Firing Positions

“Firing Positions” from The Ordnance Soldier’s Guide, 3rd Edition, Ordnance Replacement Training Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground:

Firing Positions

SITTING POSITION:
1. Sit half-face to right of aim of fire.
2. Feet apart — heels dug in ground.
3. Body leaning forward from hips — back straight.
4. Both arms resting inside legs.

KNEELING POSITION:
1. Half-face to line of fire.
2. Sit. on right heel.
3. Left leg bent — left lower leg vertical.
4. Left arm well under the rifle — resting on left knee cap — point of elbow beyond the knee cap.
5. Right elbow above or at the height of the shoulder.

STANDING POSITION:
1. Feet one to two feet apart — well balanced.
2. Left elbow well under rifle.
3. Right elbow at height of shoulder or higher.
4. Butt of piece high on shoulder and firmly held.
5. Cheek pressed against stock.

PRONE POSITION:
1. Body should lie at an angle of 45° to line of aim.
2. Legs apart — inside of feet flat on ground.
3. Elbows well under the body so as to raise chest.
4. Cheek pressed against stock — eye close to rear sight.

IMPORTANT POINTS IN FIRING A RIFLE:
1. Keep sling property adjusted — tight enough to give support — high up on arm.
2. Assume proper position.
3. Take up slack in trigger promptly.
4. Sight and aim correctly, keeping eye on target.
5. Held breath while aiming and squeeze the trigger so that you do not know when the piece will be discharged.