5. POSITIONS

Positions-- The positions for use in a match shall be stated in the program
under conditions of the match and shall be in accord with the definitions of
positions prescribed in this section.

5.1 The Ground-All references to ''the ground'' in the following position
Rules are to be construed as applying to the surface of the firing point, floor,
or shooting mats, and platforms as are customarily used on shooting ranges.

5.2 Artificial Support-Any supporting surface except the ground not
specifically authorized for use in the Rules for the position prescribed. Digging
of elbow or heel holes at the firing points which form artificial support for the
elbows, arms, or legs is prohibited. Use of artificial support, including back
braces, is prohibited except as individually authorized by NRA for a physically
handicapped shooter.

5.3 Position of Rifle Butt- In all positions, except standing (rule 5.12), 
the butt of the rifle must be held against the front of the shoulder on the outside 
of the shooting coat or shirt and must not touch the ground. In the standing position, 
the butt of the rifle may be held against the upper arm.

5.4 Rifle Magazine-The magazine of the rifle may touch the person or
clothing of the shooter, but may not touch the ground or be used to provide
artificial support.

5.5 Blank

Illustrations indicate some approved positions.

5.6 Prone-Body extended on the ground, head toward the target. The rifle
will be supported by both hands and one shoulder only. No portion of the arms
below the elbows shall rest upon the ground or any artificial support, nor may
any portion of the rifle or body rest against any artificial support. The magazine
may not compress the coat to the ground so as to provide artificial support (see
Rules 5.2 and 5.4).

5.6.1 F-Class Prone - F-Class prone is fired from the prone position. The Rifle
may be supported with a rear and/or front rest. (See rule 5.3 while aiming and firing)
(See rule 3.2 for the type of rifle).

NOTE: F-Class competitors are not eligible for National Records or awards and prizes
except for those specifically listed for F-Class in the match program.

5.7 Blank

5.8 Kneeling-Buttocks clear of the ground, but may rest on one foot. The
rifle will be supported by both hands and one shoulder only. The arm
supporting the rifle rests on the knee or leg. The elbow of the trigger arm will
be free from all support. One knee must be touching the ground. A roll as
described in Rule 3.14.1 may be placed under the instep provided the foot is
placed toe down at an angle not greater than 45 degrees from the vertical. Only
the trousers and underclothing may be wom between the shooter's buttocks
and heel. The jacket or other article may not be placed between these two
points. If the kneeling roll is not used, the foot may be positioned at any angle,
to include placing the side of the foot and the lower leg in contact with the
ground.

5.9 Blank

5.10 Sitting-Weight of the body supported on the buttocks and the feet or
ankles, no other portion of the body touching the ground. The rifle will be
supported by both hands and one shoulder only. Arms may rest on the legs at
any point above the ankles.

5.11 Blank

5.12 Standing- Erect on both feet, no other portion of the body
touching the ground or any supporting surface. The rifle will be
supported by both hands, the cheek and one shoulder or upper arm.
The upper arm is defined as from the middle of the bicep toward the
shoulder. The elbow or back of the forward arm may be placed
against the body or rested on the hip. The sling may not be used for
support and may not be wrapped around the arm or hand. The butt
of the rifle must be on the outside of the coat.
NOTE - Discharging a firearm while resting the butt of the firearm
on the top of the shoulder may result in personal injury.

(a) If attached to an NRA Match Rifle, the sling must be attached to both
      the forearm and buttstock sling swivels and may or may not be
      included in the grasp.

(b) Service Rifles are required to have a sling attached to the rifle (See
     Rules 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2., and 3.1.3). The sling must be attached to both
     the forearm and buttstock sling swivels and may or may not be
     included in the grasp. The position of the sling on M-14 and M-16
     series rifles is to the bottom, left or right of the magazine.

5.13 Any-Any position in which the rifle is supported only by the body,
assisted if desired by the sling, with no artificial support, and by which no
competitors or range personnel are endangered. National Records may not be
established by competitors using Rule 5.13.