Change hand?

[eighteenninetytwo]

I' had a handgun for a couple of years now, but only recently have I started shooting more than once every 6 months with it. I have also (with his lockdown) start doing some dry fire practice at home. As I've done this and tried a draw and aim, its actually become obvious to me that I am actually left eye dominant though a right handed shot. Huge issue? not an issue? Start over and shoot lefty? What do others do?

[rodralig]

Not an issue... But how you would address it will be different for each individual.

1. Learn to shoot right eye
2. Shoot with both eyes open
3. Shoot left hand
4. Shoot right hand but aligning the pistol with the left eye (head straight and centered)
5. Shoot right hand but turning the head so the left eye is in line with the pistol (basically you lose a bit of peripheral vision on your left side)
6. Shoot right hand but slightly (less than 5-degs) canting the pistol so the sights align with the left eye (never cant your head, though)

For me, it's the 4th one... You will need to figure out what works best for you (no one size fits all).

That is for handguns. The only issue for me are long guns (carbine, shotgun) - I shoot left-handed, because I can't close my left eye to make use of my right eye for a righ-handed long gun.

For you to get used to whatever approach, instead of doing a draw and aim dry practice, start from the compressed ready going on to extension. Do that first to build muscle memory, then bring in the draw stroke from the holster.


YMMW...

_

[AFTII]

I have the same issue. If you squint or close your left eye momentarily, your right eye can pick up the front sight and you can open your left eye. If you break your R eye's focus, you'll end up looking at the side of the pistol with your L eye and have to start all over. Otherwise, you'll be good to go.

If you wear glasses, a competent optometrist can adjust your prescription so that your R eye picks up the front site without having to squint.

[Elgatodeacero]

Just use the Quell shooting technique

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Theodore

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/what-is-the-quell-system.239761/

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

Rotate the gun right during the presentation part of the draw stroke so they are oriented in front of your right eye, or don't and just shoot using your right eye.

[JB559]

Same here (left eye dominant, right handed)

I still do everything with right hand as I am way more comfortable, but I also practice with left hand with handguns and rifles too so that maybe in time as a feel more comfortable switching could become a possibility. Starting off very slow I can do everything the same, eventually I will try to speed up the process.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Wordupmybrotha]

Place the gun between your eyes and shoot with both eyes open? That's how I shoot. Shouldn't matter what eye is dominant right?

[rodralig]

Place the gun between your eyes and shoot with both eyes open? That's how I shoot. Shouldn't matter what eye is dominant right?

Depends on the person.

In my case, I can do that up until a certain distance and/or situation. Action shooting, etc. until 15-yard targets, I can manage to hit the A-zone with both eyes open. Farther than that or for precision shots (head, steel) - I have to squint my right eye and focus with my left.

_

[Wordupmybrotha]

Depends on the person.

In my case, I can do that up until a certain distance and/or situation. Action shooting, etc. until 15-yard targets, I can manage to hit the A-zone with both eyes open. Farther than that or for precision shots (head, steel) - I have to squint my right eye and focus with my left.

_

Even long distances, I shoot with both eyes open - both rifles and handguns. At Angeles Ranges, I shoot the 100 yd steel plates with both eyes open also. Feels more comfortable than squinting one eye. I guess it's different strokes for different folks.

[rodralig]

I guess it's different strokes for different folks.

Yup!

In my case, as the distance increases or the target gets smaller, I begin to get ghost images. Unfortunately, it seems my eyes can't process/merge what both my eyes are seeing. Hence, needing to squint.


_

[plumbum]

I think this thread would have gone an entirely different direction in OT...

[squeeze]

Place the gun between your eyes and shoot with both eyes open? That's how I shoot. Shouldn't matter what eye is dominant right?

You are still using only one eye. Which one is easy to determine. Place the gun as you suggested with the front sight on the bullseye. Now alternately open and close each eye. You will find that only one eye is being used on the bullseye as the "picture" jumps back and forth.

I am the same way. L dominate, Right-handed shooter. I slightly feather my L eye and have learned to shut my L eye off. It can be done with practice.
BTW this "problem" is not uncommon. Many are never aware of it until shooting.

[SnWnMe]

I' had a handgun for a couple of years now, but only recently have I started shooting more than once every 6 months with it. I have also (with his lockdown) start doing some dry fire practice at home. As I've done this and tried a draw and aim, its actually become obvious to me that I am actually left eye dominant though a right handed shot. Huge issue? not an issue? Start over and shoot lefty? What do others do?

Both eyes open

Or do what I do

Learn how to shoot lefties or righties.

I know someone who competes in casual matches with a Glock and two holsters, one RH the other LH. He just buys two entries.

[Robert1234]

Don't waste your time. Even if you get proficient, your muscles on your dominant side will be strongsr/faster/better. Splits will suffer. And your dominant side function goes to crap when you stop using it. Reloads are easier, cause you're using your dominant hand and arm for this anscilliary function.

I did it 10 years ago, to switch back now would like starting over, so I make due. Looking back, it wasn't the best move.

[OCEquestrian]

Not an issue... But how you would address it will be different for each individual.

1. Learn to shoot right eye
2. Shoot with both eyes open
3. Shoot left hand
4. Shoot right hand but aligning the pistol with the left eye (head straight and centered)
5. Shoot right hand but turning the head so the left eye is in line with the pistol (basically you lose a bit of peripheral vision on your left side)
6. Shoot right hand but slightly (less than 5-degs) canting the pistol so the sights align with the left eye (never cant your head, though)

For me, it's the 4th one... You will need to figure out what works best for you (no one size fits all).

That is for handguns. The only issue for me are long guns (carbine, shotgun) - I shoot left-handed, because I can't close my left eye to make use of my right eye for a righ-handed long gun.

For you to get used to whatever approach, instead of doing a draw and aim dry practice, start from the compressed ready going on to extension. Do that first to build muscle memory, then bring in the draw stroke from the holster.


YMMW...

_

^^^^ Good analysis of the problem.

I am left eye dominant and started out as a left hander but my parents forced me to become a righty as a infant/child. I shoot with my right eye. It hasnt hurt me too much...I am a decent shot and compete well in IDPA.