TargetTalk

Going to be starting shooting smallbore prone this year at the local club and I need a little advice.

1. This is going to be the rifle I will be using:
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u184 ... ights1.jpg

This is not my rifle but it will be same model [biathlon basic]. Rifle will be performing double duty as a silhouette rifle so the stock dimensions cannot be altered to much and a specialized prone stock cannot be used. I know this is a compromise and I can accept the limitations. After this season if I decide I really like smallbore prone I will look to a more specialized set-up.

2. Options for shooting jackets? I have never used a jacket and I have no idea what options would be best for a beginning shooter.

3. Shooting glasses: I have read some of the post about specialized shooting glasses. Are the glasses essential and do they provide an obvious benefit?

4.Slings: What are my options? Styles?

5. Any other equipment I may have missed?

Thanks for all advice.

1) The rifle is not ideal for prone shooting, but for a stop-gap it could do to gain experience. You may want to check with match organsisers/Range officers whether you can use the magazine, target rifles are normally single-shot. In Britain NSRA rules prohibit the use of magazines for prone shooting, and require single loading.

2) Jackets make a big difference to prone shooting. You can shoot without one, but it is a handicap. The jacket supports the sling and transfers the weight of the rifle from the arm to your shoulders and back. The elbows are padded for comfort, and normally covered with non-slip material. Most basic jackets are made of double-thickness canvas, which gives excellent support, although it feels constrictive for a beginner. You can get leather jackets (still canvas lined) but these are more expensive. The jacket MUST fit well across the shoulders, or the weight of the rifle on the sling, will pull it down, so your body and the rifle sag down.

Look at the various equipment suppliers on the internet to compare prices. Or see what shooters wear at your club.

3) Specialist shooting glasses are used by many shooters, in preference to normal prescription spectacles. In prone shooting the head is tilted forwards, shooting glasses raise the lens so it is in front of the eye, normal glasses are usually to low. These are not essential. If you wear glasses, you can raise them with tissue or blu-tac under the bridge.

4) All prone smallbore shooters use a single point sling. This loops around the upper arm, wraps inside the wrist, and clips onto the rifle fore-end. The sling has a buckle to adjust the length, so achive good support. The arm loop can be tightened too, usually with a buckle of a screw-clamp. Slings are made of synthetic material (plastic coated nylon webbing) or leather; synthetic is preferable as it won't stretch with time (or if wet).

5) Other equipment: a good thick sweatshirt of jumper to wear under the jacket is essential. Perhaps a peaked cap, or a floppy hat (the jungle type) to shade your eyes. Ear plugs or muffs.

You will need a telescope to see your shots (20X magnification is the minimum for most), and a stand to place it near your head. You should be able to borrow this at the club.

A mat, this makes lying down on your elbows more bearable, and has a non-slip section under the elbows. Again this can be borrowed.

God luck

Tim S

Exeter UK

Thanks for all the advice!

As regards to the magazine being used instead of a single shot rifle. Local gun club goes by NRA rules and I believe magazines are allowed. Only about 5 shooters show up for the monthly matches and its pretty relaxed event.

I don't know of any smallbore NRA prone match rules that allows the use of magazines. If it's in the rifle and you don't use it, that's perfectly fine though.

Soupy44 wrote:I don't know of any smallbore NRA prone match rules that allows the use of magazines. If it's in the rifle and you don't use it, that's perfectly fine though.

That was my point. I was just was not too clear in my post.

Thanks for advice!