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The prone position is nearly as steady as the benchrest shooting position. The prone position is stable because more of the body is in contact with the ground than with the standing, sitting or kneeling positions. In this article we will cover the cocked-leg and straight-leg prone positions and how to assume the prone position. Each position has its strong points, and by understanding what these are, you can choose the prone position that best fits your shooting purpose or body shape. In shooting, the rule is to always shoot from the steadiest position from which you can see the target. The prone is the preferred position. A good example would be if you were hunting woodchuck in the east, or prairie dogs or antelope in the west. In these three cases, the targets are either small or a long distance away-or both-requiring the steadiest position possible so you can see the animal. How did these positions get their names? The straight-leg prone position (pictured above) is called this because the shooter's legs are straight and flat behind them on the ground. One of the strengths of the straight-leg position is that it is quick to assume: You just lay down on your stomach with your legs straight. This position is great for the shooter that is slim; however, if you are little wide around the middle, the cocked-leg position may be better for you. In this case, the reason the cocked leg is the preferred position is that it takes the pressure off of your stomach and chest, making it easier to breathe, which in turn reduces your pulse rate. You simply bend the right leg, which rolls you slightly onto the left side of your chest, taking the pressure off of your stomach. Remember the eight steps to learning a position covered in the benchrest and standing-position articles? To refresh your memory they are as follows: 1. Study the position, 2. Practice the position without the rifle, 3. Practice with the rifle, 4. Align the position with the target, 5. Dry-fire the rifle at the target, 6. Shoot groups at the target with live fire, 7. Adjust sight to center shot group on target, and 8. Continue to shoot groups from the position. We will cover steps 1 through 4 for all three positions in this article. The other four steps remain the same and all eight steps are used in the original order. Step 1. Studying right-handed shooter in the cocked-leg position:
Step 2. Practice the position without the rifle: Step 3. Practice with the rifle: Step 4. Aligning the prone position to the target:
This is a quick introduction to the prone positions and you will see it used for hunting, or competitive shooting with the addition of a sling. For more details on these positions you may want to contact an NRA Rifle Coach. To find a coach near you, contact NRA Coach Program at [email protected] or attend an NRA rifle competition.
There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. ProneThe prone position is the steadiest of the four positions. Because it’s the easiest to hold, it’s the best position for mastering the fundamentals of firing—aiming, breath control, trigger squeeze, and follow through. Page 2
There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. StandingWith neither arm supported, this is the most difficult position for firing an accurate shot. Rather than trying to hold the barrel steady, which is impossible, try to keep movement of the barrel to as small an area as possible. Smooth, natural motion will produce the best shot. Page 3
There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. SittingBoth arms are supported by your legs. Next to the prone position, this is the steadiest position. Page 4
There are four standard rifle-firing positions: prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling. KneelingWith only one arm braced, the kneeling position is less steady than the prone and sitting positions.
Brassicas for Whitetail Deer: The BioLogic Difference
From the time Toxey Haas and BioLogic first guided “whitetail deer management” into the age of planting brassicas for whitetail deer, we have been researching and learning more about them and understanding better how to utilize different brassicas to help us accomplish a wide variety of management goals.
Pawpaw: In Search of America's Forgotten Fruit: Bottomland Book Club
Those who remember and know America’s largest native fruit seem to be a number less and less with each passing year.
FREE Dove Target to Prep for Opening Day!
Opening day is right around the corner. Make sure your shotgun pattern is on and you're ready to go by downloading and printing our free Mossy Oak Dove Target!
How To Crate Train A Puppy
Especially if you're working with a sporting dog, you'll want to establish boundaries and control early on and begin crate training your puppy as soon as you get home.
When it comes to planting food plots, many land managers forget about the importance of cover. Read on for tips for planting food plot cover.
Best Guns for Squirrel Hunting
If you’re searching for a new gun to bag squirrels with this season, we’ve made the job much easier with our short list of some of the best guns for squirrel hunting this year. With a variety of options, from rimfire to shotguns, there’s a gun to keep most every hunter happy.
Post Spawn Catfish Tactics
Fortunately, the post-spawn season for blue catfish is generally more productive than the typical lull experienced with most other species of fish.
Top 10 Advantages Of Saddle Hunting
Have you ever wondered why many bowhunters have converted to saddle hunting when hunting deer? Have you ever wanted to learn how to bow hunt from a saddle yourself?
Mossy Oak Properties Hosts 4th Annual Fox Hole Shootout
Mossy Oak Properties is hosting the 4th annual Fox Hole Shootout on Thursday, September 15th.
Dove Hunting: The Unofficial End of Summer
In the South, dove season is considered “the unofficial end of summer” and beginning of fall. It coincides with the beginning of college football season and, for many, is just a good time to start “tailgating.”
Maximizing Antler Growth with No-Till Farming
Implementing a no-till farming system can improve habitat and increase the availability of forage for deer and other wildlife. Learn more from Mossy Oak.
6 Tips for the Dove Hunter
Here are 6 tips for the dove hunter to ensure a safe and successful hunt and products for dove hunting to keep you comfortable and concealed. |