The four T's

There are always questions pertaining to shooting positions. The following addresses the common questions that have popped up over time. Throughout all the different shooting disciplines I’ve participated in, I've noticed each one has a dominant position. Positions range from barricade with a support bag, prone, positional unsupported and standing. It’s not surprising that every shooting discipline believes their style is supreme. However, I firmly believe the most important position is whichever one  you are about to use.

How does one know when to use what position and why? If one position is more stable, why would you use a less stable position? I wrote a set of principles for you to use to assess what position is acceptable. Keep in mind this process needs to happen hastily.

The 4 T's Time / Terrain / Target and Tools

• Time - How much time before I receive lead poisoning? How much time before the target leaves? What time is allotted to make the shot?

• Terrain- What available positions do the environment allow me to use? Hi grass, buildings, brush, rain, snow, wind, mirage, barricades and obstacles.

• Target - how large is my target? Is the target in cover or behind trees? How far away is my target?

• Tools - what equipment is available to solve my problem? Equipment could include anything like  packs, bags, tripods, slings, bipods or anything laying around.

Example 1 Troops in Contact (TIC)

• Target - head silhouette( 8 x 10 oval) at 400 yards

• Time - troops in contact but you yourself are not directly in the line of fire.

• Terrain - field with low weeds extending up to about 12 inches

• Tools - rifle with sling, bipod, shooter has pack.

In this scenario the time dictates a shot ASAP. The target requires 2 MOA or better accuracy. The terrain allows a high prone position. The shooter has plenty of tools available.

A shooter could just snap a standing shot, unfortunately, the circular error of probability says it will miss. This problem could be solved by dismounting the pack, resting the rifle across it and engaging. This solution should give the shooter a hit on target in about 15 seconds.

Example 2 Deer

• Target -150 class 10 point Buck standing broadside at 35 yards.

• Time - The deer has winded you, he is about to run with no time available.

• Terrain- you're standing in a recently mowed field.

• Tools - sling and bipod

This scenario requires a fast snap shot. The terrain and tools allow for a very steady prone position however, the target is an easy shot and the time doesn't allow added movement. The shooter should simply pull the rifle into their shoulder pocket, apply the fundamentals of marksmanship and take the shot.

Example 3 overwatch

• Targets - you’re providing security covering a long street. Targets could expose themselves anywhere from 100 to 600 yards.

• Time - this is extremely unknown but expect exposures of 3 to 6 seconds. This situation is unusual in the sense that the shooter gets time to build a position.

• Terrain - your setup in an abandoned 5 story building there are supporting elements to your left and right. Obstacles are in place keeping stand off to your front. There are cabinets, tables, chairs and other odds and ends at your disposal.

• Tools - tools can sometimes come from your terrain. Don't be scared to use what is around you to better your position. You have brought with you a rifle, sling, bipod, shooting bag, pack and tripod.

The shooter could build a comfortable position that allows for front and rear support. The elevated position requires the shooter to be able to both search and travers on targets. One should be careful not to trap their rifle in a position that requires a lot of time to breakdown.

I suggest shooters rehearse as many different positions as possible. Rehearsal allows the shooter to know what level of accuracy they can achieve from different positions. The more the shooter knows their capabilities the faster they can execute a decision. Don't be scared to think outside the box. As always, the only way to get good is to practice. Building a mental database while practicing gives you something to reference under high stress situations.