Newb to prone with some questions

[rimfire]

I'm interested in getting into prone shooting, and have done some reading on NPA, and have been doing a little dry fire practice at home with my scoped AR-15 with a bipod (waiting on new scope for my bolt gun).

I've got a few questions if y'all could help me out:
1. I set my scope based on a standing position, and noticed that in prone, I needed to pull the stock out another notch to eliminate scope shadow. Normal?

2. Definitely getting some neck strain - is this typical for a new prone shooter? I'm guessing our bodies adjust to the sort of extended duration cervical hyperextension that prone requires?

3. How much of one's head weight should rest on the stock? Seems a little awkward to rest all of the head's weight on the stock, but without doing so, I can't seem to fully relax my neck, shoulders and upper back.

4. Where should the stock rest relative to the clavicle? Should the top of the stock be just below the clavicle?

5. Not sure I'll need one yet since I still need to work on my prone position, but for AR collapsible stocks, are there any simple options to bring up the comb? I'd like to keep this AR as a CQB rifle, so I'd prefer to keep my current stock (Magpul STR) and not switch to something like the PRS. Are there stock packs or other options to bring up the comb height for AR stocks (that don't interfere with the charging handle)?

 

[magic mike.]

I don't know 1, but 2 yes our bodies just have to adjust.

3 doesn't really matter how much weight you put an the stock.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I really struggled with #4, and in the end I have the butt of the stock on my collar bone. That's with a bolt gun.

 

[Niles Coyote]

1: I typically set my scope on its highest power and then move it back just far enough so that when in prone I have a full field of view. When I move to knelling or standing this setting usually still works well with most scopes. AR stocks are nice as one can adjust out if needed while in prone and shorten when not, but there should be a happy medium.

2: Two things here, bipod height and scope height used with an adjustable cheek piece will get you into a “comfortable enough to go to sleep” position. Everyone’s body is different and while it’s great to get as low to the ground as you can in prone that may not be the best or most comfortable position for your body type.

3: This dovetails into #2 in that your scope height and cheek/comb height should be such that your head sitting on it with no muscle tension gives you a clear sight picture. The stock and position should support your heads full weight.

One thing to note here on #2 and #3 is on a AR if you don’t have nor want an adjustable cheek you may be able to just use higher or lower rings to get to that comfortable position.

4: There is a natural pocket that forms for your stock to fit. Mine is about at the half way point to two thirds the way to my shoulder and starts just under my clavicle to just over... difficult to clearly define in text, sorry.

5: I am not well versed in AR stock types but my Magpul UBR works for me as is. Others will have to help you here.

 

[rimfire]

I really struggled with #4, and in the end I have the butt of the stock on my collar bone. That's with a bolt gun.

4: There is a natural pocket that forms for your stock to fit. Mine is about at the half way point to two thirds the way to my shoulder and starts just under my clavicle to just over... difficult to clearly define in text, sorry.

For guys who press the stock against the clavicle, does repeated recoil pushing against that small bone bother you at all?

 

[ShtrRdy]

For guys who press the stock against the clavicle, does repeated recoil pushing against that small bone bother you at all?

Most of my prone shooting is with a 260 Remington in a AICS stock. The rifle/scope weighs in around 15 pounds. I don't have a muzzle brake on it, and the recoil doesn't bother me.

I'll try to explain where I place the butt of the stock. Raise your elbow out to the side and then move the elbow forward a few inches. Now using your left hand, (assuming a right handed shooter), feel your collar bone. Move outward with your touch until you can feel a point where you feel muscle. It's at this junction where I place the stock.

 

[BravoSierra]

Im starting to learn consistency in position too. Which was difficult with the AR with collapsable stock vs fixed. I also have an STR, and just put on a battle line industries SAPR. Worlds better, very comfortable, light, adjustable, and i noticed my cheek goes to the same place every time. The charging handle isn't in the way either. In a way, a more elegant solution than the PRS.