I just registered for my first PRS shoot on Aug. 21 in Courtenay BC. I have done one metallic silhouette shoot recently and did some bench rest shooting about 10 years ago. I am almost 74 years old in pretty good shape but find laying prone is tough on my lower back and neck. I was just out in my back yard laying down with a stick for a rifle and it feels pretty tight in my back and neck to look up, not sure what it will feel like with my rifle and scope. I will go out to the range with my gear and check it out. I have a shooting jacket with elbow pads, can I use that? Any pointers for me that will make it easier on my old body? Thanks in advance for any tips.
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1st. PRS shoot, worried about prone?
- Thread starter RoscoeP
- Start date
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Spend as much time in your tummy as you can... it will get easier with time as your build up flexibility and strength.... and shooting prone does require some strength.
On the rifle set up, try for a taller bipod that still allows for stability (limit wobbling) and use a bigger rear bag like a gamechanger. just try varying the height until you find something tolerable. A taller scope is a must... so is a lower comb. This will reduce the amount of contortion to get into position to look through the scope. If you wear progressives, that is self explanatory.
Not a lot of time to build up some mobility but everything will help. No shooting jacket ... but elbow and knee pads are very good things
Good luck,
Jerry
On the rifle set up, try for a taller bipod that still allows for stability (limit wobbling) and use a bigger rear bag like a gamechanger. just try varying the height until you find something tolerable. A taller scope is a must... so is a lower comb. This will reduce the amount of contortion to get into position to look through the scope. If you wear progressives, that is self explanatory.
Not a lot of time to build up some mobility but everything will help. No shooting jacket ... but elbow and knee pads are very good things
Good luck,
Jerry
Like Jerry said, mount the scope high and use a bipod that extends enough with a rear bag to move that rifle higher. Move your elbows closer together (yes, I use pads to protect my joints after years of abuse) to level yourself up with the rifle. I do a lot of deep body weight squats that have really helped my comfort and flexibility, but it has taken a couple years and you have a few years on me too.
Spend as much time in your tummy as you can... it will get easier with time as your build up flexibility and strength.... and shooting prone does require some strength.
On the rifle set up, try for a taller bipod that still allows for stability (limit wobbling) and use a bigger rear bag like a gamechanger. just try varying the height until you find something tolerable. A taller scope is a must... so is a lower comb. This will reduce the amount of contortion to get into position to look through the scope. If you wear progressives, that is self explanatory.
Not a lot of time to build up some mobility but everything will help. No shooting jacket ... but elbow and knee pads are very good things
Good luck,
Jerry
Thanks for your reply Jerry and glad to see you are still in business. You had a bolt knob done for me years ago on a Remington 5R .308 and I think I bought another bolt knob from you for a Savage target rifle in .223 I will work on your suggestions.
Not sure how you were doing it… if you’re right handed, roll slightly on the left side, bend the right knee, this should take some pressure off the neck and the beer tank (belly). More importantly, you’ll be able to breathe normally.
Yoga helps big time.
Yoga helps big time.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Thanks for your reply Jerry and glad to see you are still in business. You had a bolt knob done for me years ago on a Remington 5R .308 and I think I bought another bolt knob from you for a Savage target rifle in .223 I will work on your suggestions.
Glad to hear you are still launching lead at targets.... you will enjoy the game even if some of the tasks are a wee bit silly.
Definitely try pulling your right leg forward as you put a little more weight on the left elbow.... the young'uns splayed out flat feet and legs is something my body just laughs at for thinking to try.
the up side if you really want to keep at this game... you will be motivated to get more flexible and increase strength. All good to help all the other aspects of our life.
Jerry
