The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: spentbrass on November 02, 2009, 03:52:28 PM

Title: Eyes open shooting
Post by: spentbrass on November 02, 2009, 03:52:28 PM
Recently I have begun trying to fire my Ruger semi auto with both eyes open.  I must be doing something wrong.  If I look at the sights I see two targets.  If I look at the target I see two sets of sights.  I'm sure someone here can solve my issue???
Thanks!
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 02, 2009, 03:58:32 PM
When was the last time you had your eyes checked ?  Do you wear glasses or suffer from Bi ocular vision ?
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: spentbrass on November 02, 2009, 04:04:48 PM
I do wear glasses, but the result is the same with or with out them.  Had my eyes checked not too long ago.  I'm nearsighted with a slight astigmatism.  Wonder if it could could have something to do with which eye is my "master eye"?
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: Hazcat on November 02, 2009, 04:11:21 PM
The 'trick' is not to 'focus' on either the target or the sights.  Your focus is in between.  

Try this...

Holding the gun pointed at the target focus on the sights, now SLOWLY shift your focus forward.  Sort of 'slide' your focus forward.  There will be a point at which you will see the rear sight, front sight and target all at the same time.

You can also focus on the target first and slide it back to the3 gun, whichever works for you.

Once you have found this place it just takes practice to be able to find it quickly and naturally.

I used to shoot his way but my eyesight (short arm syndrome ;) ) will not allow it any more.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: long762range on November 02, 2009, 05:30:56 PM
It sounds like both eyes are trying to be dominant when you shoot.  It is ok to close the weak hand eye.  It will allow your dominant eye to focus on the sights.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: Big Frank on November 02, 2009, 06:07:56 PM
It sounds like both eyes are trying to be dominant when you shoot.  It is ok to close the weak hand eye.  It will allow your dominant eye to focus on the sights.

I seem to have the same problem except I only see one target and it jumps back and forth as each eye tries to focus. I have to close my weak-hand eye everytime.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 02, 2009, 06:15:28 PM
 During rifle training in the Marines I was taught to focus on the front sight and center it on the blurry bulls eye.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: ericire12 on November 02, 2009, 07:30:56 PM
The 'trick' is not to 'focus' on either the target or the sights.  Your focus is in between. 

Try this...

Holding the gun pointed at the target focus on the sights, now SLOWLY shift your focus forward.  Sort of 'slide' your focus forward.  There will be a point at which you will see the rear sight, front sight and target all at the same time.

You can also focus on the target first and slide it back to the3 gun, whichever works for you.

Once you have found this place it just takes practice to be able to find it quickly and naturally.

I used to shoot his way but my eyesight (short arm syndrome ;) ) will not allow it any more.

Yep, try to look through the gun..... kinda like you are handing someone a glass of water at eye level.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: m25operator on November 02, 2009, 09:56:52 PM
It does sound like you have eyes fighting for dominance, Tape over you weak shouldered eye and try it again, don't tape your eye but your eye glasses. Then give us a report, I have a similiar problem with a shotgun, my left eye likes the sight picture better than looking over the shotgun, with my right eye, means I shoot way off in one direction, unless I put scotch tape on my left eye glasses. Then it works much better.

Report back to us.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: spentbrass on November 07, 2009, 12:05:32 PM
Tried the tape on my glasses on the weak hand (left) side.  Everything was clear and aligned right away.  Guess I'll just have to shoot with the left eye closed as I've been doing my whole life.

Thanks for the help and ideas on this, everyone.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: bushpilot267 on November 07, 2009, 07:26:54 PM
CRIMSON TRACE LASER will fix that problem.  Makes shooting a hoot.
Title: Re: Eyes open shooting
Post by: twyacht on November 07, 2009, 08:19:08 PM
Some have become creative in "eye" control:

(http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm182/twyacht/portrait.jpg)

Seriously, I am left handed, but shoot rifles right handed, left eye dominant, slight adjustment on rifle but pistol is both eyes open.

The brain needs to find the eye that works for you and stick with it, even with both eyes open.

During rifle training in the Marines I was taught to focus on the front sight and center it on the blurry bulls eye.

+1

Try to align front sight with target as more of a reflex action than a focused "look". Like pointing your finger at someone. You don't have to "aim" your finger to get on target.