As someone who’s spent over a decade guiding backcountry hunts, teaching wilderness survival, and generally living and breathing the outdoor life, I’ve been asked this question countless times: do you aim with one eye closed? It’s a surprisingly common habit, often picked up early on, but it’s not necessarily the most effective – or even the safest – way to shoot. Whether you're target shooting, participating in competitive shooting sports, or preparing for a hunting season, understanding the nuances of aiming techniques is crucial. We’ll dive into the debate of should I shoot with one eye closed versus how to shoot with both eyes open, exploring the pros and cons of each, and how to improve your accuracy and situational awareness.
For many, closing one eye while shooting feels natural. It simplifies the sight picture, eliminating double vision and focusing all visual information onto a single point. This method has been taught for generations, particularly in introductory firearms courses. The logic is straightforward: reduce visual clutter and concentrate on aligning the sights.
However, closing an eye comes with significant drawbacks. It drastically reduces depth perception, which is vital for judging distances accurately, especially in dynamic hunting scenarios. It also limits peripheral vision, hindering your awareness of your surroundings. According to the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, relying on monocular vision (one eye) can negatively impact your ability to track moving targets and react to unexpected changes in the environment.
Increasingly, shooting instructors and experienced shooters are advocating for shooting with both eyes open. While it requires more initial practice, the benefits are substantial. Maintaining binocular vision (using both eyes) preserves depth perception, widens your field of view, and improves target acquisition speed. This is particularly important for hunting, where quick reactions and accurate range estimation are critical. The USA Shooting organization emphasizes the importance of both-eyes-open shooting for competitive accuracy.
The key to successful both-eyes-open shooting isn’t simply opening both eyes. It’s about training your brain to filter out the double image and focus on the dominant eye’s sight picture. This takes practice, but the payoff is significant. REI’s Expert Advice section provides excellent drills for developing this skill.
If you’re accustomed to shooting with one eye closed, switching to both-eyes-open shooting will require deliberate practice. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Don't get discouraged if it feels awkward at first. It takes time and dedication to retrain your visual system. Consider taking a shooting course from a qualified instructor who can provide personalized guidance.
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. To determine your dominant eye, you can perform a simple test:
If you’re right-eye dominant, your right eye will naturally align with the sights. If you’re left-eye dominant, your left eye will. While it’s generally recommended to shoot with your dominant eye, it’s not always possible, especially if you have vision impairments in one eye. In such cases, you may need to adapt your technique and practice extensively to compensate.
Beyond accuracy, shooting with both eyes open significantly enhances safety. Maintaining a wider field of view allows you to be more aware of your surroundings, reducing the risk of accidentally shooting at unintended targets or encountering other people or animals. This is particularly important in hunting situations, where you may be navigating uneven terrain and encountering wildlife. The National Park Service emphasizes the importance of situational awareness for safe hunting practices.
Remember the four rules of firearm safety:
Shooting with both eyes open helps you adhere to rule number four by providing a broader perspective of your surroundings.
While I advocate for the benefits of both-eyes-open shooting, there are situations where shooting with one eye closed may be acceptable. For example, individuals with certain vision impairments may find it easier to shoot accurately with one eye. Additionally, in some competitive shooting disciplines, specific rules may dictate the use of one-eye shooting. However, even in these cases, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and prioritize safety.
Ultimately, the decision of do you shoot with one eye closed or how to shoot with both eyes open is a personal one. There’s no single “right” answer. However, I strongly encourage you to explore the benefits of both-eyes-open shooting. It may require more effort initially, but the improved accuracy, enhanced depth perception, and increased situational awareness are well worth the investment. Remember to prioritize safety, practice consistently, and seek guidance from qualified instructors. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply enjoying a day at the range, mastering your aiming technique will elevate your shooting experience and ensure your safety and success. And remember to always practice responsible gun ownership and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. The Leave No Trace principles also apply to shooting ranges – pack out all targets and casings, and respect the environment.