JROTC Rifle Team

The type of rifle marksmanship that is taught and practiced in the JROTC program is Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting. Common aspects of this type of marksmanship include:                                                                                      

  • Use of 4.5 mm (.177 cal.) air rifles
  • Targets placed at a distance of 10 meters
  • Most common air rifle used is the Crosman Challenger PCP air rifle (Model CH2009S)
  • These air rifles operate on either CO2 or compressed air
  • Air rifle competition standards are similar to those used during Olympic shooting events
  • Positions used are standing, prone, and kneeling. 

Standing

  • Easiest shooting position to learn and the most challenging to master
  • The position is challenging because it has a smaller base of support and the body is higher
  • Not as stable as the lower prone and kneeling positions
  • Slings may not be used in standing to stabilize the rifle
  • Most shooters find that it takes more practice to develop the ability to hold the rifle still in standing
  • Body position and head alignment are essential to achieving a stable standing position

Prone 

  • Prone position has the lowest center of gravity
  • The steadiest of the three target positions
  • Prone has extra stability through the use of a sling in this position 
  • A highly trained rifle shooter is capable of holding a rifle steady in the prone position
  • Body position is essential to achieving a stable prone position

Kneeling 

  • The shooter kneels to sit on the right foot that is supported by a kneeling roll.
  • The rifle is supported by the use of a sling and left arm that rests on the left leg
  • The kneeling position is similar to prone in that the sling is also used in this position
  • It is similar to standing because the body’s center of gravity is higher
  • Precise balance is essential to achieving a stable kneeling position

Competitions

Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting 

  • The most common event for JROTC and high school rifle teams is the 3×10 event
  • A 3×10 means shooters fire ten record shots in each of the three positions (prone, standing and kneeling) 
  • Most popular and fastest growing form of shooting sports competition
  • Two different Three-Position Air Rifle events are available
    • Precision Air Rifle – modeled after Olympic-style shooting using specialized target rifles and equipment.
    • Sporter Air Rifle – designed for new competitors or those who desire to compete with minimal equipment and expense

Meeting Time: Tue/Wed/Thur 2:30-4:00 in G13

Sponsor: Command Sergeant Major Salle – john.sallee@jefferson.kyschools.us