AO Review: Hammerli Arms Forge H1 1911 22 LR – Classic Made Modern

Many people are aware of the Model 1911 handgun invented by the Godfather of firearms – John Moses Browning. A service pistol that has been deployed for countless wars, and utilized stateside by law enforcement and civilians alike for their own personal defense. It is a handgun with a cherished history that needs no introduction. Its rimfire counterpart on the other hand, has a past mired in failures, unreliability, and cheap knock-offs from immeasurable countries across the globe. If you want to own a rimfire 1911 it is a buyer beware situation. So, when Walther Arms approached us to review one of their Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 pistols chambered in .22 Long Rifle, I was definitely skeptical. Yet, I am always willing to give everyone a chance to see if they can prove their own merit, and disprove some of the skepticism I might be bringing to the table. So, today in this AllOutdoor Review, we are going take a look at the Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle pistol to see how it performs out in the field. Let’s dive in!

Hammerli Arms/Umarex/Walther Arms Coverage on AllOutdoor

Specifications – Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle

Some of the novelty of owning a 1911 in .22 Long Rifle is the “cheap fun” you can have by shooting a more affordable cartridge with the same form factor as your traditional, full-size pistol that you might be competing with, carrying for defense, or even hunting with. All that being said, just because the ammo is cheap doesn’t mean the gun should be (which is what a lot of manufacturers end up doing, sadly). With the Hammerli Arms pistol we are reviewing here today, you receive a forged metal slide, forged metal frame, and forged metal trigger. This from the outset will catch your attention because the weight and feel of this handgun is noticeable (unlike other feathery, cheap versions).

SKU: 5170500 | UPC: 723364229770
Cartridge: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Black Cerakote
Magazines: (2) 12-Round
Barrel Length: 5″
Overall Length: 9.4″
Weight: 34 Oz Empty

Hammerli Arms also reports that this handgun is compatible with standard 1911 holsters. So, if you are training with this handgun for the cheaper ammo it affords you, you can also use the same holsters for training purposes as well. You get all of the weapon manipulations, and muscle memory training as well as being able to utilize tools and accessories that you already may have in your arsenal.

Unyielding & Ever-Ready: In a world where malfunctions can cost you your life, the Forge H1 stands as a beacon of reliability. With its threaded barrel, you can enhance your weapon’s capabilities, attaching vital suppressors or muzzle devices. Never compromise – the Forge H1 guarantees each shot is delivered with unerring accuracy.
Holstered & Prepared: Fitting into standard 1911 holsters, the Forge H1 seamlessly integrates into your gear, ensuring easy access and readiness. When seconds matter, knowing your pistol fits comfortably and securely means you’re always prepared to face the impending storm.
Forged to Last: The Hammerli Forge H1 boasts a durable cerakote finish, providing exceptional protection against the harshest elements. In the grueling conditions of a uncontrollable world, your pistol must endure – and the Forge H1 is designed to do just that, standing the test of time and adversity.

Legacy of the 1911, Fury of the Forge: The Hammerli Forge H1 pays homage to the legendary 1911 style, embodying the timeless design that has stood the test of time. Crafted with precision, it fires the .22 LR caliber, a round known for its versatility and efficiency, making every bullet count in the harshest of environments.
Customization for the Apocalypse: In the relentless struggle for survival, adaptability is your greatest asset. The Forge H1 allows you to personalize your grip with aftermarket 1911 grips, ensuring a perfect fit and exceptional control. Make it truly yours, for a pistol that matches your determination and style.

While Hammerli Arms does not have an openly stated warranty process or terms listed on their website, I would tend to believe that the Hammerli Arms Forge H1 – as it is manufactured by Umarex, imported by Hammerli Arms, and distributed with the help of Walther Arms – would have your back in the rare event that you should ever need service or warranty. All 3 of those brands and names are trustworthy and reliable within the firearms community. A final word from Hammerli Arms can be read below further elaborating on the Hammerli Arms Forge H1 pistol:

Behold the Hammerli Arms Forge H1 – a pistol born from the fires of defiance and the legacy of the iconic 1911. In a world where every shot counts, the Forge H1 is the epitome of reliability and power, ensuring you stand strong amidst the anarchy.
Embrace the legacy, wield the Hammerli Forge H1. In a world consumed by chaos, let the roar of this pistol echo your defiance and determination. When the world crumbles, rise with the Forge H1 at your side.

Field Use – Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle

So, how did this firearm perform out in the field?… All of the ammunition used for testing this firearm came from my family’s gun shop – The Guns And Gear Store of Waite Park, MN. I ended up running 4 different brands and types of ammunition through this pistol with the assistance of my lovely wife, Andrea, and my veteran father-in-law, Paul. All of the ammo that we fired through this handgun is listed below:

Norma TAC-22 .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain
CCI Standard Velocity .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain
Century Arms Centurion .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain (no longer available)
Sellier & Bellot Club .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain

We even fired some CCI .22 Short ammunition for fun – which wasn’t 100% reliable for cycling – but it was fun, nonetheless. I would have enjoyed shooting this suppressed, but I do not own a barrel extension/adapter for a silencer for a 1911-22. Regardless, I still appreciate that Hammerli Arms built that into this pistol so those who are more informed can be prepared and shoot it suppressed if they so desire.

While loading magazines, shooting, and getting familiar with this pistol, I appreciated the aggressive slide cuts on the front and rear of the slide. If you want to rack the slide from the front, the rear, with an overhand technique – basically whatever trips your trigger – the multitude of slide serrations lent itself to being easy for anyone to rack the slide.

Additionally, I found the the rubber grips to be comfy and the “super scoop” or relief cut-out for the magazine release made it easy to index on the magazine release button to do mag changes. That grip likely didn’t cost a lot or bump up the MSRP a ton, but it was obviously chosen by someone who shoots and appreciates the little things.

Overall, my wife (Andrea), father-in-law/Dad (Paul), and I found this pistol to be extremely accurate and it cycled everything we asked it to with 100% reliability. The only constructive criticism I have to make is that the 3-dot, white dot sights are difficult to see if you are not shooting in a well-lit area. We chose to shoot in a wooded area of my Dad’s property so we’d be out of the sun, and that little bit of shade made it hard to see the iron sights even during the middle of the day. The pistol exhibits point-and-hit accuracy, but the 3-dot, white dot sights were oddly difficult to see. Upgrading to fiber optic sights or even a red dot would make this pistol that much more enjoyable to shoot.

Final Thoughts – Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle

So, what are my final thoughts on the Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle pistol?… Overall, I walked away being impressed by this pistol. As I alluded to earlier, 1911 pistols chambered in .22 Long Rifle are typically not known to be reliable at all. In fact, they’re typically known for being pretty crappy. The Hammerli Arms Forge H1 surprised me though. It is heavy (for 1911-22 standards) being as its made of forged metal, it ate all of the ammo we pushed through it seamlessly, and the MSRP of $399 is very attainable for people who simply want to plink and train. If you are a 1911 lover, and are looking for a 1911 chambered in .22 Long Rifle, I can confidently recommend giving this one a try.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Hammerli Arms (and Walther Arms) for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their new Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle pistol. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle pistol is something worth spending your money on? Would you deploy one for hunting? Take it with you camping or hiking? Shoot a league with it? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Hammerli Arms and the Hammerli Arms Forge H1 5″ 1911 .22 Long Rifle pistol in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

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Adam Scepaniak