Which shooting position is considered the steadiest for a rifle?

The prone shooting position is considered the steadiest for a rifle due to the way the body is supported. When in the prone position, the shooter's body is lying flat on the ground, which lowers the center of gravity and increases stability. This position allows for greater contact with the ground through various points—arms, shoulders, and legs—helping to create a stable platform for aiming and firing. Additionally, having the rifle supported against the ground or using a bipod can further enhance steadiness, making it easier to focus on the target and control the shot.

In contrast, while positions such as sitting, standing, and kneeling offer varying levels of mobility, they do not provide the same level of stability as the prone position. The sitting position can be relatively steady as well, but it does not offer the same low profile or ground support as prone. Standing is the least stable due to the lack of support, making it more challenging to keep the rifle steady while aiming. Kneeling offers a compromise between stability and mobility but still can't match the steadiness provided by the prone position.