If you shoot a rifle from an elevated position do i aim high or low?

Answer 1

Quote: "You will have to aim higher than normal."

This is not correct, and is a common mistake.

When you range your target from an elevated position the distance that matters is the distance over which the bullet will be acted on by gravity. Or the distance away from you your target lies upon the X axis.

The easiest way to visualize this is with a general right triangle...

The three sides are as follows

a; b; and c.

a is the leg parallel to the deck or the x axis distance, b is 90 degrees to a or parallel to the y axis

c is the hypotenuse or longest line of the triangle, it is found by ranging the target using whatever means available, laser range finder, mil dots, or what have you.

c is the distance that you would normally adjust your sights or point of aim to account for if you were taking a shot from a position on the same plane as your target (a relatively level shot).

In the diagram for this explanation

-the shooter's position located at the point where lines b and c meet* this is angle A

-the target's position is located at the point where lines a and c meet*

*The locations are interchangeable if you are taking a shot at an elevated target (something above you) the locations would be switched in the diagram

The other thing you must have (assuming you don't know your height above target) is the angle of the shot.

this is found by using the equation:

SIN A=opposite/hypotenuse

For example:

you are 500m from your target (c)

your target is at a 23 degree downward angle (Angle A)

x=variable distance of opposite side or side a

SIN23=x/500

Solve for x

(500)SIN23=x

x=195.3656= length of side a

x=the distance over which the bullet is acted on by gravity and the true distance to the target, hence it is the number you will adjust your sights for.