Old guy-bad eyes-barrel length

[DT Guy]

So my eyesight has really taken a hit as I've entered my late 40's, and it was never too great to begin with.

I've always shot 5" 1911's in CDP in IDPA, and when I started shooting SSP got a Glock 35 for its longer barrel. But lately I've been shooting a service model XD with a 4" barrel, and doing fairly well.

Still, I wonder if I'd be doing better with a 5" tactical model. So I'm wondering if anyone has any input on whether longer or shorter barrels have worked for you, particularly if your eyesight is at the declining point mine seems to be at.

Larry

 

[Waywatcher]

Why mess with what works?

I see a lot of the older fellows that are serious get a fiber optic front sight, patricularily with a wide rear notch. I wouldn't fret too much over the inch of barrel and sight radius.

But if you've got money and gumption it would be nice to have two XDs, a 4" and a 5" to choose from.

 

[Jim Watson]

Dedicated shooting glasses with the master eye lens ground to focus on the front sight are a great help. I am shooting in my street glasses now, my shooting glasses lost in The Incident, but I am shopping for replacements.

 

[twofifty]

see your optometrist

imo, an inch is as good as a mile when it comes to getting a clear sight picture with older eyes.

You could make an appointment with your optometrist and ask for his advice. With his permission, bring your HG.

 

[Shimitup]

I know it's not the best eye protection but I'm using reading glasses just strong enough to focus the front sight, the target remains fairly sharp.

 

[TOPO-sniper]

Shooting glasses with a "press on" lens centered on the upper edge of my dominant eye side allows me to shoot both eyes open still focused on the front sight. I tried it as an inexpensive trial before having percription glasses made, but it has worked so well I never took the expensive step.

Another option I thought of but have not tried, using a contact lens in the dominant eye to get the same results.