blazewheat
Member
I shoot with one eye closed and I've been told to shoot with both open. Any tips on how to retrain myself?
Eyes
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JamesArthur60
US Veteran
Since this is in the competition section, are we to assume you are shooting (IDPA/USPSA) the standing/moving targets with an eye closed? Because you are obviously running the stage with both eyes open. Or, are you shooting a bulls eye target with no movement?
OP
blazewheat
Member
No I do not compete, yet. I asked in this section cause I figured you guys would spend the most time looking down the sights. Most of the time I am shooting at a stationary bullseye target. I do want compete but I'm nowhere ready.
Here's some drills that may help.
Basically, you are spoiling yourself by allowing all the time in the world to bring up the gun, squint down the barrel and fire at leisure. We have to break your comfort zone so you can learn combat tactical shooting basics. Get somebody to show you a correct grip if you don't know what it is.
A timer would help but is not vital now.
Stand at about 7 yards from a plain target with no aiming point, such as an IDPA target of a plain piece of cardboard. Take a firing grip on the gun and hold it about 45 degrees down.
Bring the gun up smoothly and as soon as you acquire the front sight on the target, fire. Repeat over and over. Concentrate on seeing the front sight, but don't allow yourself time to squint and pause. Then double tap. Then move on to the drawing and firing for speed.
In spite of your "not being ready" suggest you go to an IDPA match and tell them you've never done it before. They will let you just walk through the stages without trying for speed ( a good idea at first anyway).
The NRA personal protection courses are great training for learning tactical basics, also, including drawing and shooting from a variety of positions.
YouTube - How to shoot a pistol.
Basically, you are spoiling yourself by allowing all the time in the world to bring up the gun, squint down the barrel and fire at leisure. We have to break your comfort zone so you can learn combat tactical shooting basics. Get somebody to show you a correct grip if you don't know what it is.
A timer would help but is not vital now.
Stand at about 7 yards from a plain target with no aiming point, such as an IDPA target of a plain piece of cardboard. Take a firing grip on the gun and hold it about 45 degrees down.
Bring the gun up smoothly and as soon as you acquire the front sight on the target, fire. Repeat over and over. Concentrate on seeing the front sight, but don't allow yourself time to squint and pause. Then double tap. Then move on to the drawing and firing for speed.
In spite of your "not being ready" suggest you go to an IDPA match and tell them you've never done it before. They will let you just walk through the stages without trying for speed ( a good idea at first anyway).
The NRA personal protection courses are great training for learning tactical basics, also, including drawing and shooting from a variety of positions.
YouTube - How to shoot a pistol.
OP
blazewheat
Member
It appears I have been holding my support hand wrong. I've always held the bottom of the gun more than grabing the whole side. And I was putting my trigger finger to far into the trigger. That video was very helpful. Thanks.
gb70840
Member
There was a Phil Strader video on a Shooting USA, Shoot Straighter with Strader segment that was really good for this. It not only addressed keeping both eyes open, but also taught me not to blink on bang. Use a little Google-fu and you will find it.
GB.
GB.
frankw
Member
When I started shooting IDPA it was obvious that running and shooting with one eye was going to be a problem, especially since I am right hand/Left eye dominant.
I practiced with an empty gun and an IDPA target in the garage. It was like I had to teach my left eye to do the work. At first I saw two of everything but eventually it started coming together and then I took it to the live fire range.
Now it is automatic but I will still close one eye, as even some top shooters do, for long difficult shots.
Just stay with it and it will come. Be sure you know which eye is dominant though.
Good Luck!
I practiced with an empty gun and an IDPA target in the garage. It was like I had to teach my left eye to do the work. At first I saw two of everything but eventually it started coming together and then I took it to the live fire range.
Now it is automatic but I will still close one eye, as even some top shooters do, for long difficult shots.
Just stay with it and it will come. Be sure you know which eye is dominant though.
Good Luck!
OP
blazewheat
Member
I'm right hand right eye. Like you say, I see double unless I blink my left eye then my right eye seams to stay foucsed. I've been doing the empty gun routine cause my shooting range is flooded. It does seam to be working on getting on target faster. I've been thinking about getting a air soft to practice inside.
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