Trying Competitive Shooting for the First Time? Start Here.

If you've ever watched someone shoot a precision rifle match and thought "I'd like to try that someday", this post is for you.

Two of the most accessible competitive shooting formats in the country are happening right here at CSA, run by our own Jon Kaiser. They're called NRL22 and PRS Rimfire, and if you've never heard of either one, that's exactly why we're writing this.

What they have in common

Both formats are built around one simple idea: same skills, smaller scale, less cost.

You're shooting a .22 LR rimfire rifle — not a purpose-built centerfire precision rig — at steel targets from various positions and barricades, under a time limit. Distances typically run from 25 to 300 yards, with small steel plates as targets and a course of fire broken into 5 to 10 stages with around 10 shots each and a 90 to 120 second time limit per stage. Scoring is simple — one point per hit, highest total wins.

What makes both formats special is that the skills you're building are real. Wind reading, positional stability, stage planning, time management under pressure — everything you learn transfers directly to centerfire competition if you ever want to go that route. But plenty of guys shoot these matches for years and never feel the need to move up. They're genuinely fun on their own terms.

The other thing worth saying: the community at these matches is welcoming. You can easily talk with other shooters between stages, and you'll find all ages and skill levels on the line — from pre-teens to folks in their late 70s. Nobody expects you to show up knowing everything. What matters is that you show up willing to learn.

What you need to get started

A bolt-action .22 LR rifle with a scope, a bipod, and a rear bag. That's the basics. Popular entry-level rifles include the CZ 457, Bergara BMR, and Ruger Precision Rimfire — and a solid starter setup with rifle, scope, and support gear can be put together for under $1,500. Ammo costs are minimal — we're talking pennies per round compared to a dollar or more for centerfire match ammunition.

If you already own a scoped .22, there's a good chance you can compete with what you have.

So what's the difference between the two?

Both formats feel similar on the line, but they come from different organizations with slightly different structures.

NRL22 is run by the National Rifle League. The goal of the NRL22 is to make precision rifle shooting more available to every community. One of the things that makes it unique is that every NRL22 club in the country shoots the same five-stage course of fire each month — published the week before the match so you can download it in advance and know exactly what to expect. That standardization means your score can be compared to shooters across the country, and top performers qualify for a national championship. The NRL22 also maintains classifications and national rankings, so there's a competitive pathway for anyone who wants to pursue it.

PRS Rimfire is the Precision Rifle Series' version of the same concept. PRS is the organization behind the top tier of precision rifle competition in the country, and their rimfire format is essentially the entry point into that world. The main difference from NRL22 is that PRS Rimfire courses are designed by the match director and often involve movement — all are time limited, typically 90 to 120 seconds. Targets can stretch out a bit further, and the format feels slightly more open-ended than NRL22's standardized monthly course of fire. Shooters who get serious about PRS Rimfire often move up to PRS centerfire competition over time — but there's no obligation to do that. It's a complete sport on its own.

In practice, the same rifle and skillset works for both. Many competitive shooters do both formats throughout the season, and Jon alternates NRL22 and PRS Rimfire matches at CSA so members have access to both.

Ready to try it?

Jon Kaiser runs both matches here at CSA. To get on the registration list or ask questions before your first match, reach out to him directly:

📞 Jon Kaiser: (920) 296-5331

Match details and upcoming dates are posted here.

If you've been on the fence about competitive shooting, there's no better place to start than right here at your own club. Come out and see what it's all about.