Practice Shooting From The Other Eye As Well As The Other Hand
BY PGF
1 year, 5 months ago
In a recent article, one of our writers addressed the use of the eyes in regards to shooting with both eyes open and he advised we all should. An interested reader then inquired as to whether or not he should shoot off the weak shoulder with his strong eye or weak eyed or crossover. Having dealt with this on a regular basis, I thought to give some insight into what we find works and the why’s, as in why we care, why we should train to the task and why it might make a difference.
Although it sounds a bit edgy, have you ever been in a bar or the like and seen somebody sucker punched? As in our about-to-be-thumped dude was looking in one place and someone from another direction zaps him? The use of both eyes open helps eliminate the proverbial tactical sucker punch. Simply close one eye and see what part of the room or your environment you lose visual contact with.
The simple equation is two eyes open allows for more information to be gathered by the eyes — and remember this isn’t always for direct movement. The peripheral visual is one of the few places where true instincts are at play with guns, shooting and fighting as the peripheral vision picks up movement to which the shooter can shift his eyes directly to confirm potential threats and apply sighted fire according to need. Contrary to some beliefs, we can’t shoot instinctively, but we can in fact use instincts in the form of this “hunter’s eye” which catches or gathers movement if you will. You can then address it as needed.
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This is actually not a big deal, as many people are right handed and have a left master eye or vice versa. Probably the biggest eye problem could evolve around a new shooter who might be cross dominant and often sees two or more images. This is most common in handguns. In the use of a handgun, the new shooter may need to feather or shut down an eye until he acquires more skill or simply more exposure to shooting in general with the idea in mind he ultimately will shoot with both eyes open.
More at the link discussing both handguns and rifles.
On June 13, 2023 at 8:54 pm, Dan said:
Murphy never takes a day off. Be prepared for that reality.
On June 13, 2023 at 9:10 pm, Chris said:
Where’s Hershel?
Stick to the Blabs, until you don’t. Then you do…
CIII
On June 13, 2023 at 10:33 pm, Herschel Smith said:
@Chris,
What?
On June 14, 2023 at 5:11 am, Chris said:
Sorry Herschel,
That was for PGF.
Chris(CIII)
On June 14, 2023 at 2:29 pm, PGF said:
@Chris, I was busy last week. Thanks, it’s nice to be missed, even if you have a weird way of saying it.