Division Definitions

Each competitor can select a division in which they wish to compete in at the beginning of the match. The 7 divisions are Open, Base, Ladies, Young Guns, Old Guns, Semi-Auto and, Air Rifle. We also have an Adaptive Division for special circumstances. This allows you to compete against your peers. Even though everyone will be shooting the same targets and same props throughout the match, ladies will only be competing against other ladies, Young Guns will only be competing against other Young Guns, etc… Below is the basic information for each division.

Open Division

Open division is the least restrictive and usually the most competitive. Basically: you bring it, you shoot it. The only rifle restriction is that it must be a .22lr caliber rimfire rifle. Any action, chassis or optic is allowed. If you find that you don’t fit into any of the other divisions, you will be placed in this one. Open division is usually the largest and most popular among shooters. You can choose to compete in the Open Division, even if you qualify for any other division. You will only earn points for the division you choose to compete in so if you are a Lady and choose to compete in the Open Division, you will only earn points in the Open Division and not the Ladies’ Division.

Base Division

Base division was created for the budget minded shooter. To qualify for this division, the combined MSRP of your factory produced rifle and optic must be less than $1,650.00. This price cap does not include accessories such as bipods, scope rings, mounts, rails, slings, levels, cheek risers, etc. MSRP price is calculated using the published factory MRSP price at the start of the season. Sale prices, special deals, discounts and used prices are not considered. Tuners, aftermarket triggers, adding weights, aftermarket stocks, and most stock modifications are not allowed. Please see www.nrl22.com for complete restrictions on this division. If you have a question regarding your base class rifle, please contact the match director before the match so we can clarify your concerns.

Ladies Division

Ladies division is for women shooters. Rifle restrictions are the same as Open Division or Air Rifle. Any Air Rifle or .22LR rimfire rifle and optic can be used. This allows partners to share the same rifle during the competition.

Young Guns

Young Gun Division is for anyone 8 to 17 years of age on the first day of the current season. Young guns must be able to safely manipulate and operate their rifle on their own. Parents are allowed to assist the young gun with their rifle as needed for safety. Rifle restrictions are the same as Open Division or Air Rifle. Any Air Rifle or .22LR rimfire rifle and optic can be used. This allows the young gun to share their parents rifle during the competition.

Old Guns

Old Guns (OG) Division is for any shooter 60 years or older on the first day of the current season. Rifle restrictions are the same as Open Division or Air Rifle. Any Air Rifle or .22LR rimfire rifle and optic can be used. OG division can use a modified COF in special circumstances that may be too stressful or not possible by the competitor. Any alteration to any particular stage must be discussed and approved by the Match Director before the match. For fairness, any pre-approved alteration to any stage will also be made available to all other OG competitors. If there are multiple stages that are too difficult for a competitor, the Adaptive Division may be a better option.

Air Rifle Division

Air Rifle division is for competitors using a rifle that operates with compressed air to fire a pellet or slug. There are no projectile weight restrictions, but the rifle must be .30 caliber or smaller with muzzle energy not exceeding 110 foot pounds of energy (FPE). (See formula below to calculate energy.) Tethered tanks are not allowed. Alternatively, competitors using air rifles may voluntarily sign up to compete in any other division as long as they meet the requirements of that division.

Measuring foot pounds of energy (FPE) requires knowing the pellet’s velocity and weight. Use a
chronograph to determine velocity, then apply the formula:
Energy = Pellet Weight * Velocity2 / 450240.
For example a 33 grain pellet at 1,020 ft/sec would have 76.26 FPE.
33*10202 =34333200/450240 = 76.255 FPE
A 40 grain lead bullet measuring at 1,080 ft/sec has 103.62 FPE.

Semi-Auto Division (NEW 2025-2026)

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. To reiterate the safety aspect, semi-automatic rifles can move with a closed bolt, but the mechanical safety must be engaged and the competitor must yell “safe” to indicate the mechanical safety has been engaged.

Adaptive Division

Adaptive division is specifically reserved for shooters that have special needs, considerations, or physical limitations that will not allow them to compete in the COF the way it is designed (example: wheel chair restriction, broken leg, amputation, restrictive movement, etc…). It will be up to the Match Director to determine qualification to this division. The match director will then decide on the proper adjustments to the COF to accommodate the shooter. It is up to the Adaptive participants to have reviewed the course of fire prior to the local match. An Adaptive competitor must be able to safely handle and manipulate their firearm while competing. Please contact the match director in advance to discuss your situation. We can make any modifications necessary to accommodate you at our matches.