There’s one thing universally satisfying about taking pictures rimfire. Whether or not you’re plinking cans, coaching fundamentals, or bagging varmints, the .22 has carved out a spot within the coronary heart of virtually each shooter. And whereas the controversy between .22LR and .22WMR continues to circle the campfire, Hammerli determined to ask a distinct query: why not each? Enter the Hammerli Power B1 Convertible Rifle, a contemporary, modular reply to that age-old query.
The Hammerli Power B1 Convertible Rifle
This rifle is a slick, adaptable platform that permits you to shortly swap between .22LR and .22WMR. That is finished with no instruments, no frustration, and little or no downtime. I paired it with some top-tier equipment—the Eotech Vudu 1-10×28 FFP LPVO, a Reptilia AUS mount, and the FAB Protection SPIKE bipod—and got down to push a rimfire rifle system designed to do extra.
Type & Perform
Out of the field, the Power B1 presents with precision. It’s constructed with clear traces, a high-wristed inventory, and controls that really feel fashionable however intuitive. Hammerli is a Swiss model with deep roots in precision taking pictures, and although Umarex now steers the ship, the DNA stays intact. The general really feel of the gun leans tactical, however not in a cartoonish approach—it’s a pondering shooter’s rimfire rifle.
The rifle incorporates a toggle-lock motion. This isn’t a standard bolt, however a intelligent pivoting mechanism that seems like a mix between a straight-pull and a biathlon-style system. The motion is quick and fluid when you’re used to it. It provides a stage of mechanical satisfaction that’s laborious to clarify. It’s not simply useful—it’s enjoyable.
The inventory is absolutely adjustable. Press the Hammerli emblem on the buttstock, and it slides open with a optimistic click on. This lets you tailor the size of pull to your physique, taking pictures model, or optic setup. The cheek weld is beneficiant, gentle, and heat. The grip angle is fashionable, and your entire package deal balances properly within the hand.
Power B1 Convertible: Twin Caliber, No Instruments
The crown jewel of this method is its tool-free barrel swap. To transform between .22LR and .22WMR, you merely open the motion, take away the journal, pull again the locking ring on the base of the barrel, and slide it out. Drop the brand new barrel in, lock it down, and also you’re finished. It takes about 20 seconds.
This stage of modularity doesn’t really feel area of interest or gimmicky; it seems like a revelation. For shooters who need to stretch the capabilities of rimfire, this allows you to run inexpensive .22LR for quantity, then swap to punchier .22 Magnum for looking or distance work. That is all on the identical platform, with the identical ergonomics, optic, and set off.
Each barrels function threaded muzzles. So, in case you’re operating a suppressor, you’re nonetheless in enterprise no matter which caliber you’ve chosen. Every little thing in regards to the system is designed to be user-forward with out sacrificing precision.
The Power B1 Runs Acquainted Magazines
Hammerli made a wise transfer by constructing the Power B1 round Ruger 10/22 magazines. Meaning you will have entry to a mountain of dependable mags in each obtainable capability, from 10-rounders to 25-round sticks.
Ejection is agency however well mannered with .22WMR. With .22LR, you’ll need to be a bit extra aggressive. Pulling the toggle again with confidence provides you the cleanest, most constant extraction. Magazines seat positively, and the ambidextrous launch paddle is positioned proper in entrance of the set off guard.
For these of us who’ve spent a number of time with 10/22s, this compatibility makes the Power B1 instantly accessible. It’s a intelligent approach so as to add reliability and cost-effectiveness with out reinventing a wheel that already rolls fantastically.
Severe Glass, Severe Mount
To get essentially the most out of each barrels, I wished critical glass. I reached for the Eotech Vudu 1-10×28 Daylight LPVO with the SR-5 FFP reticle. I mounted it utilizing a Reptilia AUS 34mm mount. This setup added about 2 kilos to the gun—but it surely remodeled it into a really succesful platform.
The Vudu’s first focal airplane reticle meant I may use the tree holds at any magnification setting. That is important for a rifle with such a dynamic efficient vary. The SR-5 reticle is clear at 1x and deeply useful at 10x. So, I may stretch photographs properly previous 100 yards with out second-guessing my maintain.
The Reptilia mount is one thing particular. Precision-fit, full of high quality instruments, and completed with care, it’s develop into my go-to resolution for securing optics. No shift, no slop, no complications.
Some readers might elevate an eyebrow at pairing a premium LPVO just like the Eotech Vudu with a rimfire rifle. However to me, that’s the place the magic is. This isn’t nearly practicality—it’s about functionality.
Rimfire rifles, particularly in .22WMR, have much more potential than they’re typically given credit score for. With the Vudu mounted, I wasn’t simply plinking; I used to be reaching out and confirming hits with actual precision at prolonged distances.
A scope like this lets the Hammerli stretch past expectations. For shooters who need their rimfire to behave like a real rifle—succesful, correct, and adaptable—the Vudu is an ideal match. It’s an upstream decide, positive, however that’s a part of what makes it so satisfying.
SPIKE Bipod: Help Issues
Up entrance, I mounted the FAB Protection SPIKE bipod to the inventory’s M-LOK forend. This bipod strikes a uncommon stability between budget-conscious and overbuilt. With extensive extension legs, robust detents, and a very good saddle for rifle leveling, it stored the Power B1 strong throughout bench work.
Taking pictures from a desk, the bipod offered the assist I wanted to group take a look at ammo and get constant information. The legs lock positively, and the flexibility to fold them ahead or again means it stays compact when not in use.
For the value of roughly $120, it’s laborious to beat.
Ammo Checks
I examined 4 masses throughout each barrels utilizing my Garmin Xero Chronograph. Situations had been clear with a gentle breeze, 80°F ambient temperature, and roughly 700 ft of elevation.
From the .22LR barrel, I ran Federal Punch 29-gr and CCI Maxi-Magazine 36-gr.
From the .22WMR barrel, I ran Federal Punch 45-gr and CCI Maxi-Magazine 40-gr.
Right here’s how they clocked:
Federal Punch .22LR: 1603.7 fps
CCI Maxi-Magazine .22LR: 1302.8 fps
Federal Punch .22WMR: 1795.0 fps
CCI Maxi-Magazine .22WMR: 1944.5 fps (finest group: 2” at 100 yards)
The actual shock was simply how persistently the .22 Magnum barrel grouped at 100 yards. I didn’t anticipate 2-inch teams from a convertible rimfire. However right here we’re. This isn’t only a novelty, it’s a legit rifle in each chamberings.
The set off on the Power B1 deserves a notice as properly. There’s a little bit of pre-travel with a pretend stage, adopted by a clear break at 4 lbs, 9.2 oz. It’s not match-grade, but it surely’s crisp and constant—greater than enough for correct taking pictures at lifelike rimfire distances.
The Power B1 is A Modular Marvel
The Hammerli Power B1 is without doubt one of the most well-thought-out rimfire rifles I’ve examined. It’s quick to configure, nice to shoot, and modular in a approach that doesn’t really feel like a gimmick. Whether or not you’re coaching, instructing, or simply on the lookout for a rifle that provides you extra on your greenback, this one delivers.
What elevates the package deal is the supporting gear. The Eotech Vudu supplies a stage of optical readability and performance that’s often reserved for centerfire builds. The Reptilia AUS mount brings belief and sturdiness. Lastly, the FAB Protection SPIKE provides adaptability and confidence in your assist. Collectively, they flip the Hammerli Power B1 right into a precision software that’s far more than only a rimfire coach.
It’s not typically I discover a setup I don’t need to take aside, however that is certainly one of them. I could produce other optics to check, different rifles to overview. However this one? It’s staying collectively a bit of longer.
Shoot protected, keep sharp, and maintain discovering the enjoyment within the platforms that shock you.
The put up Tremendous Twofer: The Power B1 Convertible Rifle from Hammerli Swaps Between .22LR & .22WMR appeared first on Athlon Outside Unique Firearm Updates, Critiques & Information.
