Rifle Team
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:
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Use of 4.5 mm (.177 cal.) air rifles
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Targets placed at a distance of 10 meters
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Most common air rifle used is the Crosman Challenger PCP air rifle (Model CH2009S)
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These air rifles operate on either CO2 or compressed air
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Air rifle competition standards are similar to those used during Olympic shooting events
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Positions used are standing, prone, and kneeling
Standing
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Easiest shooting position to learn and the most challenging to master
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The position is challenging because it has a smaller base of support and the body is higher
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Not as stable as the lower prone and kneeling positions
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Slings may not be used in standing to stabilize the rifle
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Most shooters find that it takes more practice to develop the ability to hold the rifle still in standing
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Body position and head alignment are essential to achieving a stable standing position
Prone
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Prone position has the lowest center of gravity
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The steadiest of the three target positions
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Prone has extra stability through the use of a sling in this position
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A highly trained rifle shooter is capable of holding a rifle steady in the prone position
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Body position is essential to achieving a stable prone position
Kneeling
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The shooter kneels to sit on the right foot that is supported by a kneeling roll.
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The rifle is supported by the use of a sling and left arm that rests on the left leg
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The kneeling position is similar to prone in that the sling is also used in this position
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It is similar to standing because the body’s center of gravity is higher
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Precise balance is essential to achieving a stable kneeling position
Competitions
Three-Position Air Rifle Shooting
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The most common event for JROTC and high school rifle teams is the 3x10 event
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A 3x10 means shooters fire ten record shots in each of the three positions (prone, standing and kneeling)
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Most popular and fastest growing form of shooting sports competition
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Two different Three-Position Air Rifle events are available
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Precision Air Rifle - modeled after Olympic-style shooting using specialized target rifles and equipment.
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Sporter Air Rifle - designed for new competitors or those who desire to compete with minimal equipment and expense
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