Kneeling, sling supported position
If vegetation presents a problem, the sniper can raise his kneeling position
by using the rifle sling. To assume the kneeling, sling supported position,
he executes the first three steps for assuming a kneeling unsupported position.
With the leather sling mounted to the weapon, the sniper turns the sling
one-quarter turn to the left. The lower part of the sling will then form
a loop.
(a) Place the left arm (nonfiring) through the loop; pull the sling up
the arm and place it on the upper arm between the elbow and shoulder, but
not directly over the biceps.
(b) Tighten the sling by sliding the sling keeper against the loop holding
the arm.
(c) Rotate the left arm in a clockwise motion around the sling and under
the rifle with the sling secured to the upper arm. Place the fore-end of
the stock in the V formed by the thumb and forefinger of the left hand. Relax
the left arm and hand, let the sling support the weight of the weapon.
(d) Place the butt of the rifle against the right shoulder and place the
left elbow on top of the left knee (Figure 3-5). Pull the left hand back
along the fore-end of the rifle toward the trigger guard to add to stability.
(5) Standing supported position. The standing supported position
is the least steady of the supported positions and should be used only as
a last resort (Figure 3-6).
(a) To assume the standing supported position with horizontal
support, such as a wall or ledge, the sniper proceeds as follows:
Locate a solid object for support. Avoid branches as they tend to sway
when wind is present.
Form a V with the thumb and forefinger of the nonfiring hand.
Place the nonfiring hand against the support with the fore-end of the weapon
resting in the V of the hand. This steadies the weapon and allows quick recovery
from recoil.
Then place the butt of the weapon in the pocket of the shoulder.
