Continuing with our study of field shooting positions we will discuss the sitting position. In the field, sitting will be far more useful to you than prone. A few weeks ago we ran an entire 100 - 1000 yard sniper class shooting almost exclusively from sitting. It is, once understood and developed, almost as accurate as prone. As well, it is far more adaptable in the field when dealing with broken terrain and/or elevation changes.
The sitting position most conducive to accuracy vis-a-vis bone support, muscle relaxation, and stability, is with the feet drawn up under the knees. Bring these as far as possible to gain elevation of the knees. This creates a shelf for the elbows to rest. Bring the support hand into position as needed. In this photo, I am shooting at fairly level targets, but if I was shooting at elevated or low angle targets, I would ammend my hand position as necessary. Popular CQB rifle shooting videos to the contrary, when shooting at distances, the elbos must be supported for the best results.
The sitting position also lends itself to use of any available support, whether natural or artificial. In this case, a sniper student uses his spotter as a support to obtain hits at 700 yards.
One issue with sitting is that some out-of-condition shooters may not be able to actually get into position. The sitting, however, can be practiced at any time even without a rifle. This will enhnace and increase the back flexibility necessary, which in turn will not only make the rifleman a better shooter, but will give him better health and mobility through increased flexibility.
A critical feature of sitting is that the elbows do not rest on top of the knees. The elbow/knee contact area is very small, unstable, and comes apart under recoil.
The elbows go in front of the knees, providing both stability and recoil management. Gabe has it right in the first and last pictures.
In truth, depending on flexibility and clear sight line to the target, the lower the upper body can go, with the elbows down in front of the knees and the back bent more, the steadier the position will be, and the less obvious the shooting position will be from downrange. With such a range of position heights, the shooter has more options for engagement.
The knees-up-and-out sitting position is faster to get into and out of and quicker for getting off the first shot. It is less stable and less accurate, and does not manage recoil as well. It gives more elevation (and shooter exposure) for a greater variety of target positions (up hill in particular). Elbows should still go in front of knees, not on top. Using this position in the second photo would have increased stability even more, because the elbows would not be flapping in the wind.
Sitting is also one of the positions that lends itself to sling use for stability. Add this to the lower sitting profile, and one can shoot just as well sitting as a good stable prone.
Posted by: CB3 | 10/26/2012 at 08:21