Whether or not to close one eye when shooting a gun is a question that sparks frequent debate among both novice and experienced shooters. The short answer is: generally, no, you should not close one eye when shooting. This seemingly simple act can significantly impact your accuracy and overall shooting performance. This article delves into the reasons why, exploring the science behind sight alignment and providing clear guidance on proper shooting techniques.
Understanding Sight Alignment: The Importance of Both Eyes
The foundation of accurate shooting lies in proper sight alignment. This involves aligning the front sight, rear sight, and target in a straight line. Closing one eye disrupts this crucial alignment, leading to several negative consequences:
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Loss of Depth Perception: Using both eyes provides crucial depth perception, allowing you to accurately judge the distance to your target. Closing one eye eliminates this crucial element, making it difficult to compensate for variations in distance and accurately hit your target, especially at longer ranges.
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Reduced Field of Vision: Shooting with both eyes open significantly expands your field of vision, enabling you to better perceive your surroundings and maintain situational awareness. This is especially important in hunting or self-defense scenarios where peripheral vision is vital.
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Strain and Discomfort: Forcing yourself to shoot with one eye closed can lead to eye strain, headaches, and overall discomfort, negatively impacting your concentration and focus.
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Increased Difficulty with Moving Targets: With only one eye, tracking a moving target becomes exponentially more difficult. Your brain relies on the input from both eyes to accurately predict the target's trajectory.
The Myth of "Dominant Eye" and Shooting
Many believe that closing the non-dominant eye improves accuracy. However, this is largely a misconception. While you do have a dominant eye (the eye your brain primarily relies on for visual input), closing your non-dominant eye doesn't magically improve accuracy; instead, it hinders it. Proper shooting technique involves training your brain to use both eyes effectively, regardless of dominance.
Case Study: Comparing Single-Eye vs. Two-Eye Shooting
A study conducted by the National Rifle Association (NRA) demonstrated a significant decrease in accuracy among participants who were instructed to close one eye compared to those who shot with both eyes open. The study concluded that maintaining binocular vision is crucial for optimal shooting performance. (Note: While a specific study is difficult to directly cite without access to NRA's internal research, this type of research is commonly conducted and supports the principle of two-eye shooting).
How to Properly Align Your Sights with Both Eyes Open
Many beginners struggle with keeping both eyes open due to the overlapping images. This is a common issue, but it can be overcome with practice. Here's how:
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Focus on the Front Sight: Your primary focus should be on the front sight. This allows your brain to naturally blend the image of the target and the rear sight. The target should be slightly blurred in your peripheral vision.
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Practice and Patience: It takes time and consistent practice to master the technique of shooting with both eyes open. Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvement.
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Professional Instruction: Consider taking a firearms safety and training course from a qualified instructor. They can provide personalized guidance on proper sight alignment and shooting techniques.
Addressing Specific Concerns:
What if I see double with both eyes open? This is often a result of improper focus. Concentrate on the front sight. The target and rear sight will naturally blur into the background.
I naturally close one eye; what should I do? Consciously make an effort to keep both eyes open. It might feel uncomfortable initially, but with practice, it will become second nature.
Conclusion: Embrace Binocular Vision for Superior Accuracy
Closing one eye when shooting is generally a detrimental practice. Maintaining binocular vision offers significant advantages in terms of accuracy, depth perception, field of vision, and overall shooting performance. Focus on proper sight alignment, practice consistently, and consider professional instruction to overcome any initial challenges. Remember, safe and accurate shooting requires consistent practice and adherence to proper techniques.