The crack of the firearm, the adrenaline pumping, the focus narrowing – it’s a unique experience. And for many, a key component of that experience involves a seemingly simple action: closing one eye. But is this the right approach for everyone? Is it the most effective way to achieve accurate and consistent shots? Let’s dive into the world of shooting techniques and examine the practice of closing one eye when shooting a gun, exploring the benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives.
The Common Approach: Closing One Eye
For generations, shooters have been taught, and often instinctively default to, closing one eye while aiming. This practice is deeply ingrained in the shooting culture, and with good reason. When someone first picks up a gun, the natural inclination is to squint and narrow the view down to the sight and the target.
One of the primary drivers behind closing one eye is to help with aligning the sights with the target, especially when utilizing iron sights. This method aims to simplify the visual information coming into the brain, making it easier to focus on the sight picture and the target, effectively reducing visual clutter. The shooter essentially creates a focused tunnel of vision, minimizing distractions.
The dominant eye plays a pivotal role here. Just as we have a dominant hand, we also have a dominant eye. This is the eye that the brain relies on more for visual processing. When closing one eye, the shooter forces the non-dominant eye to effectively “shut down,” allowing the dominant eye to take full control of the aiming process. This can be especially important when learning the fundamentals of sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control.
Perceived Advantages of Closing One Eye
There are certainly perceived benefits to closing one eye when shooting a gun. Shooters often find it provides:
- Enhanced Focus: By eliminating one source of visual input, the shooter can concentrate more easily on the front sight, the target, and the sight picture, which is critical for accurate shooting.
- Reduced Visual Distraction: In the absence of the second eye, the shooter potentially eliminates the distracting elements within the peripheral vision. This, in theory, results in less sensory input and therefore better focus.
- Simplified Sight Alignment: Particularly for beginners, closing one eye can seem to make it easier to line up the front sight with the rear sight and the target. This is often the first technique taught in introductory shooting classes.
Potential Drawbacks: The Other Side of the Coin
While closing one eye might seem like the obvious solution, it comes with its own set of potential disadvantages that shooters should be aware of.
- Loss of Depth Perception: Perhaps the most significant drawback is the loss of depth perception. Our brains use the information from both eyes to determine how far away objects are. By closing one eye, the brain is robbed of this crucial information. This can make it more difficult to judge the distance to the target, especially at varying ranges, and to accurately assess the target’s movement in three-dimensional space. This lack of depth perception can be particularly detrimental in scenarios requiring rapid target acquisition or when shooting at moving targets.
- Eye Strain and Fatigue: Constantly squinting or closing one eye while shooting can lead to eye strain, particularly during extended shooting sessions. This fatigue can cause a shooter’s vision to become blurry, increasing the potential for poor accuracy and making the whole experience uncomfortable.
- Dominant Eye Issues: This method can be problematic for individuals with eye dominance that doesn’t align with the hand they shoot with. This is referred to as “cross-eye dominance” and may require more practice or alternative shooting techniques.
- Reduced Peripheral Vision: While closing one eye can remove distractions, it also significantly reduces a shooter’s peripheral vision. This means the shooter has a smaller field of view and is less aware of what is happening around the target. In real-world scenarios, particularly those involving self-defense, this reduced awareness can be a serious disadvantage, as it can make it harder to spot threats or other important situational elements.
Alternatives to the Traditional Method: Opening Both Eyes
Shooting with both eyes open might initially feel unnatural, but it is an alternative that has gained a lot of traction, especially in tactical shooting and in situations where speed and situational awareness are critical.
The Benefits of Both-Eyes-Open Shooting:
- Enhanced Depth Perception: Because both eyes are functioning, the brain can receive the full picture. This facilitates the accurate perception of distance and the ability to judge the movement of the target.
- Expanded Peripheral Vision: A shooter with both eyes open has a vastly wider field of view. This can increase situational awareness and help in the rapid detection of threats or targets.
- Reduced Eye Strain: With both eyes working in unison, strain on either eye is decreased.
- Faster Target Acquisition: For those who master the technique, shooting with both eyes open can lead to significantly faster target acquisition times, which is critical in self-defense scenarios.
Challenges and How to Address Them:
- Learning Curve: For those accustomed to closing one eye, the transition can require practice and conscious effort.
- “Ghosting” or Double Vision: The biggest hurdle is likely the phenomenon of “ghosting” or seeing the target twice. This occurs because the brain is still learning to fuse the images from both eyes.
To combat the phenomenon of seeing double, shooters can try these methods:
- Focus Practice: Focus the dominant eye on the front sight. The non-dominant eye will usually adjust to the sight picture after regular practice.
- Training tools: Some shooters use training tools, like aiming cards, to assist them in creating a mental barrier that removes some visual noise while practicing this technique.
- Slight Head Tilt: Often, a slight head tilt can help with alignment and minimize ghosting.
Other Shooting Methods to Consider
Besides closing one eye or using both eyes open, there are a few other things to consider:
- Use of Occluders: A shooter may use a small occluder on their shooting glasses over their non-dominant eye. This aids in allowing the shooter to maintain situational awareness and depth perception while having the necessary sight picture.
- Different Sights: Red dot sights or holographic sights are becoming very popular among shooters. Since a red dot sight only requires a single point of focus, some shooters can acquire a sight picture much faster than using iron sights. These sights allow for greater situational awareness.
Considering the Nuances of Shooting Techniques
The best technique isn’t just about closing one eye or keeping both open. A number of factors can influence how someone shoots.
Type of Shooting
Is it target shooting for accuracy? Or is the main priority speed and situational awareness? The answer often affects the method. Some shooters may choose to close one eye for target shooting, where accuracy is paramount. Others prefer to keep both eyes open for self-defense or tactical applications.
The Firearm
What kind of gun is being used? Handguns, rifles, and shotguns all have different aiming mechanics, sight pictures, and optimal shooting positions. The type of firearm can affect the chosen technique.
Shooter’s Characteristics
Experience levels also come into play. A new shooter may find closing one eye easier to start. Eye dominance and physical characteristics like vision problems should also be considered.
Safety First: The Unwavering Foundation
Regardless of the shooting technique, safety must always be the priority. Responsible gun handling practices are non-negotiable.
- Always treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Keep the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Be sure of the target and what is beyond it.
- Wear appropriate eye and ear protection.
The Path to Informed Decisions
Closing one eye is a method that has been around for a very long time. However, it’s important to understand the pros, cons, and alternatives. Choosing the most effective technique involves understanding the limitations and benefits.
Experimentation is key! Try different methods to find what works best. The best path is to practice, learn, and adapt. Training, combined with practice, will help a shooter hone their skills and find the best technique.
Remember, safe gun handling is essential. Prioritize safety above all else. Find a reputable instructor. A skilled instructor can help with proper technique, eye dominance, and other challenges.
So, should you close one eye when shooting a gun? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s more about the individual, the situation, and the pursuit of excellence. By learning the advantages and disadvantages and practicing under guidance, you can make informed decisions and develop your shooting skills.
