Both Eyes Open

[vliberatore]

So the last few times to the range I have tried shooting with both eyes open. I feel like this would be more realistic in mimicing a "real-life" defensive situation where I wouldn't want to close an eye to shoot in order to defend myself.
My groups have improved over these few range trips, but I still feel like there's a lot of room for improvement (12" group @ 10yds). Any ideas to help me improve on my next range visit?

EDIT: I should have clarified this, I am working on defensive style shooting by not using sights, but rather my natural point of aim. Sorry if my OP sounded like I'm all over the place.

[HighLander51]

Take lessons and learn how to shoot, starting with the fundamentals of stance, grip, sight picture and trigger control. You should easily be making 2" groups at 10 yards.

[MiddleKingdom]

Take lessons and learn how to shoot, starting with the fundamentals of stance, grip, sight picture and trigger control. You should easily be making 2" groups at 10 yards.

Yes, lessons are highly recommended. It's amazing how easily an instructor can get you on the right path.

[slo5oh]

Most people I see at the pistol range hold their gun wrong and stand wrong. One thing to remember is that there will always be guys/girls that are better or have more experience than you and I. Short of taking a class if you see somone shooting way better than you, compliment them, hopefully they will respond and give you some pointers.

[WoodenGun]

Most things/activities require practice to achieve proficiency.


That said, lessons from a good instructor will shorten the learning curve.

[giantsfan]

I currently practicing this right now. I haven't taken it to the range just yet, hope to this week.

The site picture is getting better and better by the day although the sites themselves are a little fuzzy.

I'm waiting to get my G26 out of jail then I'll take a class, qualify with my 2 new permit weapons and get them on my LTC.

Proficiency is always about training then a little more training after that and then train again...kinda like wash, rinse and repeat!

[redcliff]

People are shooting with one eye closed?

Yeah, apparently so.. maybe you missed this recent poll/thread: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=585913

[tal3nt]

One eye closed isn't anything new fellas, and I know you know this haha. It can be beneficial for some when slow fire target shooting, which is what most of us will ever do. Both eyes open doesn't necessarily mimic a gun fight any better than one eye, in such scenario both your eyes will be dead focused on the other guy with the gun shooting at you. If you wanna pratice a gun fight, don't use the sights at all. Keep your eyes open, point & shoot. Or go paintballing. And training will definitely help, but so will persistent practice. Don't let all these people tell you how to shoot, just shoot how you wanna shoot, but shoot safely. Eventually you will pick up things on your own and learn how to shoot better.

[tal3nt]

So the last few times to the range I have tried shooting with both eyes open. I feel like this would be more realistic in mimicing a "real-life" defensive situation where I wouldn't want to close an eye to shoot in order to defend myself.
My groups have improved over these few range trips, but I still feel like there's a lot of room for improvement (12" group @ 10yds). Any ideas to help me improve on my next range visit?

Curious, what handgun? 12" group @ 10 yards is somewhat terrible, but I'm glad to see you are improving. I would have to guess that more than any other fundamental, it's your trigger pull and anticipation of recoil that is throwing you off.

[Mr.1904]

Trigger control.

And yes, shoot with both eyes open.

[vliberatore]

Curious, what handgun? 12" group @ 10 yards is somewhat terrible, but I'm glad to see you are improving. I would have to guess that more than any other fundamental, it's your trigger pull and anticipation of recoil that is throwing you off.

I was doing of what you had suggested (not looking at the sights) rather than having both open for target shooting. Definitely should have said that in the OP, my mistake.

It's a S&W M&P9.

Basically, I guess a better way for me to ask my question would be, is there a better way to get my shots on target while practicing this style of shooting?

I'm not an expert level marksman by any stretch but I can usually shoot 6" groups (one-eye) at 20-25 yds. It is this "defensive style" shooting that I would like to be more proficient in.

[tal3nt]

That style of shooting is more of an art form lol. It takes years and years of practice before you can shoot bullseye accurately. I would be happy if I could tighten my 'no sights' shooting @ 10 yards to 6-8" groups.

[tal3nt]

For what it's worth, when holding a handgun with the proper thumbs forward grip, the weakhand thumb is lined up pretty well with the barrel. I've heard people suggest to use that thumb as a "pointer" when quick firing.

[9mmepiphany]

The way to learn to shoot without looking at the sights is through practice of sighted shooting.

This is because, before you can even attempt unsighted fire, you have to have good trigger control. The only way to develop trigger control, is by holding a good sight picture and learning to press the trigger correctly and consistently. The best point shooters I have ever met Thell Reed learned it that way and while he is a great exhibition point shooter, when hitting the target really matters he uses his sights.

I can shoot pretty well without seeing my sights (picked up wrong glasses one day)...about 84% on a qualification course out to 20 yards...but I learned it through practice of sighted fire.

I'm not saying you can't learn it without ever seeing your sights...but it's going to take a lot more time and a lot of ammunition

[dc2integra]

Practice makes perfect just make sure your using proper techniques.ALso you should consider buying a 22 pistol .