How Stable Is Your Kneeling Position When Using A Roll?

by
posted on August 28, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
kneel_roll1.jpg

Above: Creedmoor Sports offers kneeling rolls in regular (left, $22) and deluxe versions ($27).

The most important feature of a kneeling roll is security―the roll should not move or lose its shape while in use. The best kneeling rolls are filled with wood shavings, straw, sawdust or rug and should not cause any unnecessary strain on the shooter.

The Kneeling Position
NRA Smallbore Rule 3.14.1 regulates the use of a kneeling roll. Rule 5.10 governs the kneeling position.


It is crucial to find a kneeling roll with the appropriate diameter in accordance to the shooter’s needs. While length of the roll will not affect a shooter’s position, a roll that is too thick will cause the shooter’s sight picture to be below the target, and a roll that is too thin will cause the sight picture to be above the target. Ideally, when a shooter is in position, he or she should be able to settle exactly into their point-of-aim without any major adjustments. Also, a roll that is not the correct diameter will keep the shooter from utilizing the shoe on the kneeling leg for proper stabilization.

When in the kneeling position, the weight distribution of the shooter should be evenly dispersed between the left foot, right knee, and the tip of the right foot, or instep, with the kneeling roll. If the weight is distributed evenly between these points the shooter should experience maximum stability. If there is added strain on the kneeling foot, then the diameter of the kneeling roll should be adjusted, or the shooter’s position should be reevaluated.

Latest

Sierramatchking Jun2026 4
Sierramatchking Jun2026 4

Sierra Expands Tipped MatchKing and MatchKing X Lines

Sierra Bullets releases three new rifle bullet offerings, including .25-cal. and 7 mm Tipped MatchKings and a .22-cal. MatchKing X hunting bullet.

New: Smith & Wesson Revolver Red Dot Direct Mounts

Smith & Wesson releases red-dot direct mounts for its K-, L-, N- and X-frame revolvers, fitting Aimpoint ACRO, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and Trijicon RMR footprints at $70.

New: Federal Suppressor Case

Federal Ammunition is now shipping a Suppressor Case with a heat-resistant lining and side-pinch pockets, sized for suppressors up to 10 inches at $39.99.

Peiser Reaches First Senior World Cup Final in Munich

Braden Peiser qualified for his first senior World Cup final and finished sixth in Men’s 50m Rifle 3-Position at the 2026 ISSF World Cup Munich.

The Mystery of the Palma Trophy

From the archives: The original Palma Trophy vanished from a Washington, D.C., corridor after 1930. NRA’s Ed Andrus traced the lost masterpiece through decades of correspondence.

Harmon and Fitzpatrick Win Team Division at 2026 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge

Kahl Harmon and Mitch Fitzpatrick win Team division at 2026 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge, outscoring more than 40 teams in Glenrock, Wyoming.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.