Sights for aging eyes

[jpr9954]

I am at the time of my life where I must wear reading glasses to see up close. I am lucky enough to have virtually 20/20 distance vision.

I have tried fiber optic sights, I have used the XS 24/7 Big Dots, I have use the 3-dot sigths, and I have used just plain black sights.

At the NRA Annual Meeting I had the opportunity to check out the S&W Model 625 with a gold bead partridge sight. I was blown away that I could see it so well. It was easier for me to focus on than any of the others.

That leads to the questions - why? Why was I able to see that better and focus in on it than with either the XS Sights or the green fiber optic sights. It has puzzled me since then and I was wondering if anyone has an answer to that question.

Thanks

John

[Fatman]

Hmm. Patridge sights seem to act like miniature 'gazing balls' and you actually see a bright reflection dot of whatever light is available.  IIR, someone told me they also make you shoot away from the light source as the bright spot is a false aim point.

FWIW.

Also, try shooting with your reading glasses on, focus on the front sight and see how you shoot. Police firearm instructor mentioned this at a training course. Can't say how it works, I never tried it.  If you try it, please let us know how it worked out.

[Sghiandhu]

Hi,

Your optometrist can tell you what diopter of optical correction you need if you tell the focal length.

*Assume your usual shooting stance for practice.

*Measure the distance from your eye or spectacle lens to your front sight.

*Ask what diopter correction to use.

*Option A: You can have special shooting glasses made (polycarbonate for impact protection) perhaps, even putting the "shooting correction" above your distance correction, so that when you tilt your head to aim or make cheek weld, you are looking through the needed field.

*Option B: Buy simple reading glassses at the drugstore in the desired strength, add safety goggles over (hardware store) for eye protection. This is fine for informal or range practice. Option A may be better for active duty/activity or hunting and can provide other near and far correction if needed unpredictably.

*Your optometrist will not be upset by this question.

*You may find a single correction, or bi-focal for reading, like this suitable for long use at the computer monitor.

[jpr9954]

Hmm. Patridge sights seem to act like miniature 'gazing balls' and you actually see a bright reflection dot of whatever light is available.  IIR, someone told me they also make you shoot away from the light source as the bright spot is a false aim point.

FWIW.

Also, try shooting with your reading glasses on, focus on the front sight and see how you shoot. Police firearm instructor mentioned this at a training course. Can't say how it works, I never tried it.  If you try it, please let us know how it worked out.

Thanks for the info on the partridge sights.

I have tried shooting with reading glasses and it does help a lot. The only problem is that if I'm in a defensive situation I'm not going to have the reading glasses on my nose. The reading glasses allow you to see the front sight fairly clearly while the target is a bit blurry. This is probably about the same as shooting without glasses for a younger person - sight sharp, target slightly out of focus.

[ericire12]

Get ya a red dot

[Sponsor]

[warhawke]

Note the red-dot sight (don't worry about it being on the FNP-45) Gabe Suarez over at warrior talk has basically converted to using Trijicon RMR red-dot on his Glock's and recommends everybody go to them or something similar for pistols. I myself prefer the dual tritium/fiber-optic unit as I fear batteries in things on which I bet my life. I would like to have my EZ40 converted to this but just don't have that kind of coin.

[billt]

I just wonder how long that C-More sight would hold up sitting on top of that slide? Especially if it's being fed a steady diet of +P Defensive Loads.   Bill T.

[tombogan03884]

That's one of the questions Gabe is looking to answer.

[billt]

Also, milling away all that material to establish that pad on the top of the slide isn't going to help in the strength department.   Bill T.

[tombogan03884]

Not sure that matters in that area, look how much material they take out of a Beretta slide .
But I'm not an engineer, myself, I'm going to wait and see.
But I will be watching his progress.