Canning 3 Position Rifle
Canning 3 Position Rifle (3P) is a precision shooting discipline where competitors fire a series of shots from three distinct shooting positions:
- Kneeling
- Prone (lying down)
- Standing
This discipline is designed to test a shooter’s stability, control, and adaptability, as each position presents unique challenges.
Shooting Positions
In line with international standards used by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), the positions are typically shot in the following order:
1. Kneeling
- Shooter kneels on one leg
- Often uses a kneeling roll for support
- Elbow rests on the forward knee
This position offers a balance between stability and mobility.
2. Prone
- Shooter lies flat on their stomach
- Rifle supported by both elbows
- A sling is commonly used for additional stability
This is generally the most stable position, allowing for high accuracy.
3. Standing
- Shooter stands upright
- No external support is permitted
This is widely considered the most challenging position, requiring excellent balance, strength, and control.
Common Formats
Canning Club supports variations of 3 Position Rifle, including:
50 Metre Rifle 3 Positions
- Distance: 50 metres
- Calibre: .22 Long Rifle (rimfire)
- Recognised as an Olympic shooting discipline
Field Rifle (3-Positional)
- Designed to reflect practical hunting scenarios
- May include a sitting position as an alternative to kneeling
- Focuses on real-world marksmanship skills
Match Structure
Competitions are typically defined by the number of shots fired in each position.
Example Format:
- 3 × 20 Match
- 20 shots in kneeling
- 20 shots in prone
- 20 shots in standing
Total: 60 shots
Skills Developed
3 Position Rifle helps shooters develop:
- Precision and consistency
- Body control and stability
- Breath and trigger control
- Adaptability across different shooting positions
In summary: Canning 3 Position Rifle is a highly technical precision discipline that challenges shooters to perform accurately from multiple positions, making it one of the most complete tests of rifle marksmanship.