called "offhand"). Hythe positions (Hythe School of Musketry was formed in 1853 to teach the army how to use the rifle in kneeling and standing positions), American and French positions were known variations of the kneeling and standing positions utilised by their respective armies. Another common, but aided, shooting position is the bench shooting position. There are also numerous shooting aids from monopods to tripods to sandbags and complete gun cradles. Prone The steadiest and by far the easiest to master. Done correctly. it can be as steady as shooting from a bench rest. Probably the least used in the field because, all too often, vegetation gets in the way and obscures the view. Variations: classic – with the body at an angle (left for right-handed people, right for left-handed) modern – with the body more directly behind the rifle with the shooter's strong side leg slightly bent. Test for correct body position: wrap your arm into the hasty sling and drop down into prone, sighting at the target. Close your eyes. When you open them you should still be aiming at the target. If you aren't, then your position is off. Also, if the shooter's sight picture returns after the firm kicks to each muzzle, then body alignment is good. If not, adjustment is needed. Usual advice is to use a sling for this position Aided prone position – prone with pack or bipod Sitting This position is relatively easy to get into, but more difficult to get out of quickly and provides clearance for low to medium-height obstacles that would interfere with the prone position. Proper sitting position is extremely difficult to master. Variations: open leg cross leg (aka pretzel style) – the steadiest sitting position. cross ankle The test for correct body position is the same as prone. Usual advice is to use a sling for this position. Aided sitting position – sitting with tripod Kneeling There were numerous variations of the position throughout history. Best for times when shooter needs to shoot quickly, but it is a bit too far (or he is breathing a bit too hard) to risk a shot from the standing position. Considerably steadier than standing position. For most people it is not nearly as steady as sitting but it is much faster to get in and out of. For some people this position can be almost as steady as the prone