Bone Support in Prone

[ShtrRdy]

Now that I'm getting better with my prone position, I have noticed that I have a tendency of a trembling when I'm in position. One thing that might be happening is I'm struggling to keep my shoulders up off the ground and head in front of the scope.

I was wondering if there is a preferred approach to providing bone support to hold the shoulders and head up so that I can totally just relax. This might eliminate the trembling.

The amount of motion I am seeing in the crosshair is about 1" vertical and 2" horizontal at 100 yds.

 

[McCrazy]

Are you using a sling? If not, one used properly will greatly increase your stability.

 

[melloyello]

Bipod prone, unsupported prone, etc?

 

[seanh]

If prone, get a good sling...I like a cuff sling. A good 1907 sling is nice too...they take a bit to learn how to use though. Also get a hand stop. Learn to fit properly into the gun and "lock in" and you won't shake. In all seriousness, this takes some practice and you'll do well to have someone coach you on how to fit the sling/gun to you.

If off a bipod- get a good heavy duty bipod you can push into.

 

[kraigWY]

Another vote for the sling. Even if you're using a bi-pod, bag, or ruck, the sling still makes for a more relaxed position.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Oops, I left off a piece of information. I'm using a bipod on the front and a rear bag on the back.

How do I use a sling to improve stability when using a bipod?

 

[Sterling Shooter]

Now that I'm getting better with my prone position, I have noticed that I have a tendency of a trembling when I'm in position. One thing that might be happening is I'm struggling to keep my shoulders up off the ground and head in front of the scope.

I was wondering if there is a preferred approach to providing bone support to hold the shoulders and head up so that I can totally just relax. This might eliminate the trembling.

The amount of motion I am seeing in the crosshair is about 1" vertical and 2" horizontal at 100 yds.

You are likely steering to target. Build the position, relaxing into bone and artifical support, while aligning sight with eye. Let the rifle point where ever it naturally points. Then, adjust NPA for the desired sight picture.. Now you should have the reticle/target relationship without need to maintain it with muscle.

 

[308boltgun]

What is trembling? If you are using a bi-pod and bag, there is no bone support at all for the rifle. Sling has to with the "unsupported" position such as NRA high power where no bi-pods or bags are allowed. You should not be touching your rifle except with your face, your trigger hand and maybe your left hand to steady/hold the rear on the sandbag.

 

[jeffl838]

I've always loaded the bipod forward through my shoulder pocket with my entire body in order to absorb recoil better so I can track my shots better.

 

[TimK]

I have another bag I sometimes use under my weak side shoulder to add some support. It's especially useful if I'm going to be on the gun for more than ten minutes.

 

[seanh]

You are likely steering to target. Build the position, relaxing into bone and artifical support, while aligning sight with eye. Let the rifle point where ever it naturally points. Then, adjust NPA for the desired sight picture.. Now you should have the reticle/target relationship without need to maintain it with muscle.

this.

you should be able to relax, close your eyes for a few seconds, open them and be on target. If you're not, you're not pointed at your target.

We can write a chapter on NPA---go do some research on natural point of aim with a rifle. Study high power techniques---will help quite a bit.

You can use a sling with a pod...tends to be more trouble than it's worth.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Thanks for all the tips! I tried some of these out today and my vertical movement is very small - less than a quarter inch at 100 yds. My horizontal movement is about 3/4" now so it's much better than it was. I'll keep working on it.

 

[Graham]

Adjust the length of pull so that you are not crawling the stock. Then adjust your cheek rest (up) so that you have a relaxed cheek weld, with the weight of your head resting comfortably enough that you could stay in that position and observe without craning your neck.