This one will play out in a predictable way. The old shooters will do it wrong, the new shooters will do it right, and the new shooters shoot better. The last discipline to change will be service rifle, because it's inherently a 2MOA discipline
Old shooters do it wrong???
Gary Anderson set the world record in 300 Meter ISU 3 position in about 1968. No "new" shooter or anyone else has beat his record.
Gary Anderson teaches today, he Jr small bore and the CMP Master Instructors course. He teaches as I mentioned.
The AMU, has younger shooters. They teach the same method. Notice the support hand, its open.
Again, (an old shooter), the support hand doesn't grip the rifle.
Service rifles are 1.5 to 2 MOA. They are SERVICE RIFLES and not precision rifles.
Precision rifle shooting is a bit different the service rifles in as much they shoot from bipods, or bags, (bags for and aft). A 2 MOA precision rifle wont cut it.
In precision rifle the rifle is rested on a support, the support hand is moved to the rear of the rifle, holding the rear bag or the stock.
Here are a series of precision rifle shooters, not mine so I'll just post the link.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...283&thid=JN.A757khb2Mni3cRc5B606wg&ajaxhist=0
I have been shooting competition for since '77, coaching and running sniper schools since shortly after that. In all that time, I've never seen a shooter (old or new) hold the rifle down as you mentioned.
The rifle is allowed to recoil, and if you have a correct position, after recoil it will fall back for the next shot giving you your perfect sight alignment for the next shot with out you having to move.
Visit a High Power, f-class, or precision match, you will not find any shooters holding the rifle down. (that's gravity's job). You may see it at a bench at a gun range where people are plinking, but not at a match.
With all do respect to Mr. Issac Newton, He didn't shoot.