten/22 (as so many people do).

Accuracy was spectacular throughout varied distances. At 50 yards, the rifle persistently held a good shot group, and even at 100 yards, it maintained wonderful precision. The adjustable inventory and comfy grip performed a major position in attaining these outcomes, offering a steady platform I might get comfy behind.

General, the Hammerli Power B1 simply met my expectations on the vary. Its adaptability, easy operation, and constant accuracy make it a standout rimfire rifle for a wide range of situations. The straight-pull bolt motion enabled swift follow-up pictures, placing a smile on my face every time I felt its click-clack and nailed a goal in speedy succession.

Above: Riton’s 3 Primal scope has turrets which might be straightforward to regulate on the fly.

Professionals and Cons

Though it’s onerous to seek out fault with the Forcec B1, I might argue that there are a couple of sticking factors. The primary one being its value, which is far increased than what you’d usually discover a .22 LR bolt gun being bought for. Nonetheless, to me, it is a moot level, since its value displays the standard, heritage of the model, and most significantly the complicated design of its motion. Because the adage goes, you get what you pay for. Some folks can also discover the burden on the upper aspect, however once more, to me, having high quality elements is value a couple of additional ounces. Its capability to change between calibers, regulate its inventory to the shooter, and reload with quiet precision make this a notable and worthy addition to the world of rimfire rifles.

Professionals:

• Adaptability: The short-change barrel system and adaptable magwell make the Power B1 extremely versatile.
• Ergonomics: Adjustable inventory ensures a snug match for varied shooters.
• Quiet Operation: The straight-pull bolt motion operates quietly, ultimate for stealthy looking.

Cons:

• Worth: At an MSRP of $649, it’s considerably dearer than your common Ruger or Savage .22 bolt gun.
• Weight: Whereas manageable, the 5.75-pound weight could possibly be a consideration for prolonged discipline use.
• Mechanical Complexity: I didn’t expertise any malfunctions in any respect throughout testing, however it’ll require a bit of additional diligence to maintain the transferring elements on this motion clear and lubricated.

Above: With the three Primal dialed as much as 12x magnification, tight groupings at out to 100 yards are a stroll within the park. Sliding the motion backwards and forwards is simply as satisfying because it seems.

Gear and Technical Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• End: Black, Wooden Traditional Brown, Wooden Vintage Grey, Wooden Sports activities Grey, Walnut HQ3 Brown
• Barrel Size: 16.1 inches
• General Size: 35.5 to 37.4 inches
• Capability: 10 rounds
• Weight: 5.75 kilos
• Optic: Riton 3 Primal 3-12×56 ($520)
• Eye Professional: Warbird Deep State ($159)
• MSRP: $649 to $999
• URL: Hammerliarms.com

Above: Utilizing the straight-pull bolt motion makes for quick and enjoyable follow-up pictures.

Conclusion

Hammerli’s Power B1 stands out as a top-shelf choice for these looking for a flexible, exact, and adaptable rimfire rifle. Its revolutionary design, mixed with Hammerli’s lengthy historical past of high quality and efficiency, makes it a formidable alternative for each hunters and goal shooters. Regardless of its increased value level, the options and toggle motion it presents justify the funding for critical lovers.

Learn Extra

Subscribe to Recoil Offgrid’s free e-newsletter for extra content material like this.

Editor’s Observe: This text has been modified from its authentic print model for the online.

Subscribe In the present day and Save!

Written by Patrick Diedrich