First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

A

Aquatic_Robotic

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 7, 2011
560
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72
East Texas
#1
I have never fired more than a dozen rounds in my 45+ years of shooting from the "prone" position. Today I had minimal wind so I decided to give it run at 200 yards. I shot with bipod and no rear rest.

Things learned today

1. I ain't as young as I used to be. Ruptured disk in back and knee surgury last Decmeber made shooting from this postion "TOUGH"

2. Need to find way to get the rifle a little further off the ground so I can get better eye alignment with scope. Every time I got down on rifle to shoot, I was too close to scope and my neck was contorted in an uncomfortable way. I had bipod up all the way, but it is Harris BRM and short. Maybe I need taller one.

3. To improve my accuracy and consistentcy I MUST FIND A MORE COMFORATABLE WAY TO SHOT FROM PRONE POSITION. Being in constant strain and uncomfortable leads to rushed shots, low concentration level, missed reads, and ultimately missed placed shots.

4. Controlling my breathing is going to be key for me shooting excellent from the prone position.


5. Don't place targets on the bottom of the backstop when shooting prone at 200 yards. All kinds of stuff gets in the in the line-of-sight like weeds and grass.

6. Man I sweat a lot laying in the dirt when it's hot (90+)and no wind!!

As with other new endeavors, it ain't pretty, but it is a start and I'll take it and run with it.

P6040077.jpg


233 with 5- x's
 
#2
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

I don't think that's bad at all.

I know what you're talking about shooting from the prone position over an extended period of 25 shots. I'm in my mid 50's and I can sure feel the effects of shooting prone for many days afterwards.

I believe prone is one of those positions a person just has to practice and condition their body for. 10 shots prone during our monthly SH short range comps are plenty for me. I prefer the bench for 100 and 200 yard shooting, but I'm game to put myself through the gruel of prone simply because of the challenge.
smile.gif
 
#3
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

Most folks prefer a Harris 9 to 13 inch bi-pod for prone.
The 6 to 9inch is generally too short.

You need to move the scope forward to shoot prone compared to on a bench.
 
#4
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

I think that it's some pretty nice shooting. It looks like at one point things just came together. You were able to drop five rounds right on top of eachother in the bullseye. There's a little stringing, but all five look to be touching. I don't care who you are that's some nice shooting. Now you just need to figure out what you were doing right then and duplicate it.
 
#5
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

The Harris 9-13 works great for prone I have it on several of my rigs. I love it. And your shooting looks really good for that being your first time, it will get much easier the more you do it. Keep up the good work!
 
#7
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

Thanks for the info and encourgement.

I have a 9-13 Harris and I will put it on next time I go out. Thanks for tip.

I have an Anschutz 54.18 coming in a McMillan "Master Silhouette" Stock. That is the way I bought it. I also have another Leupold 8.5-25x50 I am putting on that rifle when it gets here.

Now I got a few questions.

Should I set up one rifle for bench and the other for prone?

My two 22 lr rigs will be;

Annie 64 MPR with Leupold 8.5-25x50 1,100 rds so far

Annie 54.18 repeater with Leupold 8.5-25x50 new to me

Which one is best suited for bench and which is best for prone?

I put a lace up cheek piece on the 64 and it fits very well off the bench, but not to good prone.

The 54.18 will have the McMillan Master Silouette stock and it has a high comb.

After "floppin" around on the ground this morning for 30 mintues or so trying to figure out how to get comfortable and relaxed shooting prone, I could have used an Ibprofen, Tylenol, and an Aleve!!

Thanks again
 
#9
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

Aquatic_Robotic,
Setting up one rifle for prone is an option.
Another option is sticking your neck out and pushing your head as far forward as possible (turkey neck)when shooting from the bench.
Then adjust your scope forward for proper eye relief.
With this adjustment, you could likely shoot prone also.
With the scores you are shooting it would be a leap to screw around with a position change.
That leap may land you on a higher plane, or off into an abyss.
 
#10
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

I hear you Clodhopper about the position change. I have never been a "competitive" rifle shooter, but have fired more rifle rounds than I can possibly remember.

Everything I have shot has always been off the bench or out in the field with whatever rest was available, or straight off-hand. I just want to "test" and improve my skill set. Shooting prone was not exactly "fun" on the first attempt, but it was certainly challenging. With the right instruction, as I am getting here, and some practice, I think it will become fun as I become more proficient. Hopefully I will land on the "higher plane", as you so eloquently put it.

Like my Dad always said, "You can have fun at almost anything, IF YOUR WINNING".

Thanks to all for your comments, instruction, and advice.
 
#11
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

No need to adjust your scope forward. Just adjust your buttplate back. Try a simple rubber slip on butt pad. You can add extra length by putting shims inside the pad. I like Limbsaver pads which have a lot of stretch. You can move them from rifle to rifle.
 
#12
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

QH,

Excellent idea!! Why didn't I think of that??????

Simplicity is often to complicated for me to understand.

I may dedicate one gun to bench and the other to prone. Regardless, I am going to give your advise a try and that would give me the ablity to shoot both guns from both positions with the same extended pad.

Thanks
 
#13
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

The 64 MPR stock uses butt pad spacers to adjust length. I added 2 to mine (3 spacers total). If you need more you will probably need longer screws. All of this is available from Neal at ISS in Ft Worth.

This is also compounded by the long eye relief of the Leupold scopes. I believe you have an extended rail scope mount so you can also put the front ring all the way forward and move the scope forward inside the rings if necessary. There is a happy combination of spacers and ring/scope placement, you just need to find it.

edited to add: for prone shooting you can also experiment with the sliding butt pad on the MPR. Ususally you wiull want to slide the pad up for prone shooting so the pad is even with the top of your shoulder in the prone position. Choose the number of spacers that will allow your cheek to be placed on the comb without letting your face be too far forward, and hanging over the comb.
 
#14
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

I set my rifles to prone distance and then fight a little on the bench. A key is to put your head down between shots to keep your neck from cramping up... not being 20 sucks!!! A taller bipod will work your lower back a little more, maybe try a pillow (I know its not tacticool)? Do you have a shooting mat? Natchez has the Eagle mat/gun wrap for $70 and Midway has thiers for about the same... or a blanket. I nice light color makes it a lot more comfortable in the heat and that nasty dirt doesn't stick to your sweat.
 
#15
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

Diesel & Rico,

Thanks for the good stuff.

I just ordered a mat from Shooter Supply along with some more ammo. They have good prices and excellent service.

I know this sound STUPID, but I honestly forgot all about the butt stock and check piece adjustments when trying to shoot prone the other day. I was just thinking about trying to get comfortable and consistent.

Thanks again and my next "prone adventure" should prove a more enjoyable outing.
 
#16
Re: First Prone Position attempt a learning experience

using the behind the rifle technique helps a bit with the sore neck. well, at least it doesn't get "as sore" as using the little green army guy prone position.

using it with the .22 has helped me with eye alignment and recoil control on the centerfire stuff.

great videos on prone shooting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8rkt1HRWdo


if you are using a bipod, this explains loading the bipod. it helps not only with recoil, but to keep steady also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjG1JZxiui0&feature=related
 
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