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A computer simulation of a pulsed HF laser pumped by the H2 + F2 chain reaction is presented. A chemical kinetic model encompassing 68 reactions is used to approximate the reacting mixture contained within an optical cavity. For each vibrational level, a Boltzmann distribution for the rotational levels is assumed with lasing on the vibrational band at line center of the transition having maximum gain. An analysis of cavity and chemical mechanisms yields a simple relationship between the pumping and depletion rates of the vibrational levels. This relationship is used to make a comprehensive study of the effects of cavity and chemical parameters on the laser pulse. The effect of changes in uncertain chemical reaction rate coefficients is assessed.