Rimfire PRS & NRL22 Rifles: What’s Hot (and Smart) for Fall 2025

September 5, 2025

Rimfire PRS (hello, NRL22) keeps booming as ranges fill up and ammo stays affordable. In fall 2025, the sweet spot is still a threaded .22 LR bolt gun with a decent trigger and a stock you can actually adjust. If you’re shopping, look hard at CZ, Savage, Ruger, Tikka, and Bergara—then spend the rest on good glass.

On September 5, 2025, we’re heading into peak small-game and steel-ringing season. The big shift over the last month? More entry-friendly, match-capable rifles in stock, plus growing interest in suppressor-ready setups for training with neighbors nearby. Below we break down what’s trending, why it matters, and which models deliver the most performance per dollar for bolt-action rimfire rifles—with a few alternatives if you want to tinker or go premium. (Yes, “just one more rifle” is still a valid strategy.)

The Trend

In the last 30 days, we’ve seen steady buzz around affordable chassis-style stocks, drop-in triggers, and compact, threaded barrels. Shooters are prioritizing rifles that balance two things: practical match accuracy (think dependable sub-MOA with quality ammo) and ergonomics that fit real people—adjustable comb heights, longer LOP spacers, and sensible M-LOK slots for bipods or barricade stops. The result: more new shooters jumping into NRL22 without getting buried in a full custom build.

Spec Highlights & Standouts

• Threaded barrels (1/2×28) — Easy path to a suppressor or tuner, plus comps if you want to experiment with recoil impulse.
• Adjustable stocks/cheek risers — Faster, more repeatable head position behind LPVOs and high-mag scopes.
• Reliable mags — 10-rounders that feed flat-nose match ammo without drama are make-or-break in timed stages.
• Triggers you can live with — Crisp 2–3 lb pulls out of the box save you upgrade dollars for optics and dope cards.

Comparisons

Here are five strong players for NRL22 right now, with the quick hits on why each one shines. We’ve included brand pages so you can browse families and trims on GunGenius.

CZ 457 family — The enthusiast’s favorite thanks to modular barrels and excellent accuracy. The 457’s bolt throw is short and smooth, and most trims are threaded. If you like to tweak, this platform scales from sporter to full chassis easily. Explore CZ-USA models.

Savage B-Series / B22 — Budget-friendly, but don’t confuse that with sloppy. The AccuTrigger remains a standout at this price, and newer stocks fit far better than older plinkers. Threaded heavy-barrel variants balance nicely with a small can. See Savage.

Ruger American Rimfire — Rock-solid reliability, easy magazine sourcing, and a sneaky-good trigger after a little break-in. Look for the Compact and Target trims if you want shorter barrels or heavier contours. Browse Ruger.

Tikka T1x — The sleeper “feels like a centerfire” option. Smooth action, quality barrel, and compatible with many T3x stocks/chassis—great if you want your rimfire trainer to mirror your big-game rifle ergonomics. Check Tikka.

Bergara BMR/B14R — Bergara’s barrels earn their reputation. The BMR keeps weight down for field matches; the B14R mimics a short-action footprint for trainer parity. Both shoot. See Bergara.

What to Watch Next

Expect more “match-ready” trims with factory cheek risers and ARCA or extended M-LOK forend options as fall leagues spin up. Suppressor-ready SKUs should remain common, and we’re watching for incremental trigger upgrades in mid-tier rifles. If you’re starting from scratch, plan your budget around good glass and dope management first—then pick a rifle that fits you. (And yes, a stable rear bag beats an extra ounce of barrel every day.)

Browse related models on bolt-action rifles and the broader rifles category to compare options side-by-side on GunGenius.