TargetTalk

WOuld like to know yr thoughts on body composition in your mid section for bein a successful airrifle shooter. If you have fat on your sides where your elbow rests is that a disturbance??? Will it be any effect on stabiolty/ control as evertime he fat will react differently.
pl let me know

Manoj:

Well, I am only a "journeyman" rifle shooter, but since none of hte experts have weighed in I'll give it a modest start.

In general, maximum stability of a position is achieved (most important for offhand position) with bone-bone contact and tendons/ligaments under tension. Anything that gets in the way of bone-bone contact (like excessive fat) and/or relaxes tension on ligaments/tendons will decrease stability.

Short answer: you are correct that, all other things being equal, excess tissue in the way of your position will not help. The degree to which this si a factor however will vary considerably. The length of your humerus vs. length of your L-soine and T-spine is also a factor. For example, I have to twist my back like a pretzel in order to get my elbow down on my pelvic horn in offhand. A thick layer of fat (or couple of rifle magazines in a waist pocket- shhh!) would actually help.

Your Mileage May Vary

Steve Swartz