By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2024
ABOUT HAMMERLI ARMS
Hammerli Arms was founded in 1863 by Johann Hammerli and produced hunting rifles and shotguns. They quickly gained a reputation for quality workmanship. Hammerli began to focus on target pistols, and their products were the favorites of competitive shooters worldwide. In 1950, Hammerli started production of precision bolt-action .22 LR target rifles that would go on to win gold at the following four Olympic games. Hammerli briefly became part of Sigarms in 2000 and became independent that same year. In 2006, Hammerli was acquired by Umarex, which also owns Walther Arms, and the company packed up and moved production from Switzerland to Ulm, Germany, with its U.S. headquarters in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
THE FORGE H1
“Paying respect to the legendary 1911 style, the Forge H1 embodies a timeless design built from the fires of defiance. Crafted with precision in mind and chambered in .22 LR, this pistol includes customizable features, enhanced capabilities, and power.” ~ Hammerli Arms
THE FRAME
The alloy frame is available in full and commander sizes and features a matte black Cerakote finish and black rubber grips. The controls are 1911 with a Commander-style hammer, a beavertail grip safety, and an extended thumb safety. It is also equipped with a Picatinny rail for lights and laser mounting.
THE SLIDE & BARREL
The slide is blue steel, and the barrel is available in 4 ¼ and 5-inch lengths and threaded for use with a suppressor or muzzle device.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Rimfire, Single Action Only
Caliber: .22LR
Magazine Capacity: 12 Rounds
Sights: Windage-Adjustable Combat Sights
Barrel Length: 4 ¼ or 5 Inches with 1:13.75 Rifling and Threaded ½ x 28
Overall Length: 9.4 Inches
Weight: 34 Ounces
MSRP: $399
URL: www.hammerliarms.com
THE VERDICT
Rimfire pistols are excellent for training use. Since the ammo is cheap, you get more trigger time, which results in better accuracy. With the Forge H1, you can learn the basics without spending a fortune on .45 ACP.
The Forge is an excellent pistol for plinking, target shooting, or training in the use of the 1911, as the controls are the same, and it fits into standard 1911 holsters. Umarex produces a high-quality product, and its workmanship is excellent. It ships with two magazines, a locking device, and an owner’s manual.
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International.
Contact him at [email protected].