Others 1 eye vs 2 eye shooting

[ernroe]

I am right handed but left eye dominate. When competeing with handguns it did not pose a problem because I could move my head to align with proper eye.
However, when I moved to shooting shotguns, Trap and Skeet, it made a lot of difference. I tried all of the tricks and gadgets but when it was said and done I had to close my left eye to consistently hit targets with a shot gun. And, when using my scoped Deer rifle I closed my left eye. So, what is all of this mind numbing history about?
Lately, I have been experimenting with keeping both eyes open when looking through the scope on my airgun. I am getting used to it although on occassion I will have to blink my left eye a couple of times to get the right eye back in control. A couple of days ago I decided to shoot 2 targets, side by side, 5 ahots each at 30 yards and compare. IMO there is not enough difference to to make a difference in reality. But, if you could see the raw target I think you would agree that the 2 eyed target is just a tad tighter. One possibility is with 2 eyes open it is more natural thus the shooter is more relaxed and does not have to concentrate on keeping the off eve closed. Anyway, see results below.

P.S. My wife will sometime accuse me of asking questions that don't need answering. This may be one of those times.

 

[PapaT]

I have tried to shoot with both eyes open, but my left eye likes to close and leave it all to my right eye, regardless of sights being used.

 

[Florida_Man]

My primary pistol is a red dot now, and before we did that transition I put a red dot on my Beeman P3 to get accustomed to both eyes open. It was a smooth transition, and now i do it naturally with my scopes. For me it results in less fatigue. It gets a little odd feeling with a high power scope, so I have been experimenting with a blocked lens.

 

[SILENT SQUIRREL]

I am right handed but left eye dominate. When competeing with handguns it did not pose a problem because I could move my head to align with proper eye.
However, when I moved to shooting shotguns, Trap and Skeet, it made a lot of difference. I tried all of the tricks and gadgets but when it was said and done I had to close my left eye to consistently hit targets with a shot gun. And, when using my scoped Deer rifle I closed my left eye. So, what is all of this mind numbing history about?
Lately, I have been experimenting with keeping both eyes open when looking through the scope on my airgun. I am getting used to it although on occassion I will have to blink my left eye a couple of times to get the right eye back in control. A couple of days ago I decided to shoot 2 targets, side by side, 5 ahots each at 30 yards and compare. IMO there is not enough difference to to make a difference in reality. But, if you could see the raw target I think you would agree that the 2 eyed target is just a tad tighter. One possibility is with 2 eyes open it is more natural thus the shooter is more relaxed and does not have to concentrate on keeping the off eve closed. Anyway, see results below.

P.S. My wife will sometime accuse me of asking questions that don't need answering. This may be one of those times.

All questions need answering
Just be sure to realize that the person who asks the question holds significant responsibility for the answer

just my too scents
Edward

 

[BanjomanMI76]

I am going to try this in my next session, weather permitting.

 

[Solo1]

Using both eyes open helps you acquire targets more quickly and accurately. But as you said you must try to get used to the fact that you are actually trying to make your right eye dominant.

 

[ernroe]

Using both eyes open helps you acquire targets more quickly and accurately. But as you said you must try to get used to the fact that you are actually trying to make your right eye dominant.

You are right. When shooting skeet I would call with both eyes open, acquire the target and close my left eye. I won a state 20 ga championship using that method. In Trap however it would not work as well. I had to close the left eye.

 

[Grunt64]

I'M also right handed but my left eye is dominate. I just shoot left handed yet i dont skeet shoot. If you can be effective and comfortable with either way only you can answer what suits you, as long as you have the basics down.

 

[Dale R]

I am left eye dominate too. I keep both eyes open. I can pick up wind flag changes with my left eye peripheral vision while using my right eyeball in the scope. So I set my flags on the left side of the target line.

 

[Jaabaa]

That's been a question since I was a kid in the 70s
Grandparents used to try and teach me to shoot with both eyes open, but sometimes I still find myself closing the left eye. Sometimes not even aware till after the shot.
Definitely a strong topic to discuss.
I'm curious on a mass sample of shooters what the numbers would look like?

 

[Gerry52]

Past couple years I started keeping both open, not for an accuracy issue but because of easing eye strain and increased peripheral "target acquisition" when my right eye is on the scope. I can pick up movement with my left peripheral vision even while my right is focused on the "eye box".

 

[Penfold]

Many years ago I was a soldier in the NZ Army. We were taught to shoot the SLR (7.62x51) with the rear sight folded down and both eyes open. Was the 'Wooster' method (if I remember correctly)?
Just the front sight was used for quick acquisition of the target, and the open left eye also gave you a better view of any other targets that might be heading your way.
We became quite good at shooting like this, and could shoot out to 500 meters at a man sized target...usually getting 20 hits for a 20 round magazine.
I've fired many thousands of rounds like this for 50+ years now.
From the .22 rimfire, .303, .308, .270 etc, up to a Marlin .444 and it's now ingrained in all my shooting including my air rifle BR.