Handgun sight use: Cover the target, or have it sit on the front sight?

[Marko Kloos]

I've noticed a definite increase in accuracy and speed since I've recently changed my sighting method.

Until now, I used the sight picture I learned in the military: let the target sit on the front sight post. Lately, I seem to do better with the sight picture where you line up the sights and put the front sight onto the spot where you want the bullet to go. This works great with three-dot sights, but it's also very workable with a red-ramped or black front sight.

I found that I can shoot faster and have somewhat tighter groups by having a defined point of impact that doesn't need to be visualized, much like an "iron red dot". The omitted step of "abstract" visualization does seem to work better for me.

Thoughts?

 

[antsi]

The "cover" method is faster for me, but the 6 o'clock hold is more accurate (again, for me) -- so how I sight in my gun depends on what I intend using it for. Naturally, the sights have to be adjusted based on one sight picture or the other.

 

[Al Thompson]

It's kind of a broad generalization - depends on what I'm shooting at. I like having the bullet impact an inch or two higher than the top of my front sight.

If I'n shooting at a paper plate (favorite target) I want to have to put the front sight in the plate to hit it, not a six o'clock hold, but a COM hold.

My thought is that if I have to make a precise shot, I can hold precisly. That way I can shoot squirrels or deer with my handgun without having to think about my sight picture.

 

[LeadPumper]

Seeing the sights...

I have, through trial and error, found what works best for me. And that will depend on the purpose of the firearm.

My 'target' firearms tend to have a 6'oclock hold on them so I can see the target I'm shooting no matter the distance.

My 'combat' firearms tend to cover the target with the front sight. Faster and just as accurate at close range, not as accurate at longer range as the target is hidden behind the sight itself.

Your mileage and sight picture may vary.

-LeadPumper

 

[rick_reno]

handgun sight use

The Army Markmanship unit training manual recommends the "pumpkin on a fence post" method. Since your eye can't focus on the sights and the target - and you should be looking at the sight alligenment - I've found that hold to work for me. When I've played around with a center hold my concentration shifts from sights to target.
You can find a copy of the AMU training manual here http://www.bullseyepistol.com/ it's the first item under "Perfecting Technique".

 

[Navy joe]

Both. I prefer my pistols to shoot three inches high at 25 yds so that I get centered hits on a bullseye with a six o'clock hold. These same pistols lately sport a front post that is combo tritium/fiber. So, when shooting fast and close it becomes a covered sight picture even though my primary focus is the target and I fire when I see the bright red dot of the front sight. Works for me.

 

[El Tejon]

[El Tejon sings] "Lollipop, lollipop, la-la lollipop--lollipop [popping noise]."

Act now and you'll receive at the low, low price of $19.95, El Tejon sings the best of Deep Purple.

 

[BerettaNut92]

Act now and you'll receive at the low, low price of $19.95, El Tejon sings the best of Deep Purple.

I can play some mean Credence on my banjo. Doo doo doo lookin' out my back door with my Benelli M1 Super 90 and Surefire weaponlight....

Umm...My Beretta is set up so the front sight intersects the bullseye. I can make precise shots if I need to--around no-shoot targets, cardboard sociopaths and steel at 17-50 yards.

When I'm hosing at IPSC targets at 7 yards or less I found that driving the dots seems faster and just as 'accurate'.

 

[curt]

I tend towards the center hold since AFAIK the 6oclock hold requires a known bullseye diameter. I guess if i was a match shooter always shooting at the same kind of target i'd use a center hold.