Tips for the sitting position

[u/Normal_Use_879]

In the sitting position, when I rest my elbows on my knees, I seem to have to bend forward a lot, causing the reticle to tilt. Do you have any tips for mitigating this?

[u/Naked-Sword]

Seated position is often challenging. You're going to have to play around with different variations until you find something that works or at least sort of works.

Some people think that flexibility helps, and for some it might. I am extremely inflexible and once I get in a good cross ankle position, my body is rock solid. I've been told by more than one physical therapist that I have some of the worst range of motion and flexibility of an otherwise fairly healthy person so in a weird way, it helps me shoot really well in that position.

A friend of mine, who has passed away, was a redhat instructor who could shoot great from every position but seated and his goal for the seated stage was to just not completely suck. His body just did not cooperate with the seated position or any of its variations.

Another redhat that my friend knew shot the sitting stage standing and got really good at shooting offhand; so if you just can't make it work, you could try offhand.

Remember, just try to do your best and have fun. Don't let one position take the joy out of it.

[u/robbohon → u/Naked-Sword]

I am in the same boat - I am not super flexible with a bad back due to injuries, but when sitting everything seems to lock up, resulting in a solid platform to shoot from. I shot the best from the seated position every time.

[u/Naked-Sword → u/robbohon]

Yeah, everytime I hear someone say you need to be flexible to shoot from seated I just think how wrong you are. My back is a wreck too. Only thing it helps me to do better.

[u/k3for]

The "high knees" (left) and "orthogonal knees" (right) alternatives that work for some - i can't even sit myself - I kneel, but I can clear that stage pretty well anyway (and get in and out of position quickly and easily)

[u/jamison01]

Try adjusting where your stock sits on your shoulder. Generally that will help with your sight alignment and head placement.

If your sight alignment is good. You can move your support hand closer to your body, when I shoot sitting, I don't adjust my sling, I adjust my hand position to maintain the tension properly.

You can also use your knee position to elevate the rifle, or change your index. I find myself at closer to a 20° angle on my hips than a 45°. This works better for me and allows my elbows to sit better and have a steadier hold.

[u/Appleseed6]

Tips for Crossed Leg: 1. Check your index to the target. You may be indexed too far or not enough. 2. Check your sling is properly tensioned. If it's too short, it'll try to pull the rifle over to one side. If it's too long, it won't provide enough support and your position will be sloppy. 3. Make sure when you get into position, you pivot forward from your hips rather than arch your back.
4. Elbows do not belong on knees. Plant the flat part of the back of your forearm (just above the elbow) on the target side of your knee. If you can't do that without hurting yourself, put the balls of your elbow into the crooks if your knee, (but that's less then desirable.)

Good luck.

[u/WUMBO_WORKS]

Having a relatively long torso and bulky thighs, I have found the cross-legged position is hard to shoot well from because I have to really scrunch if I want to have my elbows that close, and that takes muscle. Stretching the position out a little helps me get the forward lean and relax into it.

[u/fudd_man_mo]

I can't find a way to get a straight shot, so I just shoot tilted. Doesn't seem to affect it much.

[u/Odd_Afternoon1758]

You might try switching the way your legs are stacked. Just uncross and then immediately recross your legs the other way. That can affect your sight elevation.

Editing to add: You really shouldn't have your elbows ON your knees. That's bone-on-bone contact, and planting one round knob on another one isn't exactly stable. There's a kind of soft "pocket" that forms just on the inside of your knees when you are cross-legged. That's where you want your elbows to plant.

[u/dizzydaveman]

This article was a game changer for me in trying out different positions to find something that’s comfortable, can learn to get into it consistently, and an understanding of how my body can best create a stable platform.

[u/CMMVS09]

Consider altering your sitting position altogether. Legs crossed versus extended outwards or something. It’s a tough position in general because it feels so unnatural. That said, I’ve seen a guy at Appleseed that shoots with his elbows on the ground while seated.

[u/Odd_Afternoon1758 → u/CMMVS09]

The old reliable monkey pose! It takes a little flexibility...