NRL22 & NRL22X FAQs
General NRL22 Questions
What is NRL22?
NRL22 is a worldwide rimfire precision rifle league designed to make precision shooting accessible, affordable, and fun. Monthly Courses of Fire (COFs) are published for clubs to run matches using .22 LR rifles, common props, and distances typically out to 100 yards with an option to go to 200 yards and closer.
What is NRL22X?
NRL22X is the next evolution of NRL22, incorporating longer distances (often 200–400+ yards), more complex props, and match formats similar to centerfire precision rifle competitions—while still centered on .22 LR rifles. The COF is specifically designed by the hosting Match Director.
What equipment do I need to shoot NRL22?
At minimum: a .22 LR rifle, scope (ideally with external turrets), magazines, ammo, and a safe way to support the rifle (bipod, bag). NRL22 emphasizes accessibility, so new shooters can be competitive with minimal gear.
How do monthly Courses of Fire work?
Each month, NRL22 releases a standardized COF with 5 stages. Clubs run those stages locally so shooters across the country are competing on identical stages. Many clubs add 2-3 bonus stages to have a bigger event and test their shooters on different skills. Bonus stages are not a requirement.
Do I need to be an NRL22 member to shoot?
No. Anyone may participate in local matches. Membership is only required if you wish to earn national points to be eligible for the National Championship, have an active NRL22 member profile that lists all your gear, stats, accomplishments, etc., win prizes from the monthly NRL22 live show, exclusive discounts from NRL22 gear, exclusive discounts from our Preferred sponsors.
Are there age restrictions?
Clubs may have their own policies, but NRL22 encourages youth participation with proper supervision. Many ranges allow young gun shooters as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
What divisions are available?
Open Division, Base Division, Young Guns, Ladies, Old Guns, Air Rifle, Semi-Auto, Adaptive
How do scoring and points work?
Scores are based on impacts. Clubs submit scores to NRL22, and national points are calculated in percentage based on the winners score i.e. if you are shooter B and earned 521.34 points and shooter A is the winner of the match with 542.34, shooter A will receive 100% and shooter B would earn 96.13%.
Match & COF Questions
Who designs the monthly COF?
The NRL22 team, COF committee members, and guest designers from across the country contribute to stage creation.
Can match directors modify the COF?
Yes, to a degree. The only modification a Match Director is allowed to do is if a COF calls for targets to be spread a certain distance or if props have to be separated by a certain distance. This is only allow due to range restrictions. Target sizes, distances, par times may not be changed in any way.
What props do clubs need to run an NRL22 match?
NRL22 uses standardized props so clubs can run matches inexpensively. Common props include: – 5-gallon bucket – 6’ A Fram Ladder – Tank trap – Rooftop – 55-gall Barrels, NRL22 pyramid. A full list is in the rules.
What targets are required?
Steel targets of varying shapes and sizes, from KYL racks to simple circles. NRL22 publishes target dimensions each month.
Can we substitute targets or distances?
No. Target sizes and distances are to be followed as written on the COF. This includes if you live in an area that is prone to high winds.
Safety
What safety rules apply to NRL22?
NRL22 follows strict muzzle discipline, chamber flag use, and range commands. Safety rules are dictated by the host range and augmented by NRL22 safety protocols.
Do shooters move with a loaded rifle?
Shooters only load on command and must have their bolt open and rear ward when transition from position to position. Semi-Auto rifles must physically engage the mechanical safety and yell “Safe” loud enough for the range officer(s) to hear.
Are chamber flags required?
Yes. All rifles must have a chamber flag inserted anytime outside of the shooting stage.
Divisions & Gear Rules
What is Base Division?
Base division is intended to be budget oriented and friendly to new competitors. Any rifle system that comes in at or under a combined MSRP for that season (MSRP limit can be found in the NRL22/NRL22X rules), as listed on the manufacturer’s website, shall be eligible to compete in Base division.
What is Open Division?
Any safe rimfire rifle setup with no price restrictions.
What is Young Guns Division?
Young Guns division will be for any competitor who is 17 years old or younger. Competitors 17 years old or less on the first day of the season are eligible to compete in Young Guns division for the entire season.
What is Ladies Division?
A division for competitors born as biological females. Alternatively, Ladies may voluntarily sign up to compete in any other division if the competitor meets the requirements of that division.
What is Air Rifle Division?
Air Rifle division is for competitors using a rifle that operates with compressed air to fire a pellet or slug.
What is Semi-Auto Division?
Semi-auto division is available for any competitor without restrictions to price or attachments. A semi-auto rifle is a rifle that automatically reloads after firing a single round out of a magazine with each trigger pull.
What is Old Guns Division?
Old Guns (OG) division is available to any competitor 60 years old and older. Any competitor that will turn 60 years old during the current season (May 1st thru April 30th) will be eligible to compete in the Old Guns division for the entire season and may start competing in Old Guns division on the first day of the season (May 1st).
What is Adaptive Division?
Adaptive division is an optional division that will be available to any competitor that has special needs/considerations severely limiting their ability to participate in the match as written. This division is intended to allow participation in the monthly NRL22 courses of fire for individuals who are no longer able to perform a significant amount of the motions published within the course of fire.
What is the rifle power factor or velocity limit?
Standard .22 LR ammunition is expected. No hyper-velocity rounds exceeding safe steel impact limits.
NRL22X Questions
How is NRL22X different from regular NRL22?
Key differences include: – Longer distances (200–400+ yards) – More complex props and movement – Heavier emphasis on precision rifle match structure – Usually 8–12 stages in a single-day match
Do NRL22 membership points count toward NRL22X?
No. NRL22X series points have their own leaderboard to qualify for the NRL22 Championship.
What rifle and gear are allowed in NRL22X?
Same rifle and gear as NRL22
What divisions are allowed in NRL22X?
All divisions except for Adaptive. Adaptive division allows the shooter to shoot with a modified COF which can provide them with an advantage over other shooters, which is not fair and allowed.
Hosting & Match Director Questions
How do I start an NRL22 match at my range?
- Confirm interest among local shooters.
- Present the NRL22 structure to range management.
- Ensure the range can support required distances.
- Register your club with NRL22.
- Run monthly COFs and submit scores.
What insurance or certifications are required?
NRL22 does not provide insurance. Clubs must follow the requirements of their own range or sanctioning organization.
Can private land be used?
Yes, as long as it meets safety requirements and match standards.
How many shooters do you need to run a match?
Matches may run with as few as 5 shooters to earn leaderboard points and 3 shooters to earn classification points.
How long does a match typically last?
Most NRL22 matches run 2–4 hours depending on squad size. NRL22X matches typically last 6–8 hours.
Competition & Championship Questions
How do shooters qualify for the NRL22 National Championship?
Shooters accumulate national points throughout the season either through NRL22 or NRL22X. Top performers in each division are invited to the Championship based on participation of that division. NRL22 uses your top 6 individual monthly scores and NRL22X uses your top 3 scores.
How many matches count toward points?
Each match counts towards points. NRL22 uses the highest score you earned for each month for the leaderboard.
How does tie-breaking work?
Each COF will have a stage that has been identified as a timed tie-breaker stage. After the shooter has fired the prescribed number of shots under the allotted time then 0.1 bonus points shall be awarded for each second remaining i.e. if you shoot a stage and get all 10 impacts and have 15.32 seconds remaining on the clock then your score for that stage would be 101.53 points.
Registration & Scoring
How do I register for matches?
Clubs may use PractiScore, Impact Scoring, or local sign-in sheets. Each club determines its own system. PractiScore or Impact Scoring is always preferred.
How are scores submitted?
Match directors upload scores through the NRL22 system according to monthly deadlines which is no later than 7 days after the match has been completed.
What if my score is incorrect?
Contact your match director first. If unresolved, you may escalate to NRL22 support.
Shooter Experience Questions
Is NRL22 beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. The series was created specifically to welcome new shooters into precision rifle sports.
Do I need special clothing or gear?
No. Normal outdoor attire works. Some shooters bring shooting bags, tripods, or kneepads, but these are optional.
Will I hold up the squad if I’m new?
Squads are built to support new shooters. RO’s and fellow competitors are accustomed to helping newcomers.
Organizational Questions
How do sponsors get involved?
NRL22 has multiple sponsorship levels. Contact the NRL22 team for program details.
How can I volunteer?
Reach out to your local club, or contact NRL22 directly for national-level opportunities.
Still Have Questions?
Visit the official NRL22 website or contact the NRL22 leadership team for rule clarifications, match support, or hosting guidance at info@nrl22.com