Prone is the steadiest position most shooters will ever use. A good prone position is mostly about letting the ground, the rifle's support and your skeleton do the work, so your muscles do not have to. Here is how to build one, and where the rear bag fits in.
Safety first: treat every rifle as loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to shoot.
1. Get behind the rifle
Lie down directly behind the rifle, with your body roughly in line with the bore. Many shooters angle the trigger-side leg out a little for comfort and to settle the hips. Keep your spine straight.
2. Support the front
Set the front on a bipod, a pack or a front rest. If you use a bipod, load it slightly by leaning your shoulder gently into the rifle so the rifle sits still.
3. Find your natural point of aim
Settle in, close your eyes, breathe out and relax. Open your eyes. Where the crosshairs sit now is your natural point of aim. If they are off the target, move your whole body, not just your arms, until relaxing puts the crosshairs on target.
4. Set the rear bag
Place the bag under the toe of the stock. With your support hand, squeeze the bag to raise the back of the rifle or relax your grip to lower it. Use the squeeze for fine elevation adjustments instead of pushing or pulling on the rifle. With Sling Steady, the bag is on the sling, so it is already at the back of the rifle when you lie down. No digging in a pack, no extra weight to carry in.
5. Break the shot and follow through
Take a breath, let it out and pause. Press the trigger straight back. Keep your eye on the target after the shot, and watch where the rifle settles. If it jumps off target, adjust your position before the next shot.
Steadier shots, tighter groups: the bag supports the rear of the stock so the rifle settles, improving accuracy from any position.
Shop Sling Steady · Install guide
Related reading: Prone hunting · Range day with a rear bag · Field positions for hunters
Sling Steady is Ready When You Are.