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Prone Rifle

Traditional rifle shooting in the classic prone position

About Prone Rifle

Prone rifle is one of the most traditional forms of target shooting. Shooters lie flat on their stomach, supporting the rifle with their body and a sling, firing at targets 25 yards or metres away using only iron sights. It’s a pure test of technique, stability, and precision.

The Discipline

Key Characteristics

  • Position: Prone (lying flat on stomach)
  • Distance: 25 yards/metres
  • Rifle: .22LR rimfire
  • Sights: Iron sights only (no magnification)
  • Support: Sling and body position
  • Traditional: Classic NSRA discipline

Our Facilities

The Pinnbrook Left range is dedicated to prone rifle shooting, with 5 firing points at 25 yards/metres. This indoor range provides consistent conditions year-round.

Why Prone Rifle?

Traditional Discipline

Prone rifle has a rich history in British target shooting. The Pinhoe Trophy, first awarded in 1968, is a testament to the discipline’s enduring appeal.

Pure Marksmanship

With iron sights and the stable prone position, success comes purely from technique and consistency. There’s nowhere to hide - it’s all about the fundamentals.

Physical and Mental

Prone shooting requires body awareness, breathing control, and mental discipline. The position itself teaches stability and proper technique.

Competitive Heritage

Active competition scene with local, regional, and national events. Many clubs compete in prone leagues and championships.

The Prone Position

The prone position is the most stable unsupported position in rifle shooting. Done correctly, it creates a solid platform that minimizes movement and maximizes accuracy.

Key Elements

  • Body Angle: Positioned at roughly 20-30 degrees to the target line
  • Left Elbow: Positioned under the rifle for support (right-handed shooters)
  • Right Elbow: Planted firmly for stability
  • Legs: Spread comfortably for balance
  • Sling: Tight sling supporting the rifle firmly
  • Cheek Weld: Consistent contact between cheek and stock

Learning the Position

The prone position takes time to master. Our instructors will help you find a comfortable, stable position that works for your body type and shooting style. Everyone’s optimal position is slightly different.

Equipment

For Beginners

The club has .22 rifles and slings available for new shooters. You’ll need:

  • Comfortable clothing (long sleeves recommended)
  • Shooting mat or padding (club provides)
  • Eye protection

As You Progress

When ready to purchase your own equipment:

  • Rifle: .22LR target rifle with aperture sights
  • Sling: Shooting sling (not a carrying strap)
  • Shooting Mat: Padded mat for comfort
  • Shooting Jacket: Specialized canvas jacket (optional but helpful)
  • Glove: Left-hand glove for sling hand
  • Ammunition: Match-grade .22LR

Skills Developed

Prone rifle shooting teaches fundamental skills:

  • Natural Point of Aim: Achieving perfect alignment without muscular effort
  • Breath Control: Coordinating breathing with shot timing
  • Trigger Control: Smooth, surprise trigger break
  • Follow Through: Maintaining position after the shot
  • Consistency: Repeating exactly the same process
  • Sight Picture: Mastering iron sight alignment

Competitions

Prone rifle has a strong competitive tradition:

  • Pinhoe Trophy Open Prone: Our prestigious November competition (since 1968)
  • Club Championships: Regular internal competitions
  • County Events: Representing Pinhoe TSC at county level
  • NSRA Competitions: National championship events
  • Postal Leagues: Compete from your home range
  • Inter-Club Matches: Team competitions against other clubs

Competition Format

Typical prone competitions involve:

  • 15 or 20 shots for score
  • Sighters (practice shots) before scoring begins
  • Time limit (usually generous for this discipline)
  • Standard NSRA target
  • Scored by target value (10.9 maximum per shot)

Training & Coaching

We offer comprehensive prone rifle training:

  • Position Coaching: Individual position analysis and improvement
  • Fundamentals Instruction: Breath control, trigger control, natural point of aim
  • Improvers Sessions: Monday evenings for developing shooters
  • Competition Preparation: Match shooting techniques
  • NSRA Instructor Course: Qualify to teach prone shooting

Take Your Time

Prone rifle rewards patience and consistent practice. Don’t expect perfection immediately - even experienced shooters constantly work on refining their technique. Focus on the fundamentals and scores will follow.

Physical Considerations

While prone is the most stable position, it does require some physical considerations:

  • Flexibility: Some flexibility helps achieve optimal position
  • Comfort: The position can be uncomfortable at first but improves with practice
  • Adaptations: Position can be modified for different body types and abilities
  • Building Up: Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase

Our instructors can help you find a position that’s both stable and sustainable for you.

The Pinhoe Trophy

Our annual Pinhoe Trophy Open Prone competition, first held in 1968, is one of the highlights of the prone shooting calendar. Shooters from across the region compete for this prestigious trophy, continuing a tradition of excellence in prone rifle shooting that spans over five decades.

Experience Traditional Prone Rifle

Learn this classic discipline with expert instruction at Pinhoe TSC.

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