NRL22 Base Class Setup: Savage B22 Precision and Arken SH4 6-24×50mm Review

The NRL22 (National Rifle League 22) competition has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, attracting both seasoned marksmen and newcomers to the world of precision shooting. NRL22’s growth stems from its inclusive nature. Unlike many other precision shooting competitions that require expensive specialized equipment, NRL22 allows participants to compete using more accessible and affordable rimfire rifles and ammo. This not only helps level the playing field but also opens doors for newcomers and those on tighter budgets to engage in precision shooting sports.

NRL22 matches have traditionally had two main divisions or “classes” regarding equipment. “Base” sets a limit of $1,300 (MSRP) for rifle and optic, while the “Open” division allows any .22 LR rifle and optic regardless of cost. The 2024 season is also introducing new classifications based on experience—Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert. The rules are intentionally designed to ensure fairness and promote skill development. This approach has fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants, where success is often determined more by the shooter’s proficiency than the cost of their equipment.

 NRL22’s success can also be attributed to its community-oriented approach. The competition encourages shooters to engage with each other and share tips, techniques, and experiences. This sense of community has not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge but has also created lasting friendships among participants. As more and more shooters seek engaging and accessible precision shooting sports, NRL22 is likely to continue its upward trajectory in popularity.

Savage B22 Precision Rifle

Savage has been a consistent sponsor and supporter of NRL22 competitions. At the heart of the Savage B22 Precision lies a combination of features that cater specifically to the demands of NRL22 Base Class competition. Its design reflects a deep understanding of the needs of precision rimfire shooters, ensuring that every aspect of the rifle contributes to enhanced performance and a competitive edge.

The most noticeable upgrade is the MDT chassis that offers multiple attachment points for accessories such as bipods, ARCA rails, weights, and other shooting aids. This adaptability is essential for NRL22 competitions, as it allows you to optimize your shooting setup according to the specific stage requirements. Having a chassis of this quality is impressive for such an affordable price point. 

One of the standout features of the Savage B22 Precision is its exceptional accuracy. Equipped with a heavy-contour, threaded carbon steel barrel, the rifle delivers consistent and tight groupings at extended ranges. This translates to a higher hit probability on targets, a crucial advantage in NRL Base Class competition where precision is the name of the game.

The rifle’s adjustable AccuTrigger adds another layer of precision to the equation. Savage includes an upgraded target trigger with a red blade that is adjustable from 1.5-4 pounds, which is lighter than the AccuTrigger on their standard rifles. Shooters can fine-tune the trigger pull according to their preference, reducing the risk of trigger flinch and promoting better shot control. This feature becomes particularly valuable during high-pressure competition scenarios, where accuracy and fast shooting can make all the difference.

The Savage B22 Precision also uses a detachable 10-round rotary magazine, ensuring quick and efficient reloads. This is a crucial advantage when every second counts, allowing shooters to maintain their focus on the target and minimize downtime between shots. The rotary magazine also fits flush with the bottom of the chassis, which means that it won’t get in the way when balancing the rifle on a barricade using a shooting bag.

Do a quick internet search on Savage B22 rifles, and you’ll find people who say they’ve had ejection or extraction issues. I experienced some of these issues during early testing, mostly when I cycled the bolt really fast or at a abnormal angle. I called Savage to get their advice, and they recommended making sure that I work the bolt firmly and deliberately. When I tried that, the extraction issues disappeared. I also found that I could still run the bolt pretty fast, as long as I cycled it firmly. Consistent feeding is obviously very important in competition settings.

The Savage B22 Precision offers an array of features and benefits that improve performance in NRL22 Base Class competition. By providing excellent accuracy, customization options including a threaded barrel for suppressor use and a user-friendly platform, this rifle empowers shooters to push their limits and strive for excellence in their pursuit of victory. The ability to consistently engage targets, adapt to various shooting scenarios and maintain steady shooting mechanics sets the stage for success in the demanding NRL22 competition.

Arken SH4 Gen2 6-24×50mm FFP Scope 

Arken Optics’ SH4 Gen2 6-24×50mm is a cutting-edge rifle scope designed specifically for NRL22 Base Class competition shooters. With a focus on precision, durability and versatility, this scope offers a range of features and benefits that make it a popular choice for competitive shooters at an affordable price.

One of the most prominent features of the Arken SH4 Gen2 is its impressive optics for the price point. The optical clarity is aided by the 34mm main tube to gather more light than a 30mm tube with similar glass quality. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight or low-light scenarios, this scope ensures that you have a clear view of your target, allowing for more accurate shots.

The 6-24x magnification range of this scope is ideal for NRL22 competition. It provides the flexibility to zoom in on distant targets with precision while still offering a wide field of view at lower magnifications for quick target acquisition. The side parallax adjustment allows you to see your target clearly and eliminate parallax error (ensuring that your crosshairs and target are always perfectly aligned) at different distances. Parallax on the SH4 is also adjustable down to 25 yards, which is important in rimfire competition.

Durability is another key advantage of the Arken SH4 scope. Constructed from high-quality materials and engineered to withstand harsh shooting environments, this scope can handle the rigors of competitive shooting. Its rugged, one-piece aluminum tube is shockproof, fogproof and waterproof, ensuring that it can perform reliably in any weather conditions. This durability is essential for NRL22 competition, where shooters may encounter challenging terrain and weather.

The turret system of the Arken SH4 Gen2 6-24×50mm is designed for precision and ease of use. The exposed tactical turrets allow for quick and precise adjustments to elevation and windage, with audible and tactile clicks. This feature is invaluable for making on-the-fly adjustments during a competition, ensuring that you can compensate for changing conditions and hit your target with precision. I mounted the scope on a 40MOA rail from MDT, which allows me to dial 23 mils of elevation to stretch the .22 LR out to 450 yards with Lapua Super Long Range ammo. The SH4 also passed a box scope tracking test with flying colors.

For NRL22 Base Class shooters, the zero-reset function of the turrets is a game-changer on an optic at this price. It allows you to quickly return to your zero settings after making adjustments, eliminating the need for manual counting or tracking. This feature saves valuable time during a competition and ensures that you maintain consistency in your shooting.

The SH4’s VPR MIL reticle is another noteworthy feature. The Christmas Tree style reticle provides .25 MRAD windage correction holds for long range precision in virtually any conditions. Shooters can also make adjustments quickly and easily by using the reticle as a reference in relation to the impact of the bullet. Competitors often prefer to use the reticle on stages that include targets at multiple distances as it’s often faster than dialing turrets back and forth. The illuminated dot and crosshair offers multiple brightness settings, allowing you to adapt to different lighting conditions and maintain a clear aiming point on your target. This is especially useful for low-light situations, where visibility can be a challenge. 

In addition to its impressive features, the Arken SH4 Gen2 offers significant benefits to rimfire competition shooters. Its combination of optical clarity, durability, target reticle and precise turret adjustments enhances your shooting performance, giving you a competitive edge. The scope’s versatility in magnification and parallax adjustment allows you to adapt to various shooting scenarios quickly.

BANISH 22 SUPPRESSOR

Rimfire range time is much more enjoyable for me when I use a suppressor. It allows me to shoot subsonic ammo without hearing protection. Practicing is so much fun that I do so more often, and the supressor has no negative impact on accuracy. I also don’t have to worry about bothering my neighbors on nearby properties. Last, it comes in quite handy when hunting small game or dealing with backyard varmints and pests. 

The Banish 22 suppressor is designed for use with rimfire pistols and rifles chambered in .22 caliber and smaller. This includes .22 Hornet, .17HMR and 5.7×28. It’s even rated for full-auto. Using 1/2×28 threads for direct attachment, the Banish 22 is made of lightweight titanium, weighs just 4.1oz, is 1 inch in diameter and is only 5 ⅜ inches long. I barely even notice that the Banish 22 is on the end of my rifle, except when it comes to sound reduction. Tests have shown that the Banish 22 brings sound down to about 120 decibels, which is just 10 decibels more than a BB-gun. To me, it sounds as quiet as my pellet gun. Essentially, this is as close to “Hollywood quiet” as you can get.

Since rimfire ammo uses projectiles that are not jacketed, lead buildup and carbon fouling are a real concern in a rimfire silencer. Over time without cleaning, it’s possible for a .22 suppressor to completely fill with lead and carbon, rendering it ineffective for sound suppression and adding considerable weight. The Banish 22 was designed specifically to maximize time shooting and minimize time cleaning. Inside the tube are eight baffles that are engineered for a precise fit to keep lead debris and carbon buildup at an absolute minimum. This prevents the debris and buildup from reaching the tube, which causes components to fuse together.

Once disassembled, cleaning is simple: toss the baffles in a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner or use old-fashioned elbow grease. With indexing lines on each baffle for easy realignment and reassembly, the BANISH 22 is the only rimfire silencer on the market that is user-serviceable from both ends. 

Wrap Up

The Savage B22 Precision rifle paired with the Arken SH4 Gen2 6-24×50 scope and Banish 22 suppressor is an exceptional combination for NRL22 Base Class competition. With features that emphasize accuracy, adaptability, and ease of use, this setup equips shooters with the tools they need to excel in precision rimfire shooting. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned competitor, this trio can help you achieve your best performance and enhance your enjoyment of the sport. Check out the full review with ammunition testing at RimfireAddiction.com.

Savage B22 Precision Rifle Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR (Long Rifle)
• Action: Bolt-action
• Barrel Length: 18 inches (threaded)
• Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
• Stock: MDT Chassis
• Trigger: Adjustable AccuTrigger 1.5-4lbs
• Overall Length: 36.625 inches
• Weight: 7.38 lbs
• Rail: Picatinny rail for optics mounting
• Finish: Matte or coated finish for durability
• Other Features: Threaded barrel for suppressor attachment (varies by model), heavy barrel profile for improved consistency and reduced heat buildup
• Cost: $679 (MSRP)
• Website: savagearms.com

Where To Buy

Arken SH4 Gen2 6-24×50mm FFP Scope Specs

• Magnification: 6x to 24x adjustable
• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
• Tube Diameter: 34mm 
• Reticle: VPR Mil-Dot or MOA 
• Field of View: 20.88-5.22 ft @100 yards
• Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
• Parallax Adjustment: Side focus/parallax adjustment 25 yards-Infinity
• Turret Style: Exposed or capped turrets with elevation and windage adjustments
• Turret Adjustment: 1/10 MIL or ¼ MOA
• Length: 14.1 inches
• Weight: 36.6 oz.
• Illumination: Red
• Elevation Range: 32 MIL-108 MOA 
• Reticle Position: First Focal Plane (FFP)
• Cost: $339 (MSRP) 
• Website: arkenopticsusa.com

Where To Buy

Banish 22 Suppressor Specs

• Caliber: .22
• Length: 5.38 in. 
• Diameter: 1 in.
• Weight: 4.4 oz. 
• Material: Titanium
• Finish: Cerakote
• Thread pitch: 1/2×28
• Caliber Range: .22 and smaller
• Full-Auto Rated: Yes
• Lifetime Warranty: Yes
• Cost: $499 (MSRP)
• Website: silencercentral.com

Where To Buy

This article originally appeared at RimfireAddiction.com.

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