Firstly, apologies for not staying on top of the blog thing, the last one was June 2022!
Quick entry regarding field matches, what we take, the experience and how they tend to run.
Over the past few years, we have been fortunate enough to travel to the USA to compete in 'NRL Hunter' field matches. This has been useful for ongoing LVG product development & evaluation, networking and to fly the flag for our great PRS sponsor companies (Delta Tactical, Accuracy International, Nightforce, Without Warning & OSA).
The aim of NRLH is to promote ethical hunting through increased marksmanship, utilizing what could be considered more 'field style' precision rifles that fit into weight and accessory categories in the hopes of building skills and introducing new shooters to the sport and way of life. It is not intended to be PRS in the hills and seems to attract perhaps a different style of shooter who appreciates the practical application of a few skillsets merged together in an open, different environment.
These matches combine movement, target locating, ballistic data planning, observation, equipment management and of course, refined practical marksmanship and time management.
This really is 'expert mode' level shooting, you can't just roll in here and expect to do well if you haven't already got comfortable behind a rifle, in natural terrain, dealing with multiple winds, being all over your ballistic calibration process, time management and being at least reasonably flexible / athletic.
In order to cater to a wider audience, NRLH competitions are either run individually or as a pair. We have so far only shot individual matches, however there are definitely some benefits to working together; two sets of eyes looking for targets and judging wind would be a huge advantage at times!
Having come from PRS and being a life long hunter, the positional shooting side isn't generally the major problem personally, however finding targets quickly and making sure you don't get 'lost' mid stage is a major issue that requires constant attention! With that, and like most sports - the best way to get good at it, is to get out and DO IT, a lot... With purpose... Refining the process along the path to enlightenment.
Due to the tyranny of distance, we have only so far managed to shoot in four of these matches. Every NRLH match so far has still thrown many curve balls that you have to simply deal with and learn from in a hurry. Make a plan, try to stick to it, learn quickly, apply anything from recent stages that may help, adjust as required...
My basic understanding of the NRLH divisions:
- Open Heavy: 16lbs weight limit, must meet minimum power factor*
- Open Light: 12lbs weight limit, must meet minimum power factor*
- Factory: Unmodified* factory rifle, must meet minimum power factor*
- Skills: No weight limit, for beginners and suspect, part time, travellers like us
- Ammunition must meet minimum power factor for most categories (excluding skills division or shooters using factory ammo).
- Teams: 16lbs weight limit, 6 minute stages, must meet minimum power factor*
- Young Guns: Can be assisted by another non-shooter, 16lbs limit
- Ladies: Fairly consistent with Open Heavy I believe.
Stages are shot 'blind', meaning you have not had the opportunity to watch anyone before you run it, you don't know where the targets are, how far they are or get any insight as to wind and positions. This is a major hangup that requires some aggressive adaptation under pressure!
Individuals get 4 minutes, whereas teams get 6 minutes. This includes moving into the sighting area, finding targets, moving to firing positions and engaging targets in the correct sequence.
Scoring:
- 1st round impact = 2 points
- 2nd round impact = 1 point
- 2 misses = 0 points for that target
- 8 points per stage = Clean
- Hit / Shoot to move, or can elect to ‘skip’ a target
- If you hit the target on the 1st round, move on
- If you miss twice, you must move to the next target or position
- You may fire 4 rounds (all 1st round hits) = clean
- You may fire 8 rounds and miss everything or hit on the 2nd round
- You will not fire more than 8 rounds on a stage
- 20 stages of 8 maximum rounds = MAX 160 rounds for a match
Targets may be engaged for example: Left to Right or Near to Far depending on stage layout however the first target always has a 'placard' next to it that may be a letter or number. The placard can sometimes be seen by eye, or can be very elusive! You get nothing for free.
Stage format options:
A) 1 Position, 4 Targets
B) 2 Positions, 2 Targets
C) 4 Positions, 1 Target
A) I find this to be the most difficult. To find four targets on the clock, DOPE them, map them out on your data board, move into position and then re-locate them from this new perspective, this can be a real handful. Generally, however, I think these targets may be bigger and easier to find, but not always... For people who have never had to FIND targets on the clock, this is a problem that is difficult to train.
B) A good mix of movement and varying conditions. Targets may be a long way apart or right next to each other. One may be bigger than the other, they may both be tiny... Again, it's a lucky dip but this is a good stage setup.
C) More like a PRS stage. The target is generally fairly easy to find, but requires more movement. Most people who have come from a PRS background can blast through movement stages without major issues.
Match Schedule:
The format is very similar to an Australian national level PRS event.
Friday: Arrive, check zero, check power factor and weights (if relevant). Stage Officers shoot the match this day. Squad lists are put up, write your name down to be lumped together with mates.
Saturday: Early kick off, normally dark and cold. Match Director safety briefing. 10-15ish stages this day, bulk of the heavy lifting.
Sunday: Final stages before the closing ceremony, medal presentation and a group meal. High fives and hand shakes.
A hectic few days, but an awesome environment and community.
We have been travelling where, of course, weight is a huge limiting factor for equipment but also ammunition. We shoot 6.5mm Creedmoor when travelling. Hornady 140gr ELDM match or recently Lapua 136gr Scenar-L match ammo, have both proven to be good. You can only really fly with approx 220 rounds +/- which is only enough for a single match with some lead up training and data trueing... This is a huge issue, so we normally try to line comps up that are within driving distance to avoid the 5kg limit.
Logistics:
- We generally fly United, including connecting flights to avoid issues with firearms. They have local desks and staff if issues arise, have a good IOS app and fly frequently from Melbourne. United are generally NOT the cheapest but have proven to be reliable with our luggage, flights have been punctual and staff have been friendly.
- We generally try to fly into LAX and then onto Denver, Colorado without delay.
- You must collect your firearm in LAX and re-check it for connecting flights. Make sure all your paperwork is in order, you have print outs of certificates, match invites, itinerary etc...
- Rental car collection is easy, pay for additional insurance or have good insurance before you go. We normally get a RAV4 or BMW X3/X5 size vehicle for 2 blokes, day packs, check bags and gun boxes, with room for bulk ammo and random stuff
- We generally fly into Denver, Colorado to visit our mates at Mile High Shooting to collect ammo for the entire trip. From the same lot, for consitency. Ammo is one of the trips major expenses, don't skimp out on cheap ammo or you may be in for a rough trip
- Always stash gear in the hotel room, don't leave things in the car at hotels. Be discreet wherever possible. Hotels are probably better than motels, you disappear into a hotel but park outside a motel... For security reasons, it's easier to blend in
- Pack multiple TSA locks, we have lost locks each trip from being broken off or inspected and not replaced?
- Be polite, professional and friendly. Americans have been consistently outstanding and generally love Aussies.
Essential equipment:
- Accurate Rifle (Accuracy International AT-X/C) with plenty of barrel life left!
- FFP Scope with a good magnification range (NF ATACR 7-35)
- Highly Adjustable Bipod (MDT Ckye Pod / Tricer RP)
- 2-3 Magazines (Reliable, must hold 8-10 rounds)
- Pelican AIR Case
- Tripod (RRS TFCT33 Series 2 + Anvil 30)
- Laser Range Finder / DOPE Arm Board / Pens & Admin Tools
- Backpack (LVG ISR or LEGION)
- Bino Harness (LVG MBH V2 with Side Pouches)
- Barricade Bag / Rear Bag (Shmedium waxed canvas with Sand or LVG Aurora V2 & LVG Raider)
- Ammo in wallet(s) (LVG Centurion 100RD ammo wallet)
- Tool kit basic / Batteries
- Ear Muffs / Sunnies / Hat / Knee Pads / Medical
- Clothing
- Water / Snacks
- Good, Open Minded Attidude
Our Low Vis Gear ISR Pack has been absolutely OUTSTANDING for NRL Hunter matches, where quick access to the tripod is essential. We took the brand new LEGION DayPack out on this last trip in Colorado (Pictured above), that is also an excellent option however an external tripod hanger (OBI link for example) is likely required as it does not have a tripod sleeve like the ISR. In reality, you don’t really need to carry much gear if the weather is good and snacks / water are provided throughout the day… If weather is looking sketchy or it’s hot, then you’ll want a bigger pack to carry appropriate clothing and supplies.
The LVG Mountain Bino Harness V2 has also been absolutely top-tier and is a world leading piece of equipment. Instant access, padding and modularity are all critical, and the MBH V2 has them covered.
Our products are designed to be used, be practical, light and highly functional… All our products are excellent, rugged and reliable.
You absolutely MUST HAVE a good LRF and solid, trued DOPE. Finding hard to see targets is one thing, the range must be accurate. Your drop data must also be spot on, targets are generally fairly wide (fox / pig etc style shapes) but not very tall. We have gone from Sig Kilo 10K gen 1, to Gen2 and Vector X bino’s with onboard LRF and ballistic software. These have proven to be very good and fit for purpose. Monocular LRF are uncommon as their FOV is low, magnification is generally 5-8x and the LRF can be problematic. LRF Binos with trusted onboard ballistic data, backed up by paper hard data are the way to go.
Match Exposure:
The seasons, terrain, barricades, weather etc have always been so wild and varied, it's been really difficult to prepare for.
2023: Vernal, Utah.
-13 degrees celcius in the morning, getting sunburned by the late afternoon. Snow and wide open valleys. Grey targets with a grey backdrop... Brutal!
2024: Pueblo, Colorado.
Thick fresh snow, canyon winds that were hard to read. Mostly a tripod batch due to the fresh drop. Again, grey targets, tucked into tree shadows... Brutal!
2024: Clarence, Missouri.
Farmland with rolling hills, open fields, wooded tree areas with lots of difficult to interperet shapes and colours that really helped to conceal some targets. Some extremely close and some very far targets.
2025: Fort Collins, Colorado.
Mountain valley winds, rolling rain and sunshine. Switchy winds, very green and lots of ground to cover by eye. Challenging terrain and some great target locations.
One thing that has really stood out however over the years, is the people. The shooters who turn up at these events, and run them, have been excellent. They have been kind, accommodating and willing to share this experience with us with open arms. It has been outstanding to be a part of this sport, on their properties and feel welcomed and part of the community.
When we turn up now, you begin to notice familiar faces, catch up with dudes from years past and have a laugh on the side of a mountain, in the snow, freezing your arse off... It's excellent.
If you find yourself in a position where you can travel to participate in these field style matches, absolutely consider it. Even if you come dead last, you will learn a lot, meet some excellent people and have the opportunity to fly the Low Vis flag.
2026 & Beyond:
The plan for 2026 is to hopefully jump in and hit a few NRL Hunter matches in a row, to maximise exposure and be immersed in the wide range of environments on offer in the USA. Hanging out for it!
With weight being a major issue for the NRL Hunter series; we are in the process of sourcing a Seekins Precision PH3 NRL in 6.5CM to shoot in the less contested and more intriguing 'factory' class. The complete rifle will have to be sub 12lbs (bipod / brake / rings / scope etc. but without a magazine) so some kit changes may be required to scrape in.
Although I much prefer chassis rifles like the AT-XC / SR, there is something about a smooth sided stock that is appealing, perhaps because it's more difficult to manage recoil with slippery surfaces? Maybe because it's just different? The process so far has been a frustrating saga by trying to incorporate other importers, an exporter, the new PH3 coming out when the PH2 was discontinued etc. so far we have been on multiple wait lists since early last year... Frustrating but fairly typical it seems.
Planned weights for this Factory class rifle:
(Weights are approximate!)
- Seekins Precision PH3 NRL: 3540 grams
- Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 F1: 820 grams
- Area419 hunt rings 30mm, Medium: 115 grams
- Tricer RP bipod with claw feet: 435 grams
- Without Warning CHAD Light brake: 200 grams
-
Salmon River Solutions ‘Hunters’ arca rail: 100grams
This all equates to 5200gm (11.5lbs) of a total 5440gm (12 pounds) budget! Might be able to sneak on the 7-35 ATACR but will have to see once it’s in hand as to how accurate advertised weights are…
For more information visit the NRL Hunter website (Click HERE) or for people who like videos...
Hope you enjoyed this read, if you have any questions let us know in the comments below!
J