Advanced Marksmanship Prone Trouble

[MacBSG]

As the title says, I've been have some trouble in the prone position shooting off of a bipod. When I get down into position, I am having trouble finding my shoulder pocket, the weapon either rests on the top of my shoulder or my collar bone. What do I need to correct guys?

TMC.

 

[308boltgun]

your body needs to be at a slight angle, not directly behind the rifle. Look at how a shooter shots prone with a sling, then just replace the sling with the bipod.

Shooting Skills: Prone Position Shooting Tips from USAMU « Daily Bulletin

 

[TimK]

In my position, the buttstock hits my collar bone. I'm directly behind and in line with the gun. When I set up, I position the stock as close to my centerline as I can. This reduces the torque force my head applies to the stock which causes it to rotate away from me. This in turn reduces how much I have to compensate for that torque with my shoulder and right hand. Reducing those forces allows the most consistent recoiling of the rifle and leads to a zero that doesn't wander and excellent accuracy.

If you rifle hurts to shoot on your collarbone, put a pad or a brake on it.

 

[MacBSG]

Should I try supporting myself with my elbows any?

 

[TimK]

The goal is bone support, not muscle support. Try to figure out the position that allows you to relax as much as possible.

 

[ShtrRdy]

I really struggled with where to place the butt of the stock in my shoulder pocket. Try this - locate your collar bone with your opposite hand, i.e. left hand fingers on right side collar bone. Now lift your right elbow up about 45 degrees from when you arm is just at your side. With your left fingers, follow the collar bone outward until it reaches a clump of muscle. This is the shoulder pocket I use. I end up placing the butt of the stock on my collar bone while in the prone position.

 

[Bloodstriker]

Not to hijack this thread, but I have a related question. I notice that the under recoil, the rifle jumps up, cants to the right and afterwards, my sight pictures is about 2-3 mils higher. I've tried a few things but can't seem to correct my position so that the rifle returns to its original position.

 

[Sterling Shooter]

OP,

Folks just getting into shooting today usually start out with a scoped bolt action rifle " rested" with a bipod. They perceive their equipment will get them to the promised land. However, not having any formal marksmanship training, or exposure to what's really important to good shooting, problems, such as what you have described, are certain. These problems begin as soon as the rifle is shouldered by an anxious shooter who wants to get the reticle on the target, rather than first just allowing the rifle to point where ever natural. This brings about a chain of events which collectively assures the rifle will be pointed somewhere other than where desired as the bullet clears the bore.

As has been alluded to in earlier posts, the shooter needs to first learn how to build a position which transfers the stability of the ground into the position through bone and artificial support, muscular relaxation, and adjustment of natural point of aim. From there, making grip, butt-to-shoulder, non-firing hand, stockweld, and elbow placement consistent will assure control, the bottom-line of a steady position.

Practice building a position built on bone alone helps the shooter to understand when bone indeed is supporting the position. Beginnning with a bipod dulls the recognition of muscular relaxation and thus a natural point of aim may not be realized, leading to the sort of problem you are experiencing.

As 308boltgun suggested, take a look at the marksmanship tips from the USAMU. You may also want to attend the USAMU SAFS (Small Arms Firing School) this July 26, 27, & 28 at Camp Perry for hands on instruction.