hey man u can shoot off the shelf if u want... but those " fangs" ur talkin about are a rest...which if set up right can be quiter than the shelf.... and a lot more accurate... i agree with everyone that u should go find a pro shop and have them set u up...u might even have to fix the rest if the prongs move seprately... good lucky and practice WAY more than u think u need to... if u think ur good... shoot till ur better....etc. good luck