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September 5th, 2011 
Admin Question by Manny T: im having trouble shooting my rifle from the standing position?
I have lower back problems so it makes it very difficult to keep a sight picture and keep the rifle from shaking. I can qualify just fine from the kneeling or the prone position. But everything about shooting from standing doesn’t feel right. Can any soldiers or hunters or anyone experienced give me some advice?
Best answer:
Answer by eddygordo19
Rest your weak arm against your body and hold close to the trigger guard. By using skeletal support instead of muscle support you make it easier to hold the rifle.
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I’m no expert here but you could try a shooting stick,bi-pod or something like that
First, I don’t shoot standing, unsupported if I can get into a better position. When I have to, I stand with more of my weight on my rear foot, leaning slightly back, with my supporting arm triceps against my ribs and my forearm basically vertical under the rifle’s fore-end.
I can sympathize. I had spinal fusion surgery L5 to S1 some years ago, and my back is otherwise a wreck. Even at that, proper mechanics overcome strained muscles. I’ve included a link that’s 22 minutes long. About 1/2 way through, the basic positions of standing, prone, sitting and kneeling are discussed. I still shoot DCM (now CMP) matches with my M1 Garand, and when I take the time to remember the tips in the video, I score well without tiring. Shaking and strained muscles are two principle indicators of a poor mechanical stance, and without the correct mechanics, you can’t shoot shotgun, pistol, or rifle well from any position. Good luck, and I hope this helps you shoot more comfortably from the standing position, as well as the other positions.
It’s the hardest position to shoot accurately from.
That’s why it’s a required position in most competitions.
Don’t expect it to come easy.
Getting good at is is a matter of ‘lotsa’ practice, and maybe a little coaching.
Advice:
If your back troubles you, (as mine does me, on occasion), it’s because
you’re using/twisting it too much to center the rifle on target.
Try to stand comfortably, and ‘mount’ the rifle so the sights fall on the target.
Don’t be shy about a little ‘foot shuffle’ to accomplish the horizontal line-up.
Don’t be shy about shifting the stock’s contact at your shoulder for elevation.
As you get some practice it will come easier as you take your stance better,
and your ‘mount’ will fall close to ‘dead on’ the first time.
When the rifle’s well lined up at ‘rest’ your back has an easier time of it.
I would recommend using a sling, as well as the other tips listed above. Using even a cheap nylon 2-point sling has vastly improved my shooting, although I can’t relate to the back problems so I’m not sure what else would help you there.
when you are shooting in standing position, you must stand with more of your weight on your front foot, leaning slightly backwards, with your supporting arm against your ribs and your forearm must basically be vertical under the rifle’s fore-end.