There are all sorts of positions you can shoot a rifle from. The one that gives you the most accuracy is the prone shooting position. This position is used by long-distance shooters and many competition shooters. Not to mention military snipers. The question is, why is the prone shooting position so great? How do you get in the right prone position?
Why is the Prone shooting Position so great?
The reason the prone position is so great is because of its ease of use. You don’t need anything special to be accurate and steady using the prone position. Although a shooting mat does make it more comfortable. The prone position gives you more points of contact with the ground than any other shooting position. This makes it the most stable of all shooting positions, far better than the sitting position. It can also be the most comfortable shooting position, using almost no muscle support. Done right, using a loop sling, you can sleep in this position. In fact, for those who sleep on their front, will find very natural.
How to get into the prone shooting position correctly
The prone shooting position starts by laying on the ground with your rifle pointed towards your target. If you are using the suggested loop sling you will want the loop high up on your support arm, with the sling behind your support wrist. However, some people prefer to use a bipod, this works also. From there it’s just a matter of finding your NPOA and taking your shot.
Body Angle
You’ll want your body angle to the target to be around 30 degrees. However, don’t worry about getting out a protractor to check it. The important than is that your spine is straight and perpendicular to your shoulders.
Leg Position
Your support hand leg will be straight back with your foot flat on the ground. Do not dig your toes into the dirt as it will allow your leg to move around. Place your trigger hand leg at as close to a 90-degree angle as you can. This will lift your hip, and chest slightly off the ground giving you room to breathe, while effecting your rifle less.
Support Arm
Unless you’re using a bipod, you want your support arm to be at roughly a 90-degree angle.
With your sling behind your support hand and wrist. Make sure your support elbow is under the forearm of the gun or you will have a hard time hitting your target correctly.
Make sure your support hand is open. Not actually gripping the stock but just supporting it like a cradle. This uses the least about muscles so when you fatigue it won’t change your position.
Having your support elbow directly under the forearm of your gun, allows you to support them without the barrel moving sideways when you shoot. When breathing your sights will go straight up and down instead of diagonally.
If you choose to use a bipod or other support. Keep your none shooting hand and arm away from the firearm. This prevents you from effecting the gun when you shoot.
Trigger arm and hand
You’ll want your trigger elbow on the ground, supporting your weight. Your trigger hand should grip the stock with a firm handshake style grip. Making sure you pull the buttstock back into your shoulder while bringing the stock up to meet your face. Do not bring your face down to meet the stock. With your fingers wrapped around the stock make sure your trigger finger had formed a C shape and only the tip of your finger is touching the trigger. You do not want any other part of your finger touching the stock.
Cheek Weld
Make sure you have a good cheek weld on the stock of your gun. Extend your neck out like a turkey and hold your cheek firmly against the buttstock. Making sure you have a good sight picture. If you are using a scope and can’t get a good cheek weld and sight picture at the same time, you will need to add some padding to the comb of your gun. This gives you another strong point of contact with the gun that helps steady the rifle.
Shifting NPOA
Once you are in the prone position, if you find you are not on target, do not aim the gun with your arms or hands. You need to find your NPOA. Shift your whole body with your hips. To move the sights left or right move your hips left or right, rotating on your support elbow. If you need to go up or down move your hips forward or backward. Doing this will shift your NPOA and keep you the proper prone position.
Conclusion
The prone shooting position is one of the best positions for easy accurate shooting. All thought it’s highly suggested you use a USGI Sling you can shoot it freehand or with a bi-pod. It’s simple to get into and even easier to shoot from. The only reason to not shoot prone every time is if you don’t want to lay on the ground. Otherwise, it’s the perfect shooting position. Learn how to do it right and you will be shooting sub MOA groups all day long.