When you are at the bench at range and you are hunching over you are also compressing your diaphragm which is the organ or muscle that helps your lungs expand when inhaling and exhaling and when hunched over you may be compressing the diaphragm and when you're body needs to breathe evenly and deeply it can't so so may start to gasp for air,so,if you raise the level your firearm to where you are in a more upright position you may get some relief and using smokeless powder is a big help depending on type and style you are shooting from,hope this helps.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member. You may be right. I have a compressed lung on the right side and am right-handed. I know I can't shoot 10 rounds in the sitting position, (maybe on a good day 8.) before I have to roll out of the position. Hate the thought of having to give up high-powered long-distance shooting.

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

Just guessing but it sounds like you may be collapsing one of your lungs partly, I don't think I'd do that if I were you or use a smaller caliber rifle.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member Had to put down extra sandbags to raise up my elbows to shoot. You were right, it helps a lot. Feels a little awkward right now, but I know I can adjust to it. Groups are tighter. Make me happier.

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

Had not thought of that. Will give that a try on my next trip to the range. Hate to think of these rifles sitting around collecting rust, dust, and mold from not using them.