First time NRL Hunter. Which division?

[DeepMauka]

Planning on my first NRL Hunter this year. Was looking over the rules and realized none of my current hunting rifles make power factor or qualify for factory (6arc too small overall cartridge length). So here are my questions.

Is it best to shoot skills for my first comp and take what I currently have?

I am in the market for a new rifle, so was thinking maybe shooting factory. Is this a good option? What factory rifle is best to use and what caliber?

I am also looking into a new tripod, so are there any suggestions there as well?

Any other gear that is a must have?

 

[Firestone]

Is it best to shoot skills for my first comp and take what I currently have?

Yes this is 100 % what you should do. I might hurt some feelers but unless you plan on taking top 25 overall or better I think this is what everybody should do.

 

[Lawnboi]

Yes this is 100 % what you should do. I might hurt some feelers but unless you plan on taking top 25 overall or better I think this is what everybody should do.

I’d say unless you plan on winning. There ain’t nothing on that prize table that’s going to touch the price of a NRL build just to make power factor.

I’d shoot skills, if your an accomplished shooter just tell the ROs you want to be run like a normal competitor.

 

[acochran]

Can’t go wrong shooting skills to get a feel for the competition before spending any more money on a rifle. If I were to start over with a build for NRL Hunter, it’d be hard to beat a 22” 6 creed Tikka in factory class.

 

[bojangles808]

Planning on my first NRL Hunter this year. Was looking over the rules and realized none of my current hunting rifles make power factor or qualify for factory (6arc too small overall cartridge length). So here are my questions.

Is it best to shoot skills for my first comp and take what I currently have?

I am in the market for a new rifle, so was thinking maybe shooting factory. Is this a good option? What factory rifle is best to use and what caliber?

I am also looking into a new tripod, so are there any suggestions there as well?

Any other gear that is a must have?

Did you see they are planning one for Molokai in March. Although by the time you factor in the flight lodging etc probably just as much as going to one on the mainland

 

[DeepMauka]

Did you see they are planning one for Molokai in March. Although by the time you factor in the flight lodging etc probably just as much as going to one on the mainland

Yeah, I’d like to shoot in that one. They didn’t really have local guys in mind with a 6am pst sign up time. Hopefully slots don’t fill up too fast. I have friends, flight vouchers, and a vehicle over there so makes that match a no brainer.

 

[wpeach1912]

In case you haven’t decided, shoot skills. Ask for tips from ROs and soak in the knowledge. I’ve seen way too many people waste their money shooting a match in a competitive division for their first time

 

[tysonES]

Skills ftw, you'll be able to see how you stack up scoring wise to the other divisions.

An inverted two vets is hard to beat (recon or kit). RRS if you have the money. If needing a cheaper tripod the large diameter leofotos are super stable. I wouldn't cheap out on the ballhead tho, the Anvil 30 is king for a reason

Matt Alwine is of the opinion that a good benchmark is to be on glass within 15 seconds of stage start. A stable tripod with a tac table is a good place to start for that

 

[acochran]

I am also looking into a new tripod, so are there any suggestions there as well?

Any other gear that is a must have?

My experience with tripods is you get what you pay for with regard to quality. From what I’ve seen, most people are running Leofoto. Figuring out how you plan to use the tripod will help your decision also. Just glassing off tripod and shooting with tripod rear/tall bipod, shooting clipped into Anvil 30, glassing off bag vs binos clipped in, etc all have different demands on the tripod. Once you decide that, you can solve for best value.

Rangefinding binos are a must have (I know people do it without, but it’s painful). You don’t need onboard ballistics to be successful.