Foam wedge for back support

[fa38]

I hope to be a new F class competitor this coming year. I have a really bad back and a stiff neck and it is more than a bit difficult getting down into position with my front rest tripod and bag in the rear.

Is it legal to put a sort of wedge under your chest to take the strain off the back as you shoot? A wedge of about an inch under your pelvis tapering up to 8 to 10 inches under your shoulders made out of something like pillow foam.

 

[rardoin]

Yes, it is legal and not uncommon. I use a wedge but I found that the foam was too compressible and did not provide the support I needed. I removed the foam and filled it with buckwheat hulls instead. This gave me the support I needed, moldability, and reasonably light weight. It works well. My pillow is a bit smaller however than the wedge you describe; it is about 14 inches wide, 5 tall, and 16 long.

 

[fa38]

Yes, it is legal and not uncommon. I use a wedge but I found that the foam was too compressible and did not provide the support I needed. I removed the foam and filled it with buckwheat hulls instead. This gave me the support I needed, moldability, and reasonably light weight. It works well. My pillow is a bit smaller however than the wedge you describe; it is about 14 inches wide, 5 tall, and 16 long.

Rardoin:
My back thanks you.
Marty

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I'll disagree:

3.10 Ground Cloths or Ground Pads— A competitor may use one or more ground cloths or ground pads so long as they are not constructed or used in a manner to provide artificial rest or support

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

I ended up taking the better part of a year off from shooting because I had hurt my back and needed support that was contrary to the rules. I know it doesn't make sense when the rifle is fully supported on rest(s).

If anyone has a better reference in the rulebook, I'm all ears.

 

[rardoin]

Thank you Keith. I read section 3.10 before and interpreted it as supporting the rifle...which would be a reasonable interpretation. However, I did not absorb section 5.2 which is unambiguous in interpretation. I may be illegal and have given bad advice as I have no handicaps (other than in the space between my ears) that would warrant a chest pillow 'waiver'.

 

[spclark]

I think the artificial support rules should be taken 'with a grain of salt' towards what's needed by an individual shooter to continue to participate vs. one whose skills, performance history and personal goals leads them to competitive levels.

If a pillow helps you come & shoot (maybe not help much carrying all that other stuff to the line), I suggest you do so. Ensure you let the match statistician know you're participating 'out of competition' when you register.

How does your back affect how you can - or can't - pull targets?

 

[rardoin]

After re-reading the rules sections quoted in sections 3.10 and 5.2, it would appear that these rules pertain solely to High Power Rifle class. Although F-class rules are a subsection of the NRA HP rulebook, F-class rules do not specifically, or by implication, suggest that a body support pillow or such is disallowed. At least that is how I interpret it. Looking forward to comments, particularly from anyone who has shot at registered matches/nationals that have insight on legality.

 

[Taildrag15X]

After re-reading the rules sections quoted in sections 3.10 and 5.2, it would appear that these rules pertain solely to High Power Rifle class. Although F-class rules are a subsection of the NRA HP rulebook, F-class rules do not specifically, or by implication, suggest that a body support pillow or such is disallowed. At least that is how I interpret it. Looking forward to comments, particularly from anyone who has shot at registered matches/nationals that have insight on legality.

Having ran NRA High Power Registered Tournaments for Prone and F-Class I also agree it's illegal. Section 22 F-Class is not it's own Rule Book, it's part of the High Power Rules, the complete Rules, artificial support without NRA Med. waiver is a no-no.

 

[rardoin]

Thanks for your view Mike. I am new to prone shooting and found the wedge support greatly helped with my comfort in getting a position behind the rifle on a rest as well as a bipod. I will need to ditch the support and learn to acquire a stable/comfortable position without. I think at this point I could do so. I do not have any medical reasons to require such support.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

This is one of those issues where it may be advantageous to identify some non-NRA matches that won't be such sticklers for the needed foam wedge.

About half the F-Class matches I attend throughout the Southeast are not official NRA deals, and the match directors tend to be very cool about this kind of thing. I think even most of the match directors at official NRA events would let you shoot, but you may not be eligible for awards or have your scores sent in to NRA for official purposes (classification, etc.)

In any event, welcome to a great sport with lots of great people. I'd jump in and start participating and having fun, even if your scores might not be "official" at some events. You may also find that at some ranges, the construction of the firing line is not level so the ground often falls away between the rifle stock and the shooter's hips. This may provide enough compensation for your situation that you find artificial support unnecessary. These are much more comfortable for me and easier on my back than flat, level ground.

I also find it easier for me to keep the rifle as low as possible to the ground, which can be tricky with some of the front rests with super adjustability. I prefer a Harris bipod as low as I can set it with a relatively low rear bag also. For me, low is the key to comfort, and comfort is the key to shooting well. Straining and hurting on the firing line is no way to do your best.

 

[lloydx2]

As long as your not winning you will be fine. If you shoot well. Get ready

 

[Berger.Fan222]

As long as your not winning you will be fine. If you shoot well. Get ready

This is a good point. Sometimes, folks will let lots of subtle details slide until you start looking like you might win. Setting a foam pad down on your shooting mat before you get into position may well be a detail that is largely unnoticed and ignored until you shoot well.

A buddy and I regularly attended a match we liked. After resolving some technical details and improving in skill, we were suddenly informed of several (previously unspoken) new interpretations of the rules that we were purportedly violating. Shooting 197/200 on the first match of the day will attract that kind of attention to things. At least they published their new interpretation of the rules in later match programs for clarification. It was a simple matter to comply with once we were prepared for the interpretation, but we were disqualified that day.

 

[SG4247]

I appreciate the thread very much.

As a f-open HM with a trashed out lower back, I think I really need some chest support going forward - or I am done.

Im going to use one this year, and see what happens. If i get flack from it, then so be it.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

In the worst case, someone can invent a device that looks like fake boobs that performs the provides the necessary support. If anyone complains, odds are it is protected under the confused gender laws.

 

[Cochran]

I've always shot with a rolled up sweatshirt under my chest. Once at the Nationals an NRA referee commented on it. I told him I'd happily stop using it. He said it was not a problem.
At the last F-class World Championships I preemptively asked an ICFRA ref if it was ok and he also said it was not a problem.

 

[Ned Ludd]

I understand that rules are necessary. However, anyone that needs such a device/aid likely already has enough to worry about simply competing, without having to also be concerned about a DQ. Given the underlying issue that makes it necessary, I'd be in favor of allowing its use.

 

[fa38]

I liked the answer by rardoin the best so far as it meant that I did not have do much to get ready for next summer. Sometimes the hard road is best.

I have been getting down behind a Rem 700 in the stock I will be using for F class with a front rest and rear bag. The first couple of times it was shear agony but after only a couple of days it seems that my back muscles are stretching out and the pain is much less. My elbows are giving me the most trouble (pain).

Heck in a couple of months it will be like I was 18 again.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I appreciate the thread very much.

As a f-open HM with a trashed out lower back, I think I have really need some chest support going forward - or I am done.

Im going to use one this year, and see what happens. If i get flack from it, then so be it.

Go to the NRA For a waiver. You can use one legally *if* you do the paperwork.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I have rehabbed my injured lower back. It takes time, lots of it.

I had to take a season off to get my back fixed. It wasn't cheap, but the money I saved in barrels and components helped some. I have to say, the most helpful medical professionals I worked with were in physical therapy.

I celebrate my recovery every morning by sitting straight up in bed instead of rolling out. To this day, I continue to do my abdominal and back exercises daily to prevent another injury.

I'd suggest that anyone that shoots prone consider preventing future back injury through strengthening.

 

[rardoin]

I have been getting down behind a Rem 700 in the stock I will be using for F class with a front rest and rear bag. The first couple of times it was shear agony but after only a couple of days it seems that my back muscles are stretching out and the pain is much less. My elbows are giving me the most trouble (pain).

The first 4 or 5 matches were agony for me. Your post made me realize that at the last few matches , getting behind the rifle and in position was not a struggle at all and I have been quite comfortable and just came to that realization. I have been using a wedge but I guess I need to lose the training wheels for the next match.