
01 // LEARN
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.
02 // START
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.
What you need to get started
Know these before your first shot
Advice from experienced shooters
Realistic budget expectations
$500-1,000
Basic equipment to begin
$1,500-2,100 (Base Class limit)
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: This is one of the most affordable precision rifle disciplines. Quality ammunition matters more than rifle price.
Compare your options
| Type | Best 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
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
Find nrl22 events near you
More Information: https://ultimate-hunter.com/ Registration: https://practiscore.com/clubs/uhssclubone
NRL22 matches let you practice precision rifle fundamentals without the ammo cost of centerfire. You'll shoot .22 LR from various positions at steel targets, which means instant feedback on hits and a fun competitive format that doesn't break the bank. West Bend Barton runs these matches on a standard NRL22 format with multiple stages that test your position work and trigger control. Steel targets at different distances keep things interesting and force you to dial in wind and distance judgments just like a bigger match would.
This is a 200yd & 300yd shooting challenge similar to "Long Gong" using rifles chambered in 22lr only. The object is to shoot the highest score possible. The targets are 1/4” thick rimfire gongs. An 8” worth 1 point, a 6” worth 2 points, and a 4” worth 3 points.
Match details are available here. Walk-ons are welcome; no pre-registration is required.
A rimfire (.22 LR) shooting event. Rimfire competitions are popular for their low cost, minimal recoil, and emphasis on pure marksmanship. Formats vary -- this may include NRL22, rimfire sporter, rimfire benchrest, or informal plinking. Low ammunition cost (pennies per round vs. dollars) Minimal recoil -- great for new shooters and juniors Builds fundamentals that transfer to centerfire shooting .22 LR rifle or pistol (per event format) Ammunition (typically 50-100 rounds) Eye and ear protection (required) Contact West Bend Barton Sportsman's Club for the specific format, round count, and entry fees.
PBR-NRL22 MATCH WAIVER (REQ'D ONCE PER YEAR) Registration Link - https://practiscore.com/november-2020-nrl22-match/register https://socalnrl22.org [NOTE: Rules and restrictions may be altered, modified, or otherwise enhanced as necessary. Registered attendees will be notified as soon as possible with any changes.] No walk-in registrations or cash transactions. All registrations and fees must be conducted on Practiscore prior to the match day. Hardcopy waivers will not be processed on match day. Registrants who have not filled out a WEGC waiver for the 2020 calendar year should fill out the waiver online prior to match day at https://app.waiversign.com/e/5d57fc0d5458c90017521d33/doc/5d57fd775458c90017521d7b?kioskMode=true&eventName=PBR-NRL22%20Match This match will be capped. If you are not pre-registered via Practiscore and did not receive an approval and squad assignment, DO NOT come to the venue on match day. There will be no walk ons. We must minimize the number of people at the venue due to the logistics of the .22LR rimfire range. Refrain from bringing non-shooting guests to the match. We must minimize the number of people at the venue due to the logistics of the .22LR rimfire range. CRITICAL INFORMATION Check in begins no later than 0730. Where: West End Gun Club rimfire range. All shooters will check in with the Range Officer's office at the public range and indicate visiting to participate in the NRL22 match at the rimfire range. Please watch your speed your entire time as you drive through the range for safety and dust control (5 mph on WEGC range property). 2200 Meyers Canyon Rd San Bernardino, CA 92407 This address resolves in Google Maps. Who: Any .22LR precision rifle (or airgun) competitor. NRL22 membership not required, but is always encouraged. Only .22LR or airgun allowed per match rules and range restrictions. What: The cost will be $20 per adult competitor and $5 per Young Gun (Junior). The official round count for the NRL22 November 2020 Course of Fire - https://nrl22.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/November-2020-COF-Final.pdf - is fifty (50) rounds. Add additional rounds for pre-match zeroing if applicable. Range Rules: (IMPORTANT, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR KNOWING THEM!!!) WEGC is a cold range. Keep driving speed down to 15 mph on the road to the entry gate, and 5 mph on the range. This is for everyone's safety. Enforcement may lead to violators being asked to go home without shooting the match. All competitors and guests must sign a waiver to be on range property or to shoot. Schedule: 4th Sunday of the month 0730 (or earlier) - Check In, range waivers, base class rifle inspections. 0800 - Safety briefing. 0810 - Zeroing period. 0830 - Squad assignments and begin NRL22 CoF. Tips for first timers: Bring a .22LR rifle with a scope and bipod. Bring at least 100 rounds Bring a shooting (support) bag if you have one. Bring water and snacks. Lots of water in the warm months. Bring layers (coat, sweater, etc) in the cold months.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline