Steady Position PT 1 of 4

The first fundamental that we need to cover is a steady position. This is the base of our entire shooting platform. Every other fundamental works around our base, and without it we will ultimately miss the shot.

A strong position incorporates several factors: Body position (Prone, Kneeling, Standing, obstacles.), weapon position, weapon type and ability to identify your natural point of aim. We will work in the prone position with a rifle, as it is the most basic.

Lay down flat on the ground behind your weapon. Maintain a straight line behind your weapon. Legs spread apart roughly shoulder width apart with heels on the ground. This is to allow your body to absorb and disperse that energy from the weapon . You should be up on the elbows slightly, not to much or you will start to force fatigue to set in rather quickly.

I teach to support the weapon on a rest, a sand bag or a range bag, initially. This is designed to give the shooter confidence in a solid platform, and show how your muscles play an impact on your overall shooting. The non firing hand, initially, adds to much movement to your rifle and is not needed for accurate shots.

Weapon should be grasped firmly with the firing hand on the pistol grip, pulling it firmly into the shoulder. It should be a firm grip, not a white knuckle grip. Grip to hard, and fatigue will set in. Grip to light and your weapon will bounce around.

Ultimately the shooting position becomes shooters preference. Build a solid platform with our basics, then start to adjust your position to find what fits best for you. Their are hundreds of techniques out there on this, all of them will work if you apply the basics to them.

This is the same technique I adopted when I was a student at the United States Army Sniper School. I further expounded upon this technique after I became an instructor with Sniper School. When I became a Drill Sergeant I was able to fundamentally change my units shooting SOP, which resulted with the highest Rifle Marksmanship Qualifications in my Battalion.

Our marksmanship programs are designed with practical application in mind. What does that mean? Shooting fundamentals expand much further than the range. The biggest applications are hunting, home defense, discipline, attention to detail and confidence.

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