Posted by MHSA Team on Aug 24th 2026
Mastering the Mountain: A Guide to NRL Hunter Classes & Rifles
One of the biggest challenges with NRL competition and hunting trips is getting the right gear that is durable, repeatable, and most importantly, lightweight. At Mile High Shooting Accessories, we specialize in helping you navigate these requirements so you can focus on the target.
Understanding the NRL Hunter Divisions
The National Rifle League (NRL) Hunter matches are designed to test your skills in real-world hunting scenarios. The key to competition success starts with understanding your division’s specific constraints.
Crucially, all weight measurements are "all-up" weight—this means your rifle system is weighed exactly as you carry it onto the stage.
nrlhunter.org:
- Division is determined by the weight of the rifle with all dedicated support equipment attached. The Rifle consists of barrel, muzzle device, trigger, action, stock/chassis, scope, bipod (if used). Assistive devices, such as E-data cards, hard mounted range finders, or timers, etc. which aid the user during the stage time, will be included in the overall rifle weight. Slings are no longer included in the rifle weight because they are primarily a tool for safe hunter movement with a rifle, and the NRL Hunter encourages safe travel from stage to stage. MD's will have designated colors that indicate equipment division. Tripods are not considered primary shooting equipment and are not calculated into weight.
- Ammo and detachable box magazines (if equipped) are not included in the weight.
- Rifle mounted electronics: Due to the surge of consumer video equipment availability, passive rifle mounted electronics used for video recording which are mounted on a rifle system will not be included in the weight of the rifle. All other rifle mounted electronics will count towards weight.
- Factory Division: This class focuses on standard production equipment. To qualify, your rifle system must weigh 12 lbs or less. Additionally, the rifle system must be on the approved factory list, ensuring a level playing field for shooters using "out-of-the-box" rifles. Factory Division Regulations
- Open Light Division: This division allows for custom actions, barrels, and chassis setups but keeps a strict 12-lb weight limit. It is the ultimate test of balancing extreme accuracy with extreme mobility.
- Open Heavy Division: This class allows for rifles weighing up to 16 lbs. The 4-lb advantage over the Light division allows for heavier optics, more robust chassis, and potentially longer or thicker-profile barrels, offering superior stability and reduced felt recoil, which can be a significant advantage in challenging conditions.
- Skills Division: Designed for newcomers who want to learn, or for individuals using equipment that does not fit into the other divisions. Competitors in this division are permitted on-course coaching
How to Choose Your Class: A Quick Guide
Selecting the right class allows you to optimize performance for your specific hunting style, yet the challenge lies in assessing the trade-offs between stability and mobility. In this sport, weight serves as the primary filter for class selection and overall strategy.
- Factory Division: Best if you are using a standard rifle right out of the box. Check the rifle requirements and weight restrictions in the official rules to ensure your setup qualifies.
- Open Light Division: Choose this if you prioritize mobility and weight savings. Your total rifle system (including optics, mounts, etc.) must be 12 lbs or less. Ideal for hunters who want to use ultralite chassis and prefer more customization than Factory offers.
- Open Heavy Division: Choose this if you prefer a heavier, more stable rifle and can manage up to 16 lbs. Great if you prioritize precision and reduced recoil over ultimate portability.
- Skills Division: Recommended to first time NRL Hunter Competitors and those looking to focus on building their shooting *Skills*.
Selecting Your Class: Weight vs. Stability
Choosing the right class often comes down to personal preference and the terrain. While "ounces equal pounds" in the field, a slightly heavier rifle can offer increased stability and reduced felt recoil during high-pressure competition stages. It is important to remember that gear must be carried on foot through the duration of the competition which can exceed 10 miles over three day events.
Understanding Power Factor
Power Factor is a crucial metric used to ensure consistent performance and energy across different rifle systems. It represents the momentum of the bullet and is defined by the following formula:
Power Factor:
(Bullet Weight in grains x Muzzle Velocity in feet per second) / 1,000
Matches often have a minimum power factor requirement to ensure the targets react correctly and to maintain hunting validity. Competitors should verify their specific load data to ensure they meet these standards before arriving at a competition.
Lightweight Components for the Perfect Build
The benefit of using premium components is achieving an ultralight setup without sacrificing long-range precision, though the challenge is always balancing durability against aggressive weight savings. Every ounce saved on these parts directly impacts your ability to successfully compete in each division.
Ultralight Actions
- Impact Precision NBK: A smooth and reliable lightweight action ideal for any NRL competition or hunt.
- Defiance anTi X: A flagship hunting and NRL action made of aircraft-grade steel, weighing in at just 23oz for the short action.
- Impact Precision NBK Ultralite: The ultimate weight-saving choice for competitive hunters. Weighing in at only 24oz, it provides the reliability needed for long competitions without the weight penalty, perfectly positioning your build for the Open Light class.
Precision Barrels & Stocks
With modern manufacturing, companies are now making ultralight magnesium and carbon fiber components to maintain rigidity and durability while weighing significantly less than traditional wood/composite stocks and steel barrels.
- Proof Research Carbon Fiber Barrels: Widely considered the best for this environment, these barrels are lightweight and extremely accurate.
- XLR Element 4.0 Magnesium Chassis: ultra-lightweight modular hunting rifle chassis designed for the backcountry hunter coming in at only 28 oz.
- MDT HNT26 Chassis: A dedicated lightweight hunting chassis that provides a modern, modular base for your build.
Lightweight Optics & Mounts
A great scope is the single most impactful upgrade for repeatable long‑range performance: clarity and usable top‑end magnification let you identify and engage targets faster, a reliable reticle and true‑first‑focal‑plane geometry give you accurate holds at any power, and rock‑solid tracking plus a rigid mount preserve zero so your follow‑ups are predictable. Choose glass that balances weight with optical quality, prioritize reticle usability and turret repeatability, and treat the scope and mount as part of the rifle’s core accuracy system (because they are). Spend ounces here before you spend them on cosmetics.
- NRL Rifle Scopes: Clear, Light, and Durable.
The Mile High Custom Solution: Spuhr NRL Rifle
For those who want a competition-ready system without the guesswork, we have developed the Spuhr NRL Custom Rifle. This build is specifically designed for the Open Heavy division, offering a perfect balance of weight savings and rugged durability. Leaving ample amount of weight for scope, rings, and suppressor.
|
Component |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Action |
Impact Precision NBK |
|
Barrel |
Proof Research 6.5 CM Carbon Fiber |
|
Chassis |
Spuhr SICS REM 700 |
|
Weight (Rifle Only) |
9.6 lbs |
|
Weight (Full Package) |
12.7 lbs (includes Leupold Mark IV & Hawkins Rings) |
Shop Your Custom Build
Actions: https://www.milehighshooting.com/components/bolt-gun/actions/
Barrels: https://www.milehighshooting.com/components/barrels/
Chassis & Stocks: https://www.milehighshooting.com/components/bolt-gun/stocks/
Optics: https://www.milehighshooting.com/optics-mounts/nrl-riflescopes/
Support Items
To perform at your peak during a match, your support gear must be as specialized as your rifle. The goal is to maximize your stability and speed while minimizing the physical burden of carrying that gear over long distances.
Rangefinding Binoculars
These are essential for rapid target acquisition and environmental data collection. The benefit is immediate access to range and atmospheric data, but the challenge lies in balancing glass quality and built-in features against the weight around your neck. Because you carry these all day, lighter units that offer top-tier ranging speed and clarity are worth the investment to keep your total "all-up" load manageable.
Tripods
A tripod is your most critical support tool for achieving stability in unpredictable terrain. While they aren't calculated in your rifle's division weight, they still add significant physical load over a 2 day course. The benefit is a rock-solid platform for any shot, but the challenge is finding a model that is stiff enough to eliminate vibration without being too heavy to carry. Carbon fiber models are the industry standard for balancing this rigidity-to-weight ratio.
Shooting Bags
Your shooting bag acts as the bridge between your rifle and the uneven surfaces of a match. The benefit is increased stability on barricades and natural features, but the challenge is balancing the bag's size and weight against its utility. You need enough "fill" to create a stable platform, but excessive weight or bulk will slow you down and add unnecessary fatigue.
Packs
Your pack is the foundation of your movement; it carries your gear, food, and water for the duration of the event. The benefit of a proper pack is endurance and organization, but the challenge is ensuring it fits your body perfectly without unnecessary weight. A heavy, ill-fitting pack will impact your ability to shoot accurately by inducing physical fatigue before you even reach the stage.
Ammo Holders
Efficient reloads can make the difference between a successful stage and a timed-out disaster. The benefit is streamlined access to ammunition, but the challenge is keeping rounds secure while ensuring you can grab them efficiently between stages. While these items contribute very little to your overall weight, keeping your reloads ergonomic is vital for maintaining the flow of your stage performance.
Armageddon Gear: 40/40 Ammo Holder
Ready for Your Next Build?
Whether you are looking to build a custom rifle from the ground up or need to find the right optics to fit your current class, our team is here to help.
Frederick, CO
303-255-9999
5831 Ideal Drive,
Frederick, CO 80516
Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm