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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
| 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
#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
JUL
19
Airgun - Field Target
Airgun Field Target is an outdoor venue, utilizing precision high-power air rifles (sometimes air pistols). The reactionary, steel animal targets are designed to fall only when the pellet hits the “Kill Zone”, requiring target-rifle accuracy. Targets are then re-set with a cord from the shooting position. The distance to the targets varies and is unknown, adding an element of range-finding ability (similar to hunting in the field). All types of air rifles may be used, up to .22 cal, (but NO BB’
Sunday, July 19, 2026• 08:00:00
USI Multi Purpose RangeUSI Multi Purpose Range, Concord, NV
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JUL
19
Air Pistol/Air Rifle
.22 Pistol – Tuesday, July 14 Archery – Saturday, July 18 Air Rifle and Air Pistol
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Larimer County 4-H Shooting SportsLarimer County 4-H Shooting Sports, Loveland, CO
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JUL
19
Air Pistol/Air Rifle County Shoot
Competition
Larimer County 4-H is running a rimfire county shoot—straightforward .22 LR competition that keeps costs down and lets you test your fundamentals against the clock and targets. This is the kind of match where a decent rifle and decent shooting matter more than deep pockets. You'll compete with other rimfire shooters in a format that rewards consistency and clean fundamentals. It's held at the 4-H range in Loveland on July 19, 2026. Rimfire matches typically move fast, give you quick feedback on your form, and keep you sharp between larger competitions.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Larimer County 4-H Shooting SportsLarimer County 4-H Shooting Sports, Loveland, CO
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JUL
19
Air Rifle Practice
Competition
This is a .22 LR rimfire match at the Education Building in Harrison—straightforward competition shooting that won't break the bank on ammunition costs. It's a practical way to sharpen accuracy and trigger control without the expense of centerfire matches. Shows up at 6 PM on July 19th. Rimfire matches run fast, keep you shooting consistently, and give you real feedback on your fundamentals. Good entry point if you're new to organized competition.
Sunday, July 19, 2026• 18:00:00
Education BuildingEducation Building, Harrison, OH
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JUL
19
Air Pistol/Air Rifle – Sunday
.22 Pistol – Tuesday, July 14 Archery – Saturday, July 18 Air Rifle and Air Pistol
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Larimer County 4-H Shooting SportsLarimer County 4-H Shooting Sports, Loveland, CO
View details
JUL
19
Airgun – Field Target
Airgun Field Target is an outdoor venue, utilizing precision high-power air rifles (sometimes air pistols). The reactionary, steel animal targets are designed to fall only when the pellet hits the “Kill Zone”, requiring target-rifle accuracy. Targets are then re-set with a cord from the shooting position. The distance to the targets varies and is unknown, adding an element of range-finding ability (similar to hunting in the field). All types of air rifles may be used, up to .22 cal, (but NO BB’
Sunday, July 19, 2026• 08:00:00
USI Multi Purpose RangeUSI Multi Purpose Range, Concord, CA