Seeing things differently....

[Theinnocentcivilian]

I'm not sure if its the latest trend, or if its been around a while, but I keep reading / watching more about the technique of rifle shooting with both eyes open. I've been adopting some of the newer grip / stance techniques that are out there, but I'm curious to hear from some shooters using this technique... Is this just the latest "tacticool" thing to do, or is it offering some real advantages to your shooting?

[Zane1844]

I though it was with RDS mostly. Using a red dot with both eyes open is normal, I do not see why you would close one eye.

With magnified optics, I have no idea what people do, I do not have any yet.

Irons, you close one eye, or at least I do.

So what are you referring to specifically?

Also shooting with both eyes open with my Aimpoint, I can focus on my target instead of the dot, unlike you would focus on your front sight. It is quicker and is suppose to be easier under pressure, like shooting at someone, or I think for 3 gun people do it too.

[lunchbox]

A quick use of search button will yield positive results, says Confucius.

[MistWolf]

Shooting with both eyes open using any type of sight- irons, rds or optic- is nothing new or radical. It is simply how things are done and has been for generations. Shooting with both eyes open reduces eye fatigue, improves peripheral vision and for myself, gets the shooter on target faster. Some shooters struggle with the concept for a variety of reasons, mental and/or physical. Some just fall into using it naturally. For some, it just takes a little practice

[Clint]

Yes,
Closing one eye is a crutch.

Keeping both eyes open and your head up.

Bring the rifle sights up to your line of sight vs dropping your head to align with the rifle sights.

Just practice both eyes open until it is second nature.

[Zane1844]

Shooting with both eyes open using any type of sight- irons, rds or optic- is nothing new or radical. It is simply how things are done and has been for generations. Shooting with both eyes open reduces eye fatigue, improves peripheral vision and for myself, gets the shooter on target faster. Some shooters struggle with the concept for a variety of reasons, mental and/or physical. Some just fall into using it naturally. For some, it just takes a little practice

How is shooting with both eyes open with irons done? I have tried and found it impossible for me.

[Quinn]

Try putting a piece of scotch tape over your eye pro- the non dominant side.

[Arctic1]

You cannot shoot both eyes open with rifle iron sights when shooting at longer ranges, due to having to line up the front sight post with the rear aperture/dipoter in order to achieve POA/POI or acceptable accuracy. At least I find it easier to do this with one eye closed

For close range you can get away with it if you train for it, some do it by using the front sight post only as a reference point or if your rear sight has a V notch, like the HK drum rear sight. That was my preferred method for shooting at close range With my G3 before being issued an Aimpoint for it.

For pistols, you shoot with both eyes open, focusing on the front sight primarily, with some advocating varying sight focus/target focus based on range; hard front sight focus at longer ranges, soft front sight focus at short range - focusing more on target.

With a red dot, the dot will by design be superimposed over the target, making for more rapid target acquisition by not needing to line anything else up with the dot. This is very easy to do with both eyes open.

Some also shoot magnified optics with both eyes open. I cannot do it, but it works for some.

[5cary]

How is shooting with both eyes open with irons done? I have tried and found it impossible for me.

In the mid 80's it was taught as part of "instinctive shooting". Both eyes open, referencing the front sight - eye level with the rear sight. This is also where we were taught the "trendy" forward grip (thumb pointed toward the tgt). It's been around for as long as I've been shooting.

I'd be willing to bet that most people in an engagement in close proximity would default to this without thinking anyway.

[Zane1844]

I'd be willing to bet that most people in an engagement in close proximity would default to this without thinking anyway.

I thought that is was the reasoning behind using RDS for CQB. It is said that its impossible for a human, under the stress of being shot it, to focus on the front sight as you would normally.

That is why the RDS have been used in the military. You will naturally focus on the target that is threatening you while you engage it, and then the red dot will just be there.