NRL realism

[hereinaz]

I figure that nothing that isnt actually hunting wont be contrived to a large degree. Skeet, trap and even sporting clays are nothing like bird hunting, but they’re still good practice. I would write the nrl rule book differently, but I didnt. The only truly odd thing to me is that there isnt a sporter division, as I think even 12lb is considered a heavy hunting rifle even by most folks that like heavy hunting rifles. Some sort of weight-based handicap system involving both rifle and gear might go a long way toward encouraging more people play with actual hunting gear; otherwise it’s just “on-sight prs”. But ultimately I guess if you want to use any competitive format it’s going to get gamed, so you either do it your way and dont worry about anyone else’s score, you game it along with everyone else and reap the benefit of working on positions and skills under time, or you find a different way to practice.

Weight includes the bipod, so the limit makes sense, IMO.

 

[LongWayAround]

I'm planning on going to one or two matches near me with the stuff I have and would carry while hunting. I don't really plan to do "well" I just plan to get "better."

I'll probably shoot my .223, which isn't allowed for big game in my state. That alone could be deemed "unrealistic."

 

[Harvey_NW]

The only truly odd thing to me is that there isnt a sporter division, as I think even 12lb is considered a heavy hunting rifle even by most folks that like heavy hunting rifles. Some sort of weight-based handicap system involving both rifle and gear might go a long way toward encouraging more people to play with actual hunting gear

Is there a minimum weight? This is all I can find in the rules.

 

[Jimbee]

Game the game by showing up with a combo that is zeroed and holds zero. And make sure your rifle/magazine feeds reliably. And don't forget to zero your turret after each stage. It's a lot of fun and great practice in my limited experience.

 

[huntnful]

It replicates find, range, build a position and execute the shot. The time and scoring adds pressure.

If you don’t gamify it, it’s not a game, it’s training. But, make it a game too.

Since ancient times games and martial arts mimic war and hunting. Focus on the way it can teach you, not what it can’t do.

And, after participating, you will gain an appreciation for the riflemanship of the winners, even if they do gamify it.

I know of a top finisher who runs an ultralight Savage factory rifle in 6.5 creed who still smokes 95% of the class. Running his “gamified” 25 creed only makes a difference of at most a few places in the finish.

There is no doubt that top shooters, with their NRL specific rifles and accessories have enough raw skill to grab ANYONES gun and outshoot them with it hahaha. They can freaking SHOOT

 

[hereinaz]

Is there a minimum weight? This is all I can find in the rules.
View attachment 809043

No minimum weight.

 

[WKR]

The most unrealistic aspect to me is, you can hit a life-size steel target (deer,bear,etc..) way outside the vitals and it counts. Good for the game, bad for hunting.

 

[Juan_ID]

The most unrealistic aspect to me is, you can hit a life-size steel target (deer,bear,etc..) way outside the vitals and it counts. Good for the game, bad for hunting.

I have shot a handful of matches and imo the only thing close to life size are maybe the “rodent” targets and the turkeys.

 

[WKR]

I have shot a handful of matches and imo the only thing close to life size are maybe the “rodent” targets and the turkeys.

You haven't been to the MDT match then

 

[Juan_ID]

You haven't been to the MDT match then

That I have not, been to matches in Idaho Wyoming Oregon and Utah. I couldn’t imagine shooting at life-sized targets, I’d have to guess my scores would be significantly better haha.

 

[ID_Matt]

That’s what I’m going to do, use one of my normal hunting rifles.

I was just saying that if this is truly supposed to be about sharpening shooting skills for hunting, I’m not sure how realistic these matches are. For example, building a shooting position and shooting from it with a 12lb rifle is no way the same as shooting an 8.5lb rifle.

The fun thing about it is, you don't have to carry a 16 lb gun and 3 bags. You can show up with whatever you want and shoot it however you want. There is no doubt plenty of gaming from the guys who are trying to win - I am guilty of it myself. I think guys just need to show up with an open mind and the attitude that you are just there to get more proficient as a shooter while also testing gear you may use on a hunt.

I promise, shooting at 50-60 different targets in varying wind conditions, angles, and positions is going to make you a better killer in the field - regardless of if it is with an 8.5 lb gun or a 12 lb gun. You still have to find the target, build a solid position, dope your gun, and make a good wind call, all with time added in as a stressor.

 

[SDHNTR]

What I don’t understand is the why. Sure it sounds like fun, but given the scarcity of time, wouldn’t one rather actually go hunting than play hunting games? Aren’t coyotes and varmints always open? Personally, there is zero chance Im going to go play games when I can go hunting for real, unless my time is virtually unlimited. Are these mostly retired guys doing these matches?

 

[lintond]

I haven’t shot one yet but I’ve been nerding out on studying it in prep for a couple matches this year. A few thoughts I had for myself.

Yes it’s not a 100% hunting realistic setup but it’s hunting similar. I think they’ve done a good job capturing some of the challenges of hunting in a simple competitive format that doesn’t take months to finish a match.

Find targets, get your dope, and engage them while under the added stress of time. Engaging & shooting under a time crunch is real world.

Mag changes aren’t a big part of hunting for most cases. It seems to just be a way to fit multiple shooting positions into a single time block instead of breaking out into a bunch of smaller time blocks that take more time/logistics overall for the match.

Power factor was created to get away from the small PRS calibers. shoot skills and you can shoot your RS special 223

I will be taking my 6.5 PRc hunting setup and am hoping to hit the 12# limit with a taller bipod primarily so I can be time efficient. On a real hunt I’d use my tripod and sacrifice the time.

In the end I want to practice my shooting in terrain, under stress, and taking multiple shots. I’m less worried about the gear personally matching directly to my hunting setup.


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[lintond]

I've never shot one either but I'd like to, I'm just not really a solo experience kinda guy. You interested in shooting the La Grand one as a team? May as well be in it for the bacon.

I’m doing skills in La Grande. You travel from stage to stage in pods, so it’s sort of team like


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[wind gypsy]

What I don’t understand is the why. Sure it sounds like fun, but given the scarcity of time, wouldn’t one rather actually go hunting than play hunting games? Aren’t coyotes and varmints always open? Personally, there is zero chance Im going to go play games when I can go hunting for real, unless my time is virtually unlimited. Are these mostly retired guys doing these matches?

Do you really not understand or are you just poo pooing it? You have clearly spent a bunch of time and money messing with and thinking about rifles well in excess of what is needed to successfully kill animals.. Seems like a waste.. Some people like shooting beyond just when it's at an animal and shooting at 80 different animals (# of targets in a 2 day match) is about a lifetime's worth for me. I also have little to no interest in hunting coyotes in April-August.

 

[WKR]

That I have not, been to matches in Idaho Wyoming Oregon and Utah. I couldn’t imagine shooting at life-sized targets, I’d have to guess my scores would be significantly better haha.

Problem at that match wasn't the target size, it was finding the damn things.

 

[Brucebarker024]

I’m doing skills in La Grande. You travel from stage to stage in pods, so it’s sort of team like


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I’ll be shooting the La grande one as well, should be a fun match. Will be my first 2 day.

 

[khuber84]

What I don’t understand is the why. Sure it sounds like fun, but given the scarcity of time, wouldn’t one rather actually go hunting than play hunting games? Aren’t coyotes and varmints always open? Personally, there is zero chance Im going to go play games when I can go hunting for real, unless my time is virtually unlimited. Are these mostly retired guys doing these matches?

The decision to go forth and participate in a competition forces a shooter check their ego, look fear and nerves in the face, manage so many tasks and force them to perform in front of audience and peers. A very small percentage of shooters thrive on this environment, most will never leave their comfort zone to find out. It's not for everyone.......

 

[rootacres]

Overall I feel NRL Hunter is a pretty well executed attempt to replicate hunting situations. I think it's a great way to shake down your skills, rifle system, gear etc. in a stress induced environment. I am sure we will see an evolution of rules over time. Hopefully that nips the tac table, two tripod, 2-3 bags, gammer BS in the bud.

To your points though,

My hunting rifle (7 SAUM) I have shot matches with. It weighs 9lbs, I also hunt with a single pull MDT bipod. That puts me around 11 lbs. So I make light division with that setup. I now have an identical rifle setup with a 6.5 CM barrel and a triple pull MDT bipod. That lands me closer to 12lbs.

I shoot NRL matches with a heavy rear bag. I bring a slightly different rear bag on most hunts, it just has the lightweight fill.

I use a two vets No Name V2 tripod for NRL, I have taken it on my last 2 hunts. I may change this up in favor of something more lightweight depending on the hunt. Splitting hairs over sub 2 lbs.

So most of what I use for NRL is what I do hunt with or I just use a lighter weight variant of the same thing. The positioning and process is basically the same.

 

[Sevens]

I understand where the 16 pound limit came from (Idaho), but it still seems excessive and the amount of hunters actual lugging a 16 pound rifle is probably minimal. What I would wish is the rifle weight somehow factored into score as the scenarios NRL attempts to recreate are more akin to a hunt yould have to hike and would factor in rifle weight.

Set 12 pounds as the benchmark (seems fair with a bipod attached), but have a points multiplier or detractor based on weight. Spitballing here, but say every pound below 12 pounds increases your score by 5% and every pound over 12 decreases your score by 5%. A guy shooting a 16 pound rifle would only get 80% of the score, while someone shooting an 8 pound rifle would get 120%.