Tips for Prone Position Shooting

Grab Your Bergara Rifle & Go Prone For Dead-On Accuracy

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Building a solid prone rifle shooting position is essential for both target shooting and hunting, as it ensures accuracy, stability, and consistency in your shots. Whether you’re aiming for precision on the range or taking down game in the field, mastering this position is key to success. Let’s delve into the nuances of creating the proper prone rifle shooting position for both pursuits. 

Target Shooting Prone 

In target shooting, consistency is paramount. Your prone position should provide a stable platform that minimizes movement and allows for precise adjustments. Here’s how to achieve it: 

Body Alignment: Lie flat on your stomach with your body aligned perpendicular to the target. Keep your spine straight and your head in line with your body. Your support arm should extend straight out, parallel to the rifle, providing a solid base. 

Leg Position: One preference is to spread your legs slightly for balance, with your non-dominant leg forward and your dominant leg straight back and parallel with the spine. Military-trained snipers are taught a variation of the previously mentioned leg position. They keep their legs evenly spaced in a “V” as wide as possible and feet pointed perpendicular to their legs.

Try both positions to find the most comfortable and stable for your own body conformation. The point of going prone is to put as many body parts (feet, knees, hips, stomach and chest) as possible in contact with the ground. Tip: If you’ve got a bad back like me, try placing a thick, soft object beneath your solar plexus to elevate the upper body slightly. Specialty shooting rest bags come in many sizes and the larger ones work well for this purpose. 

Rifle Placement: Position the rifle in your shoulder pocket, with the buttstock firmly planted. Your cheek should rest comfortably on the stock, allowing for a consistent cheek weld. Grip the rifle with your shooting hand, ensuring a firm but relaxed hold. 

Support: Use a bipod or sandbag rest to support the front of the rifle, minimizing movement and recoil. Your non-shooting hand can either support the rear of the rifle or grip a sandbag for additional stability. 

Breathing and Trigger Control: Take slow, steady breaths, and time your shot between breaths for maximum stability. Focus on smooth, consistent trigger control, squeezing rather than jerking the trigger. 

Follow Through: Maintain your position after the shot to assess your accuracy and make any necessary adjustments. Consistent follow-through helps reinforce good shooting habits. 

Hunting Prone 

In hunting scenarios, you often need to quickly adapt to various terrain and shooting positions. While the fundamentals of the prone position remain the same, there are some adjustments to consider: 

Terrain Adaptation: In the field, you may not always have a perfectly flat surface for prone shooting. Look for natural features like mounds, rocks, or fallen trees to provide elevation and stability. Adjust your body position accordingly to make the most of the available cover. 

Flexibility: Unlike target shooting, hunting requires flexibility and quick reactions. Practice transitioning smoothly from standing or kneeling to the prone position to minimize movement and maximize stealth. 

Field Rests: Utilize natural or improvised rests to stabilize your rifle in the prone position. Rocks, backpacks, or even your own gear can serve as effective supports in a pinch. 

Adaptable Support: Invest in a lightweight, portable bipod or shooting stick that can be easily carried in the field. These tools provide stability without weighing you down during long treks. 

Stealth and Concealment: When hunting, staying hidden and minimizing movement are crucial. Choose your shooting position carefully, taking advantage of cover and concealment to remain undetected by your quarry. 

Shot Placement: In hunting, shot placement is key to ethical and effective kills. Practice visualizing vital zones on game animals and adjust your aim accordingly to ensure a clean, humane shot. 

By mastering the proper prone rifle shooting position for both target shooting and hunting, you’ll enhance your accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness in the field. Practice regularly, adapt to different scenarios, and focus on the fundamentals to become a skilled marksman in any situation. 

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