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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
AUG
8

Precision 900 .22 Rimfire David Gee Memorial Team Shoot

Training

Precision Pistol Matches Open 90 shots. B6 (50 yard slow fire) and B8 (25 yard timed and rapid fire) targets Match 1, Slow fire, two strings of 10 shots in 10 minutes Match 2, National Match Course, 10 shots each slow, timed and rapid fire Match 3, Timed fire, four strings of 5 shots in 20 seconds Match 4, Rapid fire, four strings of 5 shots in 10 seconds Match 5, Aggregate

Saturday, August 8, 2026
Coyote Point Rifle & Pistol Club Inc.Coyote Point Rifle & Pistol Club Inc., San Mateo, CA
View details
AUG
8

NRL22 Match

Competition
NRL22

-Arrive early to Help setup. -“Zero TIME” 8:00am 8:45 Mandatory Safety Brief. Miss this and you do not shoot. -9:00 first stage. -Match fee $20.00

Saturday, August 8, 2026
The Tennessee Sports Foundation, Inc.The Tennessee Sports Foundation, Inc., Jackson, TN
View details
AUG
8

NRL 22 22 Rimfire Rifle

Expo
USPSA

July 25 CCW Fallon Multipurpose building Fairground August 1-2 Steel Plate Lovelock August 1 5 USPSA Centerfire handguns & PCC August 1 6 ICORE Centerfire Revolver August 22 Steel Challenge Centerfire/Rimfire &PCC

Saturday, August 8, 2026
Stillwater Firearms AssociationsStillwater Firearms Associations, Fallon, NV
View details
AUG
8

Smallbore Rifle Match 9:00 AM

Competition
NRL22
Youth

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 Hollywood Rifle & Pistol Club for the specific format, round count, and entry fees.

Saturday, August 8, 2026
Hollywood Rifle & Pistol ClubHollywood Rifle & Pistol Club, Dania Beach, FL
View details
AUG
8

22LR Bench Rest League Competition

Competition

Start time is 12:00 Noon, Drawings for relay and starting bench position at 11:30 AM. Shoot 5 of these dates to be eligible for awards, and if you shoot all 6 you get to drop your lowest score. Roy Meditz Match Director

Saturday, August 8, 2026
Blue Ridge Shooters Club, Inc.Blue Ridge Shooters Club, Inc., Vesuivus, VA
View details
AUG
8

FHRC .22 Precision Rimfire (Shawn Bishop)

Competition
NRL22
Youth

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 Fort Harmar Rifle Club for the specific format, round count, and entry fees.

Saturday, August 8, 2026
Fort Harmar Rifle ClubFort Harmar Rifle Club, Marietta, OH