I am a novice lefthanded handgun shooter. While shooting from the isosoles stance, I noticed I was viewing the sights and target through my right eye. After thinking about it I wasn't surprised, because I am left handed, but right eye dominant. So I tried shooting using my left eye to view the sights and target- results were about the same. So my question is this: does it matter which eye you use to view the sights and target? Since I am a relative beginner, I would like to make good shooting habits.
Eye dominance and correct shooting form
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u084708
Member
If you're a novice shooter, you might want to try shooting right handed, if you're right eye dominant. You'll want to use your dominant eye to view the target and you can do so by tilting your head and shootin left-handed, but if you're just learning, the right hand might go easier. I have the same problem in reverse, and I'm learning to shoot left-handed. Viewing the target is much easier, and I don't have to crank my neck to do so. Good shooting.
Zach S
Member
I angle my pistol towrds the left (right handed, left eyed). Brass is a problem on occasion, but for the most part is a non-issue.
If you're shooting a pistol, I don't see any problem shooting cross eyed. Instead of Isoceles, try a Weaver stance and rest your cheek against your strong-side shoulder/bicep. Cross-eyed shooting does become a big problem with a rifle; shoot from the side with the dominant eye.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I've known two people who were right-handed, but left-eyed.
One shot right-handed and left-eyed without noticing anything unusual until he'd been shooting several years, by which time, he was a member of the pistol team I was on, and one of our better shooters.
The other was a natural left-hander whose mother had "fixed" her as a small child. Since she wasn't making any progress shooting right-handed, I encouraged her to try her other hand. She found it odd to empty and reload her revolver that way, but hung onto the gun more securely, and found it easier to shoot more accurately.
My two bits' worth: try this, that, and six other approaches, and go with the one that feels most natural.
One shot right-handed and left-eyed without noticing anything unusual until he'd been shooting several years, by which time, he was a member of the pistol team I was on, and one of our better shooters.
The other was a natural left-hander whose mother had "fixed" her as a small child. Since she wasn't making any progress shooting right-handed, I encouraged her to try her other hand. She found it odd to empty and reload her revolver that way, but hung onto the gun more securely, and found it easier to shoot more accurately.
My two bits' worth: try this, that, and six other approaches, and go with the one that feels most natural.
stans
Member
I am right handed and left eye dominant. I find that I can use a Weaver stance and use my right eye quite well, which is good since my right eye has better visual accuity.
New_comer
Member
I have just realized the advantage of cross sighting: As I'm a righty, I simply rest my head towards my right shoulder and sight immediately thru my dominant left eye.
I'm able to aim very fast that way, compared to sighting R on R. I just make sure both eyes are open, so I don't lose perspective.
Use what works for you
I'm able to aim very fast that way, compared to sighting R on R. I just make sure both eyes are open, so I don't lose perspective.
Use what works for you
Fed168
Member
Try using the natural cant of the hand and adjust the hold to your dominant eye. Move the gun to your eyes, the sights should come up pretty easily and you should be set.
My wife is right handed, left eye dominant. She uses an Isoceles stance for handguns and has no problems. With shotguns and rifles, she used to shoot left handed until she took a shotgunning course put on by the game and fish department, which recommended that she shoot right handed. Since then, she has shot shotguns and rifles right handed, using her right eye, and she says it works fine. In fact, in her last few range sessions, she has been shooting her scoped rifle with both eyes open and uses her right eye. She is a consistent sub moa rifle shooter. I know it sounds weird, but it works for her.
Jim March
Member
There's an extensive thread on this here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31739
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31739
tbeb
Member
I am right handed. My left eye is dominant. I have used the isosoles stance for 30 years. I tried to shoot with both eyes open but it didn't work for me.
I'm left-handed and right-eyed (and I also see better with my right eye.) I just made the decision to shoot with my right hand and then stuck with it. I'm by no means a crack shot, but I shoot almost as well as my friends (who have alot more experience.)
Now, when we shoot weak-hand I have a big advantage!
A tactical benefit is that backup weapons (knife, asp, OC, gun, whatever)carried "weak-side" are easier for me to access and use. Compared to a right- handed person trying the same thing.
Len
Now, when we shoot weak-hand I have a big advantage!
A tactical benefit is that backup weapons (knife, asp, OC, gun, whatever)carried "weak-side" are easier for me to access and use. Compared to a right- handed person trying the same thing.
Len
Stevie-Ray
Member
I'm right handed and left eye dominant also. Sometimes I can keep both eyes open, but rarely. Usually I just close my right eye and do quite well. Comes naturally now.
bountyhunter
member
Use which ever eye is most comfortable to you and gives you the best results. Strength of dominance varies by individual. Some (like me) are so heavily dominant to one eye that I actually get queasy and my eye twitches if I try to sight from the non-dom eye. Others are able to sight with eiether eye no problem.
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