Do You Aim with One Eye Closed? A Guide to Shooting with Both Eyes Open

As someone who’s spent over a decade guiding folks through the backcountry and teaching outdoor skills, I’ve been asked this question countless times: do you aim with one eye closed? It’s a surprisingly common debate, especially among new shooters. The traditional image of a marksman often involves a squinted eye and focused concentration. But is that the best way to shoot? The answer, as with many things in the outdoors, isn’t always straightforward. We’ll explore whether you should shoot with one eye closed, the advantages of keeping both eyes open, and how to find what works best for you. This isn’t just about target shooting; it impacts everything from hunting to responsible firearm handling.

The Traditional Approach: Shooting with One Eye Closed

For generations, the dominant method of aiming has been to close one eye, focusing on the sights with the other. This technique has its roots in simplicity and accessibility. It’s often the first thing people try when picking up a firearm, and it can be effective, particularly for beginners. Here’s why it’s historically been favored:

• Reduced Visual Confusion: Closing one eye eliminates the overlapping images from both eyes, creating a single, clear sight picture.
• Simplicity: It’s easy to understand and implement, requiring minimal instruction.
• Initial Accuracy: For some, it can lead to quicker initial accuracy gains, especially with iron sights.

However, relying solely on one eye closed has drawbacks. It sacrifices depth perception, peripheral vision, and situational awareness – all crucial elements, especially when navigating the outdoors. As the National Park Service emphasizes in their hunting safety guidelines, maintaining situational awareness is paramount.

Is Closing One Eye Right for You?

If you’re new to shooting, closing one eye can be a good starting point. It allows you to focus on the fundamentals of sight alignment and trigger control. However, don’t get stuck there. Consider it a temporary stepping stone, not a permanent solution. If you have a dominant eye that is significantly stronger than the other, closing the non-dominant eye might feel more natural initially. But actively working towards binocular vision (using both eyes) will ultimately improve your shooting and overall awareness.

The Modern Method: Shooting with Both Eyes Open

Increasingly, experienced shooters and trainers are advocating for shooting with both eyes open. This technique, while requiring more practice, offers significant advantages. The core principle is to leverage your brain’s natural ability to process information from both eyes, creating a more complete and accurate picture.

Here’s why keeping both eyes open is gaining popularity:

• Enhanced Depth Perception: Maintaining binocular vision allows you to judge distances more accurately, crucial for hunting and dynamic shooting scenarios.
• Wider Field of View: You retain peripheral vision, increasing your awareness of your surroundings. This is vital for safety and spotting potential threats.
• Faster Target Acquisition: With both eyes open, you can more quickly locate and track moving targets.
• Reduced Eye Strain: Constantly closing one eye can lead to fatigue and strain.

Many competitive shooters, including those in disciplines like 3-gun and practical shooting, rely on this technique. REI’s expert advice highlights the benefits of both-eyes-open shooting for improved speed and accuracy.

How to Train Yourself to Shoot with Both Eyes Open

Switching to both-eyes-open shooting takes dedication and practice. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Dry Fire Practice: Start with an unloaded firearm. Practice aiming at a target while consciously keeping both eyes open. Focus on a slightly blurred sight picture.
2. Focus on the Target: Instead of focusing intently on the sights, shift your focus to the target itself. The sights should be a clear, but less emphasized, part of your vision.
3. Use a Laser Pointer: A laser pointer attached to your firearm can help you visualize the impact point without needing to focus on the sights.
4. Start Close: Begin with close-range targets and gradually increase the distance as your accuracy improves.
5. Consistency is Key: Practice regularly, even for short periods, to reinforce the new technique.

Don’t be discouraged if it feels awkward at first. It takes time for your brain to adapt. Think of it like learning to ride a bike – it feels unnatural initially, but eventually becomes second nature.

Dominant Eye Considerations: Which Eye Should You Focus With?

Understanding your dominant eye is crucial, regardless of whether you choose to shoot with one or both eyes open. Your dominant eye is the one your brain naturally relies on for visual information.

Here’s a simple test to determine your dominant eye:

1. Extend your arms in front of you, forming a triangle with your hands.
2. Focus on a distant object through the triangle.
3. Slowly bring your hands closer to your face, keeping your focus on the object.
4. Your hands will naturally align with your dominant eye.

If you’re right-eye dominant, you’ll naturally align the triangle with your right eye. If you’re left-eye dominant, it will be your left eye.

If you choose to shoot with one eye closed, use your non-dominant eye. This allows your dominant eye to remain open and maintain situational awareness. If you’re shooting with both eyes open, your dominant eye will naturally take the lead in focusing on the target.

Safety First: Maintaining Situational Awareness

Regardless of the technique you choose, safety should always be your top priority. As the USDA Forest Service emphasizes, responsible hunting and shooting require a commitment to safety and ethical practices. Here are some essential safety reminders:

• Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Wear appropriate eye and ear protection.
• Know and obey all local, state, and federal laws.

Shooting with both eyes open can actually enhance safety by increasing your peripheral vision and awareness of your surroundings. However, it’s crucial to practice diligently and maintain a safe mindset.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques and Resources

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can explore more advanced shooting techniques. Consider taking a shooting course from a certified instructor. These courses can provide personalized guidance and help you refine your skills.

Here are some additional resources:

• National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF): https://www.nssf.org/
• USA Shooting: https://usashooting.org/
• Local Gun Ranges: Many gun ranges offer training courses and rentals.

And if you're planning a hunting trip, be sure to check out our article on Essential Hunting Trip Planning Checklist for a comprehensive guide to preparation.

Final Thoughts: Finding What Works for You

So, do you aim with one eye closed? Ultimately, the best technique is the one that allows you to shoot accurately, safely, and confidently. While shooting with both eyes open offers numerous advantages, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Experiment with both methods, practice diligently, and find what works best for your individual needs and preferences. Remember, the goal isn’t just to hit the target; it’s to become a safe, responsible, and skilled shooter.