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Athletes compete during prone rifle match at 2023 Welsh 50 Metre Championship
shooting-sports/nrl22

NRL22 Rimfire Precision

NRL22 is precision rifle competition using . 22 LR rimfire rifles.

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01 // LEARN

#01

What is NRL22?

Understanding this shooting discipline

NRL22 is precision rifle competition using .22 LR rimfire rifles. It applies PRS (Precision Rifle Series) concepts - positional shooting, time pressure, varied targets - at a fraction of the cost. Matches use steel targets from 25 to 100+ yards.

Base Class restricts equipment to encourage skill development over spending. Open Class (NRL22X) allows any .22 LR rifle with no restrictions. The low ammunition cost makes regular practice affordable.

Types & Variations

NRL22 Base Class (equipment restrictions)
NRL22X (open, no restrictions)
NRL22 Jr (youth division)
Club matches (local events)

02 // START

#02

Getting Started with NRL22

Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners

Getting into nrl22 doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.

Essential Equipment

What you need to get started

1Bolt action .22 LR rifle (Ruger Precision Rimfire, CZ 457, Bergara common)
2Scope with exposed turrets (typically 4-16x or higher)
3Bipod (6-9 inch legs)
4Rear bag
5Quality .22 LR ammunition (consistency matters)
6Eye and ear protection

Safety & Rules

Know these before your first shot

1Base Class: rifle under $1,050 MSRP, scope under $1,050 MSRP
2Multiple shooting positions per stage
3Steel must fall or react to score
4Time limits per stage (typically 90-120 seconds)
5Points based on hits; time used for tiebreakers

Pro Tips for Beginners

Advice from experienced shooters

Start with Base Class; the equipment limits level the playing field
Ammunition consistency matters more than brand; test different lots
Practice positional shooting - standing, kneeling, sitting
Learn to use barricades, tripods, and improvised rests
Focus on fundamentals; the .22 reveals all errors immediately

What Does NRL22 Cost?

Realistic budget expectations

Getting Started

$500-1,000

Basic equipment to begin

Competitive Setup

$1,500-2,100 (Base Class limit)

Quality gear for serious shooters

Per event/match:$25-40 entry, 75-150 rounds
Ammo per session:$8-25 (0.08-0.15/round)

Hidden costs to consider: This is one of the most affordable precision rifle disciplines. Quality ammunition matters more than rifle price.

NRL22 Rifle Options

Compare your options

TypeBest For
Entry Level

Ruger Precision Rimfire, Savage B22 Precision. Factory chassis, good triggers.

Best value for new shooters; under $500
Base Class Max

CZ 457 MTR/Varmint, Bergara B-14R. Better triggers, tighter actions.

Competitive Base Class; approaches $1,000 limit
NRL22X

Vudoo, custom builds, semi-autos. No MSRP limits apply.

Open class shooters wanting maximum performance

03 // ASK

#03

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about nrl22

New to nrl22? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.

Find answers to common questions about nrl22 rimfire precision. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.

Base Class requires bolt action. NRL22X allows semi-automatics like the Ruger 10/22 with appropriate modifications.

Standard velocity (1050 fps) is usually more consistent than high velocity. Eley, SK, Lapua, and CCI Standard Velocity are popular. Test different lots in your rifle.

Typically 25 to 100 yards, with some matches pushing to 200 yards. Targets scale with distance to maintain difficulty.

Yes. Positional shooting, wind reading, and stage management transfer directly. Many centerfire PRS shooters also compete in NRL22.

Rifle MSRP must be under $1,050, scope under $1,050 (new prices from manufacturer). This prevents equipment arms races and keeps competition accessible.

04 // FIND

#04

Upcoming Events

Find nrl22 events near you

View details
OCT
30

Junior Precision Smallbore: Clubhouse & Indoor Range

Training
Youth

Cascade Junior Smallbore Team classroom sessions and shooting

Friday, October 30, 2026
RangesRanges, North Bend, WA
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NOV
1

NRL 22 Match (Rifle Range AM)

Competition
PRS

NRL (National Rifle League) matches test precision rifle skills from field positions at varying distances. Stages emphasize practical marksmanship from natural positions and improvised rests. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Sanctioning body | National Rifle League | | Typical distances | 100-1,000+ yards | | Divisions | NRL Hunter, NRL22, and open divisions | | Round count | 80-150 rounds | Bolt-action precision rifle with quality optic Positional support gear (rear bag, tripod) Ballistic data for your load 150+ rounds of match-grade ammunition Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Sage Range for stage details, round count, and registration.

Sunday, November 1, 2026
Sage RangeSage Range, Rosamond, CA
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NOV
1

NRL22

Competition
PRS

NRL22 is a precision rimfire competition that lets you practice rifle fundamentals without the cost of centerfire ammo. You'll shoot .22 LR from different positions at steel targets out to distance, with scoring based on hits rather than groups. This match at Greene County Fish & Game puts you through challenging stages that teach positional discipline and wind reading. It's the same skill set as larger precision rifle matches, just faster and cheaper to run all day.

Sunday, November 1, 2026
Greene County Fish & Game AssociationGreene County Fish & Game Association, Xenia, OH
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NOV
1

RIMFIRE Competition - Rifle Range

Training

Competition Rimfire Rifle First Sunday of each month from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Rifle Range. Sight-in starts at 11:00 AM and the competition events start at 12:00 noon. There are 4 Competition Classifications: Unlimited / Hunting Rifle / Semi-auto / 17 HMR Entry fee is $10 per event, and targets are supplied with entry. The Club can supply both rifles and ammunition (for a fee) or participants may bring their own equipment. You DO NOT need to be a Ridgedale Club member to participate, and y

Sunday, November 1, 2026• 11:00:00
Ridgedale Rod & Gun ClubRidgedale Rod & Gun Club, Abbotsford, WA
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NOV
1

Air Rifle Practice

Competition

This is a .22 LR rimfire match—cheap ammo, tight groups, and real competition without breaking the bank. It's the fastest way to get comfortable with match scoring and learn trigger control under pressure. You'll shoot against others in a format that rewards precision at an affordable price point, which is why a lot of shooters use rimfire matches to dial in their fundamentals before moving to centerfire. The Education Building in Harrison hosts the match on November 1st at 6 PM. Bring a rimfire rifle or pistol and 100 rounds minimum.

Sunday, November 1, 2026• 18:00:00
Education BuildingEducation Building, Harrison, OH
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NOV
1

RIMFIRE Competition – Rifle Range

Training

Competition Rimfire Rifle First Sunday of each month from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Rifle Range. Sight-in starts at 11:00 AM and the competition events start at 12:00 noon. There are 4 Competition Classifications: Unlimited / Hunting Rifle / Semi-auto / 17 HMR Entry fee is $10 per event, and targets are supplied with entry. The Club can supply both rifles and ammunition (for a fee) or participants may bring their own equipment. You DO NOT need to be a Ridgedale Club member to participate, and y

Sunday, November 1, 2026• 11:00:00
Ridgedale Rod & Gun ClubRidgedale Rod & Gun Club, Abbotsford, WA