Position Shooting Basics and Resources

[heavydluxe]

Hi all.

I'm interested in getting into competitive rifle shooting (3/4P), even though at present I'm a total n00b. I'm hoping to attend a CMP high power clinic in July to get the basics.

In the meantime, I'd love suggestions from you all re: good books from which to learn about the positions and target marksmanship (including long range stuff) more generally... I'm a book nerd, so books are welcome, though I'm happy to grab stuff off the web if it's there!

I'm also curious about one immediate question: Does merely shifting positions - with no change to range or other environmental factors - require rezeroing your scope/sights?

I've been toying with the idea of going to an Appleseed in advance of the CMP clinic in July (though I've heard the instruction is hit or miss 'round here). So, this past Saturday - for kicks - I took my rifle to the range along with a couple of the Q&DAQTs that Appleseed uses. I shot the course of fire and saw something really odd play out.

First off, I scored *MORE* better on the off-hand shooting than I did in either the sitting or prone... I was surprised. But, secondly, in the sittin and prone it seemed like my shots were significantly lower than I suspected they would be - and sometimes hard low/left. Some of this was doubtless my poor technique, but is there anything else technical at play? I was shooting scoped, so I would've suspected less impact to the zero based on the position of my eye relative to the scope itself. I can see how that alignment would have a huge impact (potentially) on iron sights.

Thanks!

 

[Usagi]

Several things could cause shooting low & to the left.

1. If you are a right-handed shooter, an overly tight sling could:
a) cause barrel flexing
or
b) assist in "pulling" shots low and left
either resulting in low left groups.

2. If you are a right-handed shooter, and did not have an overly-tight sling, low left groups could be from "bucking" in anticipation of recoil.

3. If you are a left-handed shooter, low left grouping could be caused by jerking the trigger.


Naturally, there are many other possible causes, but these are the ones that I see most often with folks newer to shooting.

 

[chillywig]

I just started shooting high power matches myself last year. Only got about 5 matches under my belt. My first few matches I also had better standing scores than the rest. For me in sitting I was shooting way to fast and having a USPSA background I wanted to get that mag change quick and go back to pulling the trigger. My other issue was my sling technique, or lack of technique. I was just wrapping the sling around my forearm, or "hasty" sling, I believe is the term. Once I learned to put my arm into the loop and use a keeper to tighten it high on my arm, or the "deliberate" sling, things got way better. I think my first time I shot prone I tried resting the gun on the mag thinking how smart I was for trying that, I ended up straining my neck. Once you get the sling correct your rifle will be nearly as steady as shooting off a bag.

So get the sling correct and take your time in the rapid fire strings.

 

[Howard Roark]

I highly recommend that you get the 3 DVD high power rifle set from the CMP.

For long range, Nancy Thompkins book (out of stock here). Maybe you can find it elsewhere.

Yes, position makes a difference on the target. Most including myself have to come up at least a minute between standing and sitting. I would suspect more going to prone from standing but have never done that because I've never shot a high power match at a 200 yard only range. The way you look through the sights at the different positions changes impact.

 

[heavydluxe]

Thank you, Howard!

It looks like the Tompkins book is out of print, though I'll work feverishly to locate a copy!

I will also look into the DVDs.

Are there any other books you'd recommend for precision shooting (in general) or the proper form for the other positions?

 

[Howard Roark]

The only other book that I've read on the subject is Tubb's book High Power Rifle. There is some good info there but it's old now and 85% of it pertains to match rifles.

The DVDs are really the way to go. The USAMU did a really good job explaining everything about how to properly shoot high power in them. They also have some great free info here. They also used to have a small booklet available through the CMP as well.

 

[taliv]

+1 on the USAMU stuff, and their Small Arms Firing School at camp perry every year is definitely recommended


I also had to change my zero going from Standing to Sitting with iron sights on the service rifle. However, I've never changed zero with a scoped rifle.

Note that several factors could be in play. in CMP you don't use a sling standing, but in sitting and prone, I have a ton of tension on it. Even though i was using a 'free floated' handguard, I was never really 100% confident that the sling wasn't somehow affecting it. aside from that, as howard said, the way you look through the sights makes a difference (your head is at a different angle).

 

[rskent]

Well OK then
Going to a clinic is a great idea. I have never had the opportunity. I have been lucky enough to have a few good shooters as mentors. It would be very hard to figure your positions out by yourself.

Books - DVDs, pretty much anything by Tubb or the CMP. I am going through “The ways of the rifle” It’s a bit dry, but there is a lot of good information on positions.

It’s common to have different zeros and sling lengths for each position and load. Most people mark there no wind zeros on their rifles and keep notes for different positions.

Around here the three cornered hat squad is a little over the top. However it’s hard to find fault with their motives, and they will help you with your shooting.

If you are shooting better standing than prone congratulations, matches are won in standing and lost in prone. Standing generally takes a lot more practice to get. As far are you’re sitting and prone, it sounds like your NPA (natural point of aim) is off. Try not to push the gun to the target, move your body and let the gun just hang there. As you breathe, watch the sights, they need to track straight up and down. After the shot stay on the sights and watch where the rifle settles. It needs to be back on target. If not, it’s time to adjust your position.

Good Luck
Steve