
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
This is a rimfire match where you bring a .22 LR rifle or pistol and compete against other shooters in a low-cost, straightforward format. Rimfire matches are the most accessible way to get into competitive shooting—ammunition is cheap and the targets are forgiving enough that you'll actually see your hits. The match runs on June 28th at 6 PM at the Education Building in Harrison. You'll shoot against the clock and other competitors in a format designed to test accuracy without breaking the bank. It's a solid evening of shooting if you want to see how you stack up without the investment rimfire centerfire competition demands.
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.
More Information: https://ultimate-hunter.com/ Registration: https://practiscore.com/clubs/uhssclubone
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 Larimer County 4-H Shooting Sports for the specific format, round count, and entry fees.
This is your last chance to qualify for the county shoot—a .22 rimfire competition at Larimer County 4-H Shooting Sports where you'll test accuracy and consistency before the main event. If you've been training with rimfire, this practice match matters. You'll shoot against other competitors in a straightforward format that rewards precision at distance. It's the real deal before counties, so treat it like the qualifier it is.
05 // LOCATE
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline