jimmyraythomason
Member
A scenario that the vast majority of us will never experience.
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One Eye or Two Eyes
- Thread starter WildAtHeart
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coolcloo1019
Member
I've always shot 1 eye opened. My grandfather taught me to shoot that way starting when I was 5 and I've just grown accustomed to it after all the years. Never even tried 2 eyes open.
alfack
Member
Both eyes closed, always. Use the force, grasshopper.
I shoot bead-sighted shotguns with two eyes open; same with most handguns and rifles, though I will often squint just a bit with one eye. Sometimes, with certain sights, or certain light conditions, I must either severely squint or totally close one eye.
Plenty of folks have astigmatism or other factors making it difficult for them to focus clearly with two eyes on something close-up, and they are best served by shutting one eye at the moment of taking a shot. Obviously, if the situation is a gunfight, such folks should re-open that eye as soon as possible, to enable better scanning for danger.
Plenty of folks have astigmatism or other factors making it difficult for them to focus clearly with two eyes on something close-up, and they are best served by shutting one eye at the moment of taking a shot. Obviously, if the situation is a gunfight, such folks should re-open that eye as soon as possible, to enable better scanning for danger.
Oscar 14
Member
Been shooting with one eye closed for 55years. That's how my Dad taught me. Never saw a better shot than my Dad. I have harvested an awful lot of game over the years, running, jumping, flying and standing still. Miss some? You bet. Would I have connected more often with both eyes open? Don't know. If I'm ever in a gunfight and live, I'll let you if if one eye closed was a hindrance.
rainbowbob
Member
Of course not (God willing) - but the possibility of such an occurrence is why I carry a firearm everywhere I go, and it is what I train myself for.
Think about it...if you carry a firearm as a self-defense tool, you are more likely to prevail in such a scenario (however unlikely it is to occur) if you have trained to use every advantage. Increasing your perspective and peripheral vision are such advantages.
nitetrane98
Member
I've got a little situation that precludes using a 2 eyed method. I have nearsighted astigmatism and wear bi focal contacts. I have to use a compromise in my prescription. My right eye is dialed in for long sight and my left eye for near sight. The brain does the averaging unconsciously and works very well for me.
The problem with shooting with both eyes open is similar to an auto focus camera. Using a peep sight is completely out of the question.
The problem with shooting with both eyes open is similar to an auto focus camera. Using a peep sight is completely out of the question.
model of 1905
member
Every kind of gun? Every kind of optics? God, sometimes I wonder why I still frequent this site.
rogerjames
member
Wildatheart,
I am sorry if this was already answered, but I couldn't bring myself to read 3 pages of " both eyes", etc etc.
Both eyes open is a good habit with a handgun because this is usually a close SD situation where it is important to see your immediate surroundings. Since I am opposite hand/eye dominant, a closed eye for rifle aiming doesn't bother me
I am sorry if this was already answered, but I couldn't bring myself to read 3 pages of " both eyes", etc etc.
Both eyes open is a good habit with a handgun because this is usually a close SD situation where it is important to see your immediate surroundings. Since I am opposite hand/eye dominant, a closed eye for rifle aiming doesn't bother me
Rosstradamus
Member
Anyone watch the biathlon today? I didn't see any competitor who didn't have a large flap extending from the rear of the sight over to the left to block that eye's view. OK, maybe they were using both eyes and that thing allowed them to avoid scrunching up the face uncomfortably. But what about all this talk of two eyes for stereoscopic vision? I saw more than one competitor who also had a flap extending to the right and wrapping partly around the head. Again, where's the peripheral vision you guys are saying is likewise essential? Seems to me those guys shoot really well despite (because of?) what you call incorrect practices. Maybe they know what they're doing and you don't. Where's your gold medal?
jimmyraythomason
Member
Which is exactly why we had fallout shelters in the '50s and '60s. We never used them either(but the likelyhood was great). It's just my opinion and not to disparage anyone who chooses to train for "all" possibilities and "every" scenario but that seems a little over the top to me. To each his own. I use and am comfortable using one eye aiming and I see no need to change at this point.
Jonah71
Member
I was taught at a very young age to shoot with one eye closed. When I lost the sight in my one "open" eye my accuracy took a huge hit. No surprise there. Now in my late 50's and still shoot handguns but last week I asked a friend to loan me his lever action rifle that ejects to the left. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet, but I'm much more nervous about virtually learning to shoot all over again than I was at 7 yrs. of age. What a learning experiance this will be. But it will get me away from this #*%@ PC!! lol
gordy
Member
One eye or two eyes?
it matters not, use the force and you will find your target.
it matters not, use the force and you will find your target.
rainbowbob
Member
Jimmy: If I understand you correctly, you are saying that you don't feel the need to carry or train to use a firearm for self-defense because it is unlikely you will ever need it. That is, of course, a personal choice, and, as you said, to each his own.
However, I am under the impression most folks here DO carry and train for the purpose of self-defense. For those that do, learning to shoot accurately with both eyes open could be a valuable skill.
jimmyraythomason
Member
I don't disagree with training and I certainly do agree with being prepared however I think a lot of people take preparedness to excess. I think there are too many (real and imaginary) scenarios to try to prepare for all of them. If you live on an earthquake fault,a bug out bag makes sense,other places not so much. What I am saying is use what works for you and let others use what works for them and neither tell the other that their way is wrong.
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