Training and Shooting

Developing Your Rifle Position

Position is the manner in which you hold your rifle, providing a good hold (very little movement during the time period in which you desire to fire a shot), allowing the body to function optimally and be comfortable all at the same time.

Follow these guidelines to develop a basic position:

• Stay within the rules! Know what you can and cannot do with regards to position and legitimate support.
• You must have a good hold. If you can't hold the ten ring, then the chances of you hitting it are greatly reduced. Your centre of gravity must be located such that maximum use of your support areas is obtained.
• To evaluate your hold, use one of these two following methods. First, check how steady your sight picture is. If it jumps all over the place, then your hold probably needs some work. Second, check how your muscles feel. If they are calm and steady, then your hold may be good. If there is movement felt in the muscles to hold your rifle on target, then your hold may need work.
• Your body should be comfortable during shooting. Unfortunately, initially this is not the case as you become accustomed to shooting in these different positions. Over time, it will get better, but if it doesn't then you may need to change the position. Remember: if you are in severe pain then you can't focus on shooting. Furthermore, make sure that your blood is circulating through all the parts of your body and that your breathing is not hampered by cramped chest muscles or by having your stomach forced against the diaphragm.
• Make maximum use of all available and legitimate areas of support. If only minimum support is available, then lower your centre of gravity to maintain balance and improve your hold.
• Base your position upon bone support to get the best hold. By doing so, you reduce reliance on your muscles which can tire and develop tremors. As a result, you maintain better muscle control and your area of aim is smaller over the shooting session.