Shooting Stances

By Ian Rutherford

Prone:

In this position, you lie on your stomach with your leg bent for extra support. If you are right handed your gun should rest in your left hand and your right hand should rest near the trigger.

Tips:

It is recommended to use a sling when in prone position as it gives extra support / stability. If you are still using a great amount of effort tighten the gun sling. Both elbows should be firmly planted into the ground for stability. When in a comfortable position your natural aim should be correct. Always relax into this position. If you are still over tensing try and spread your elbows out to a position that your eye is horizontal with your scope and comfortable.

Sitting:

This is where you sit cross-legged as if from first school. Aim normally as if you were standing. Sitting provides more support when shooting and relives the legs. 

Tips:

If your legs don't feel completely comfortable in this position use another as you will not perform to your best ability. Let your legs / backside take the weight for more stability rather than tensing your stomach. Try wearing waterproof pants when out hunting and using this stance.

Kneeling:

Obvious this one. Kneel down and take aim as if sitting or standing. This works particularly well when field target shooting. 

Tips:

When kneeling pivot on your week foot for more stability. Your heel should support your backside firmly for more accuracy. Keep your body vertical and stable. To keep your rear end out of the mud, place your foot to work as a nifty seat.  

Standing:

This stance is most commonly used as it is fast to get into and most appropriate. Standing is not the most stable form of shooting. It is where you place the butt of the gun firmly into your shoulder and use your week arm to stable the gun.

Tips:

Face 90 degrees from the target at which you are shooting at. Keep your body rigid but not tense for best results. Feel free to change this stance for the most comfortable / accurate result. Try and get the central balance of your airgun stable and do not lean into / away from the shot.

FT Sitting:

Similar to general sitting however you do not cross your legs. Place your elbows on your knees for a practical bench rest feel. Spread your legs out in front of you for support.

Tips:

Do not lean backward when shooting. Make sure your feet are well placed and that you are not depending on one knee only. Ultimately try and balance the weight of the airgun throughout the stance.