shooting glasses

[johnyjohnjonno]

hi guys
does anybody wear shooting glasses? i've always thought my eyesight was fine but trying to make out the rings above the open sight at 10 metres i'm struggling. what do the adjustable aperture ones do? perhaps i just need an eye test and normal glasses , but what are the advantages of the ones specifically for shooting?
cheers john

[derekm]

You shouldn't be trying to make out the rings when aiming, not even making out the bull; that's why it's often referred to as a distraction bull!

With a pistol you should concentrate only on keeping your sights aligned and your aim is an "area aim", usually somewhere below the black, as when too close, the sights and the black of the target blend together.

Many pistol shooters use a "sub six" aim, ie. just under the 6 line. Personally I prefer sub 3 or even 2 as then the distraction bull is out of my line of sight/concentration. It's all personal preference; there is no "right way".

If all this sounds strange, try setting up a blank sheet of paper, aim generally sub 6 and you will be surprised at the groups you can make. Imagine a target superimposed on your group and think what the score could have been. Pistol targets are for scoring, not aiming!!

Regards glasses, if you can see the sights clearly and the target is blurred, you don't need them, only maybe a blinder for the other eye. If you need to try glasses, a good starting point is 1/2 diopter less than your normal "reading" strength. I use off the hook readers with a +1/2 lens in the right side and the left side whited out. Total cost +/- £15.

[johnyjohnjonno]

cheers derek , that was what i was thinking , to adjust the rear sight to shoot below the black as its a blurred mess trying to shoot just below the bull. i do get better groups on plain paper aswell. any idea where i can get top quality targets without having to buy thousands in one go?
john

[derekm]

If you are getting into target shooting and join a club, you should be able to get targets at a sensible price. Our club sells Edelman 10m targets 5p ea. or £10 for 250.