
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
Rimfire B-Rest is a .22 LR competition where you shoot from a bench rest position—a straightforward way to test precision and consistency without the cost and recoil of centerfire matches. Lima Sabres runs this on May 18, 2026, and it's a solid entry point if you're new to competitive shooting or just want to stretch your rimfire skills. You'll shoot from a rest at distance, letting the rifle do the work while you focus on technique and trigger control. It's the kind of match where small improvements show up on paper right away, and you'll see how your gun and ammo actually perform when conditions are controlled.
Juniors smallbore practice at Meta Con Gun Club gives young shooters a chance to develop accuracy and trigger control with rimfire rifles and pistols in a structured match setting. It's an affordable way to build fundamentals and compete regularly. This is standard smallbore format—prone, standing, and kneeling positions, depending on the match rules that day. You'll shoot against the clock and against other competitors, get feedback on your groups, and see real improvement over the season.
Airgun competition uses compressed-air-powered rifles or pistols to engage precision targets at 10 meters. This is the same discipline shot at the Olympic Games and is one of the most accessible entry points into competitive shooting. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Distance | 10 meters | | Divisions | Air Rifle, Air Pistol | | Venue | Indoor (typically) | | Round count | 40-60 shots | Indoor, climate-controlled environment Minimal noise -- no ear protection needed in most cases No age restrictions at most clubs Develops precision fundamentals applicable to all shooting Contact BRC Indoor Range for equipment requirements and entry fees.
10 meters ( No Time Limit) Rifle Target AR5/10 ( 10 rounds per target) Pistol Target B-40/A (20 rounds per target)
Cascade Junior Smallbore Team classroom sessions and shooting
This is a .22 rimfire match at USI Multi Purpose Range—cheap ammunition, minimal recoil, and tight groups make it a solid way to work fundamentals and test your accuracy without breaking the bank. RSO-only format means the range is running it, so you know the safety structure is locked in. Matches like this typically run stages where you're punching paper or steel at various distances. With rimfire you can shoot all day on a modest budget, and the competitive structure keeps you honest about where your shots actually go. Good place to see how you stack up without the financial commitment of centerfire matches.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline