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