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

Peiser 600 0Ct2026 1
Peiser 600 0Ct2026 1

Kentucky’s Braden Peiser Goes Perfect, and the NCAA Rifle Streak Rolls On

Kentucky’s Braden Peiser fired a perfect 600-53X in air rifle against Murray State, the sixth 600 of the young NCAA season.

Hillsdale College Freshman Orientation Moves to the Range

Hillsdale College swapped its freshman campus tour for a Halter Center visit built around safety instruction, live fire and team building.

How One Postal Match Bridged U.S. and Australian Smallbore Competition

SSAA’s postal match sparked the Hands Across the Sea match during the 2026 NRA Smallbore Nationals, and a U.S. team will compete in Australia in 2027.

Rusty Newton Goes 5-for-5 at 3,119 Yards to Win King of 2 Miles

Rusty Newton went 5-for-5 at 3,119 yards to win the 2026 King of 2 Miles Global Finals at the NRA Whittington Center.

Jessie Harrison Closes Season on Top at U.S. IPSC Nationals

Team Taurus Captain Jessie Harrison topped the Ladies Open leaderboard at the 2026 U.S. IPSC Nationals.

Mein Doubles Up at 2026 NSCA South Central Regional

Team Federal’s Derrick Mein won FITASC and Five-Stand at Providence Hill, dropping just one target in Five-Stand along the way.

Interests



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