HELP! I need to learn how to shoot with both eyes open.

[JAKIII]

Lots of *advice* in this thread, but streaker nailed it in post #4.

Keep in mind that the dominant eye is no stronger that the non-eye. The dominant eye is just the eye that the brain favors.

Wear an eye patch, arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.

[Gunsnwater]

Pirates and riverboat gamblers don't aim.

[JoshIronshaft]

Use method two in this video to confirm which of your two eyes is actually the dominant one: https://youtu.be/Sf7TL6S8RNk

That is the eye your hand gun or rifle sights need to be lined up with.

Once you know that, then practice dry fire and then live fire once comfortable. You will get the hang of it eventually. If I am hosing close targets at a USPSA match or sending a round 800 yards at a PRS match, I have both eyes open.

Note that our eyes can only focus on one distance at a time. We usually don’t notice this because our eyes focus rapidly. Practice shifting your focus from the rear sight, to the front sight, to the target, and then back to the front sight and then rear sight. Repeat. Note how what you focus on becomes sharp, and the other things blur. You will want to shoot (typically) with your eyes focused on the front sight, but doing some exercises with shifting eye focus will help you get more comfortable aiming with both eyes open.

[newhunter2012]

Thank you to everyone for your helpful replies.

[newhunter2012]

UPDATE (3 years later)

I tried out many of the suggestions that were given in this thread and made some progress. However, I did not get much range time due to the pandemic, works obligations, etc. Yesterday, however, it seems like I stumbled across a solution:

a U-Notch sight

I purchased a Springfield Hellcat which comes standard with a U-notch rear sight and, I swear, instantly, I was able to focus on target with both eyes open. I cannot put into words how easy it was to focus and aim accurately. I will report back with further progress reports but for now I think that it would behoove anyone in my situation to at least give U-notch sights a try and then, if need be, attempt to shoot with both eyes open using other sighting systems.

I will keep those interested posted.

[RFlowers]

Keeping both eyes open is preferred for a number of excellent reasons. And if using a pistol-mounted optic, it is required to use that accessory effectively.