Super Twofer: The Force B1 Convertible Rifle from Hammerli Swaps Between .22LR & .22WMR

There’s something universally satisfying about shooting rimfire. Whether you’re plinking cans, training fundamentals, or bagging varmints, the .22 has carved out a place in the heart of almost every shooter. And while the debate between .22LR and .22WMR continues to circle the campfire, Hammerli decided to ask a different question: why not both? Enter the Hammerli Force B1 Convertible Rifle, a modern, modular answer to that age-old question.

The Hammerli Force B1 Convertible Rifle

This rifle is a slick, adaptable platform that allows you to quickly swap between .22LR and .22WMR. This is done with no tools, no frustration, and very little downtime. I paired it with some top-tier accessories—the Eotech Vudu 1-10×28 FFP LPVO, a Reptilia AUS mount, and the FAB Defense SPIKE bipod—and set out to push a rimfire rifle system designed to do more.

Form & Function

Out of the box, the Force B1 presents with precision. It’s built with clean lines, a high-wristed stock, and controls that feel modern but intuitive. Hammerli is a Swiss brand with deep roots in precision shooting, and though Umarex now steers the ship, the DNA remains intact. The overall feel of the gun leans tactical, but not in a cartoonish way—it’s a thinking shooter’s rimfire rifle.

The rifle features a toggle-lock action. This is not a traditional bolt, but a clever pivoting mechanism that feels like a blend between a straight-pull and a biathlon-style system. The movement is fast and fluid once you’re used to it. It offers a level of mechanical satisfaction that’s hard to explain. It’s not just functional—it’s fun.

The stock is fully adjustable. Press the Hammerli logo on the buttstock, and it slides open with a positive click. This allows you to tailor the length of pull to your body, shooting style, or optic setup. The cheek weld is generous, soft, and warm. The grip angle is modern, and the entire package balances well in the hand.

Force B1 Convertible: Dual Caliber, No Tools

The crown jewel of this system is its tool-free barrel swap. To convert between .22LR and .22WMR, you simply open the action, remove the magazine, pull back the locking ring at the base of the barrel, and slide it out. Drop the new barrel in, lock it down, and you’re done. It takes about 20 seconds.

This level of modularity doesn’t feel niche or gimmicky; it feels like a revelation. For shooters who want to stretch the capabilities of rimfire, this lets you run affordable .22LR for volume, then switch to punchier .22 Magnum for hunting or distance work. This is all on the same platform, with the same ergonomics, optic, and trigger.

Both barrels feature threaded muzzles. So, if you’re running a suppressor, you’re still in business regardless of which caliber you’ve selected. Everything about the system is designed to be user-forward without sacrificing precision.

The Force B1 Runs Familiar Magazines

Hammerli made a smart move by building the Force B1 around Ruger 10/22 magazines. That means you have access to a mountain of reliable mags in every available capacity, from 10-rounders to 25-round sticks.

Ejection is firm but polite with .22WMR. With .22LR, you’ll want to be a bit more aggressive. Pulling the toggle back with confidence gives you the cleanest, most consistent extraction. Magazines seat positively, and the ambidextrous release paddle is placed right in front of the trigger guard.

For those of us who’ve spent a lot of time with 10/22s, this compatibility makes the Force B1 immediately accessible. It’s a clever way to add reliability and cost-effectiveness without reinventing a wheel that already rolls beautifully.

Serious Glass, Serious Mount

To get the most out of both barrels, I wanted serious glass. I reached for the Eotech Vudu 1-10×28 Daylight LPVO with the SR-5 FFP reticle. I mounted it using a Reptilia AUS 34mm mount. This setup added about 2 pounds to the gun—but it transformed it into a truly capable platform.

The Vudu’s first focal plane reticle meant I could use the tree holds at any magnification setting. This is critical for a rifle with such a dynamic effective range. The SR-5 reticle is clean at 1x and deeply functional at 10x. So, I could stretch shots well past 100 yards without second-guessing my hold.

The Reptilia mount is something special. Precision-fit, packed with quality tools, and finished with care, it’s become my go-to solution for securing optics. No shift, no slop, no headaches.

Some readers may raise an eyebrow at pairing a premium LPVO like the Eotech Vudu with a rimfire rifle. But to me, that’s where the magic is. This isn’t just about practicality—it’s about capability.

Rimfire rifles, especially in .22WMR, have far more potential than they’re often given credit for. With the Vudu mounted, I wasn’t just plinking; I was reaching out and confirming hits with real precision at extended distances.

A scope like this lets the Hammerli stretch beyond expectations. For shooters who want their rimfire to act like a true rifle—capable, accurate, and adaptable—the Vudu is a perfect match. It’s an upstream pick, sure, but that’s part of what makes it so satisfying.

SPIKE Bipod: Support Matters

Up front, I mounted the FAB Defense SPIKE bipod to the stock’s M-LOK forend. This bipod strikes a rare balance between budget-conscious and overbuilt. With wide extension legs, strong detents, and an excellent saddle for rifle leveling, it kept the Force B1 solid during bench work.

Shooting from a table, the bipod provided the support I needed to group test ammo and get consistent data. The legs lock positively, and the ability to fold them forward or back means it stays compact when not in use.

For the price of roughly $120, it’s hard to beat.

Ammo Tests

I tested four loads across both barrels using my Garmin Xero Chronograph. Conditions were clear with a mild breeze, 80°F ambient temperature, and approximately 700 feet of elevation.

From the .22LR barrel, I ran Federal Punch 29-gr and CCI Maxi-Mag 36-gr.

From the .22WMR barrel, I ran Federal Punch 45-gr and CCI Maxi-Mag 40-gr.

Here’s how they clocked:

• Federal Punch .22LR: 1603.7 fps
• CCI Maxi-Mag .22LR: 1302.8 fps
• Federal Punch .22WMR: 1795.0 fps
• CCI Maxi-Mag .22WMR: 1944.5 fps (best group: 2” at 100 yards)

The real surprise was just how consistently the .22 Magnum barrel grouped at 100 yards. I didn’t expect 2-inch groups from a convertible rimfire. But here we are. This isn’t just a novelty, it’s a legitimate rifle in both chamberings.

The trigger on the Force B1 deserves a note as well. There’s a bit of pre-travel with a faux stage, followed by a clean break at 4 lbs, 9.2 oz. It’s not match-grade, but it’s crisp and consistent—more than adequate for accurate shooting at realistic rimfire distances.

The Force B1 is A Modular Marvel

The Hammerli Force B1 is one of the most well-thought-out rimfire rifles I’ve tested. It’s fast to configure, pleasant to shoot, and modular in a way that doesn’t feel like a gimmick. Whether you’re training, teaching, or just looking for a rifle that gives you more for your dollar, this one delivers.

What elevates the package is the supporting gear. The Eotech Vudu provides a level of optical clarity and functionality that’s usually reserved for centerfire builds. The Reptilia AUS mount brings trust and durability. Finally, the FAB Defense SPIKE adds adaptability and confidence in your support. Together, they turn the Hammerli Force B1 into a precision tool that’s way more than just a rimfire trainer.

It’s not often I find a setup I don’t want to take apart, but this is one of them. I may have other optics to test, other rifles to review. But this one? It’s staying together a little longer.

Shoot safe, stay sharp, and keep finding the joy in the platforms that surprise you.

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