Question about aiming...

[Dees]

I've never really had anyone teach me the correct way to aim. I've always been unsure about the correct way to line up the sights on target. It seems that every gun I've fired is different. Which on of these pictures represents the proper method? I'm guessing #1 is correct...

#1

#2

 

[tc300mag1]

#1 is supposed to be the correct way but i shoot #2 other wise i shoot way low with everygun

All depend on how you hold the gun and you line your sights. My uncle holds the same gun differently than me and shoot #1 dead on and #2 is way high for him

 

[pax]

Both are correct, depending on how the gun is sighted in, and upon the purpose you have for shooting.

#1 is called "target sighting," and is the norm for target shooting.

#2 is called "combat sighting," and is the norm for self-defense training.

pax

 

[Mulliga]

pax nailed it.

I've heard the old "pumpkin on the post" technique, which would be #1.

I shoot #2. I believe this is what the U.S. military teaches, too.

 

[Valkman]

I shoot #1, always have and I guess I always will.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Actually, target shooters use both those sight pictures, as well as a third, known as the "sub-six o'clock hold," in which the bullseye floats slightly above the front sight. I've tried it without a shred of success several times; some very good shooters, however, swear by the method.

When you get to be my age, you simply switch to red dot sights and put the dot in the exact center of the fuzzy bullseye and hope for the best.

 

[psyopspec]

Mulliga

Roger that, though they never really taught us a term for it (combat sighting, which sounds appropriate to me), placing the front sight COM is the norm for the army. There are variables on target distance, however-on the m-16 range I recall being taught to "seat" the target atop the front sight post. It's a technique that's always worked for me. In IDPA I generally apply the same concepts, aiming #2 at shorter distances and #1 at longer self defense ranges.

Edit: For clarification.

 

[MaceWindu]

Both are correct, depending on how the gun is sighted in, and upon the purpose you have for shooting.

#1 is called "target sighting," and is the norm for target shooting.

#2 is called "combat sighting," and is the norm for self-defense training.

paxb

This is what I was taught, many years ago....

MaceWindu

 

[sendec]

For fighting I discourage any methos which requires an estimation of distance, which most people dont do well under the best of conditions, let alone a gunfight.

By using the method in the second graphic (which are really nice, btw) no matter what the distance the round will either be slightly above, at or below COM.

 

[KMKeller]

My PPC competition guns are sighted in for number 2, or point of aim. It always seems to work better for me.

 

[Third_Rail]

I personally started out using #1, due to how the NRA handbooks pictured sighting in.

When I realized that getting the post at the same spot every single time was no fun, I sighted in for #2 and I can now actually reliably hit things!

 

[Bwana John]

I like the 6 o'clock hold (#1)for shooting Service Rifle, but my pistols are sighted in somplace between the two. I like to be able to see what Im trying to hit, #2 tends to cover up the target. I guess I always use #1, but change the angle that the bullseye subtends, depending on the type of weapon and target. For target shooting at bullseyes, I also like the front post to subtend the same angle as the bullseye (front post and bullseye appear the same width in the sight picture)

 

[Gunpacker]

Sight picture

#1 is for target shooting where you have a repeatable size bullseye everytime. Then when you have POI actually above the sights, it can be set to hit in the center. HOWEVER if you are sighted to center for a 2 in dia bullseye, and you put up a 4 in bullseye, you will shoot below center with the same sight picture. With 2" you would be set to shoot 1" above the sights to the center. On a 4" target that would put you 1" below center. Where would you expect to put the sights, for instance, if you wanted to shoot a marble. You would have to make a WAG.

#2 is the best for most things, since you will hit POI exactly at the center of the front sight, and target size or shape does not matter. I shoot everthing except bullseye target pistols this way.

 

[taliv]

i've usually heard these two referred to as "hold under" and "hold center" respectively.

gunpacker's point is important. if you sight a rifle in on a bullseye using the hold under picture, then go shooting at varmints, your POA becomes guesswork.