The question of whether to close one eye when shooting a gun is a common one, especially for beginners. The short answer is: no, you should not close one eye when shooting. Closing one eye significantly hinders your ability to accurately aim and shoot safely. This guide will explain why and detail the correct technique for proper sight alignment.
Understanding Sight Alignment: Why Two Eyes Are Better Than One
When shooting a firearm, proper sight alignment is crucial for accuracy. This involves aligning the front sight, the rear sight, and the target in a straight line. Closing one eye eliminates your depth perception, making it incredibly difficult to achieve this alignment. Your brain uses information from both eyes to judge distance and precisely position the firearm.
Here's why using both eyes is superior:
- Depth Perception: Binocular vision (using both eyes) provides crucial depth perception, allowing you to accurately judge the distance to your target. This is especially important for longer-range shooting. With one eye closed, you lose this vital element, leading to inaccurate shots.
- Wider Field of Vision: Keeping both eyes open gives you a broader field of view. This helps you maintain situational awareness, a crucial aspect of safe gun handling. You can better observe your surroundings and identify potential hazards.
- Improved Focus: While it might seem counterintuitive, keeping both eyes open can actually improve your focus on the front sight. Your brain naturally prioritizes the information needed for the task at hand (aiming), while simultaneously processing information from the other eye for situational awareness.
The "Dominant Eye" Myth and its Irrelevance to Shooting
Many believe that you should close your non-dominant eye when shooting. This misconception stems from the idea of aligning your sight picture with your dominant eye. While understanding your dominant eye is important for other activities, it's largely irrelevant in the context of shooting. Modern shooting techniques emphasize using both eyes open to leverage the benefits of binocular vision.
Mastering the Technique: Shooting with Both Eyes Open
Initially, some shooters experience difficulty or a blurry image when trying to shoot with both eyes open. This is often due to a lack of practice and focusing on the wrong elements.
Here's how to practice shooting with both eyes open:
- Focus on the Front Sight: Your primary focus should be on the front sight post. The rear sight and target should appear slightly blurry in your peripheral vision. This is perfectly normal.
- Relax Your Eyes: Avoid straining or forcing your eyes to focus. A relaxed gaze will significantly improve your accuracy.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering the technique. Start at shorter ranges and gradually increase the distance as your comfort and accuracy improve.
- Seek Professional Instruction: Consider taking a firearms safety course from a qualified instructor. They can provide personalized guidance and feedback to help you develop proper shooting techniques.
Safety First: Always Prioritize Safe Gun Handling Practices
Remember that safe gun handling practices are paramount. Always follow the four basic rules of firearm safety:
- Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
- Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
This guide provides general information. Always consult with a qualified firearms instructor before handling any firearm. Proper training and safe handling practices are crucial for safe and accurate shooting.
