The National Rifle League (NRL) started off sponsoring major centerfire tactical matches, similar to PRS competitions. That proved successful and the NRL added a .22 LR Rimfire series, called NRL22. The NRL22 rimfire discipline has been a success, as rimfire guns are fun to shoot and ammo is very affordable. The most popular NRL22 matches have drawn up to 150 rimfire competitors.

With the success of the NRL22 series, the NRL is adding an Air Rifle class to NRL22 matches in the upcoming 2019/2010 competition season. NRL President Travis Ishida stated: “We are proud to now offer an Air Rifle classification to the monthly NRL22 matches that take place nationwide, and in several other countries.” The accuracy and performance of modern air rifles are impressive, so Ishida says it makes sense to “include them in the same Course of Fire” along with other NRL 22 Classes.

If the NRL’s Airgun class catches on, there may be a stand-alone NRL Airgun series in the future. Tyler Frehner, NRL’s Director of Match Operations stated. “If this class of shooters grows… the Air Rifle class will become a stand-alone entity; a future division of NRL.” Justin Jacobson of Utah Airguns added, “This is going to open the door for Airguns like never before. Finally, Airgun hobbyists everywhere can compete near their hometown in a similar format to rimfires with the NRL.”

About NRL22 Tactical/Practical Competition
The goal of NRL 22 is to make Precision Rifle competitions more available to every community. However, nearly all localities have access to 100-yard ranges and most shooters own a .22 LR rifle. The NRL22 program is designed so any facility with a 100-yard range can host matches. Participants at local NRL22 events can then attend a National Championship. NRL22 currently has four classifications: Open, Base, Ladies, and Young Guns (8-16 age). Air Rifle will be the new fifth class. For the 2018/2019 Competition Season, over 700 shooters attended NRL22 matches. In the 2019/2020 Competition Season, the NRL22 expects significanct growth and is excited to welcome new members and clubs.