How to Set up a Modern Precision Rifle - Long Range Shooting Instructor Andy Slade

Andy Slade, Marine firarms instructor and Professional Long-Range Shooting coach, teaches how to set up your precision rifle for long-range shooting.

Traditional length of pull was based off elbow length. This is good for bladed shooting styles (like shooting free hand.) Modern long-range shooting supports the rifle by being more squared up behind the path of recoil.
Set your length of pull short so you can get squared off behind the rifle easier.
Hold the buttpad up and into your collarbone, just under your shooting eye. Make sure you can run the bolt forward and back easily.
Ensure you have a good grip with a 90-degree trigger finger and your joints aren't to cramped.
Adjust your cheekpiece up until you can see right through the glass without having to lift your head.
Ensure the bipod is set up as far out as possible in the prone.

Even though you need to support the rifle, a properly set up rifle will be easier to control and support your body. In modern shooting, you should be squared off behind the rifle to absorb recoil and spot your round's impact. The rifle should then reset back near its original resting location after the shot.

It's also important to set your rifle up properly to minimize the chance you shift the point of aim as you pull the trigger. This usually happens when you're trying to conform your body to fit the rifle. One example is to have to hold up your head to get a good picture through the scope rather than resting on the cheek rise that has been set up to fit your body. Or trying to hold up the buttstock of the rifle rather than having it rest on a support bag.