Training to close the left eye

[skribs]

This may seem a silly question, but it's something that's affected my shooting. I can close my right eye without closing my left, but can't close my left on it's own. As such, I've adopted left-hand shooting, even though I'm right-handed. Are there any folks on here that have been in the same position and overcome it? If so, how did you train yourself to close just the left eye on command, and leave the right eye open for finding the sight picture?

A lot of firearms are better designed for right-handed shooters. I'm mostly thinking of bullpups and bolt guns, but most guns in general are better designed for righties. I would have a lot more options available to me if I were to shoot "normal".

 

[drop bear]

Probably easier to train to shoot both eyes open.

Shooting With One Eye Open or Two? Advantages & Disadvantages

Is it better to shoot a gun with one eye open or two? Why do some shooters prefer keeping both eyes open? Learn more about how to properly shoot here.

www.therange702.com

 

[Buka]

This may seem a silly question, but it's something that's affected my shooting. I can close my right eye without closing my left, but can't close my left on it's own. As such, I've adopted left-hand shooting, even though I'm right-handed. Are there any folks on here that have been in the same position and overcome it? If so, how did you train yourself to close just the left eye on command, and leave the right eye open for finding the sight picture?

A lot of firearms are better designed for right-handed shooters. I'm mostly thinking of bullpups and bolt guns, but most guns in general are better designed for righties. I would have a lot more options available to me if I were to shoot "normal".

Skribs, we talking just rifles or rifles and handguns?

 

[skribs]

Skribs, we talking just rifles or rifles and handguns?

 

[punisher73]

Something to consider.

Are you training for self-defense or competition? In a high stress shooting situation, the body will not allow you to close one eye like that since it is trying to get as much sensory input as possible.

When I went through SWAT school, we were hounded to acquire the sights and always shoot with both eyes open because of that.

 

[Dirty Dog]

One eye closed is better if you're doing bullseye shooting. For anything tactical or defensive, you want both eyes open.

 

[wab25]

I can close my right eye without closing my left, but can't close my left on it's own. As such, I've adopted left-hand shooting, even though I'm right-handed.

You should really determine which is you dominant eye, then shoot on that side. (if your right eye is dominant, shoot right handed, if your left eye is dominant, shoot left handed) Whether you are closing one eye or keeping both open, your dominant eye is going to be the one looking down the barrel. You may be right handed, but left eye dominant. You would then want to shoot left handed, even though you are a rightie.

When learning to shoot, you should really find your dominant eye first, so that you learn the new skill on the correct side from the beginning.

 

[Wing Woo Gar]

You should really determine which is you dominant eye, then shoot on that side. (if your right eye is dominant, shoot right handed, if your left eye is dominant, shoot left handed) Whether you are closing one eye or keeping both open, your dominant eye is going to be the one looking down the barrel. You may be right handed, but left eye dominant. You would then want to shoot left handed, even though you are a rightie.

When learning to shoot, you should really find your dominant eye first, so that you learn the new skill on the correct side from the beginning.

This depends on a couple of factors, like optics. I’m right handed and right dominant but I shoot handguns far more accurately with my left hand both eyes open. I use a trijicon accupoint on my tactical mid range rifle that uses the Bindon aiming concept that allows for both eyes open while using a scope. On my long range rifle both eyes open is not possible at 10X and aiming at 1000 yds.

 

[Wing Woo Gar]

This may seem a silly question, but it's something that's affected my shooting. I can close my right eye without closing my left, but can't close my left on it's own. As such, I've adopted left-hand shooting, even though I'm right-handed. Are there any folks on here that have been in the same position and overcome it? If so, how did you train yourself to close just the left eye on command, and leave the right eye open for finding the sight picture?

A lot of firearms are better designed for right-handed shooters. I'm mostly thinking of bullpups and bolt guns, but most guns in general are better designed for righties. I would have a lot more options available to me if I were to shoot "normal".

You can also try using a patch to train the eye. Maybe @Dirty Dog has additional methods since he shoots a lot and has lost one eye. I remember being amazed at being able to shoot more accurately with my left hand, even from the hip.

 

[Buka]

To younger members, or anyone who doesn’t shoot, you can check which eye is dominant by pointing your forefinger at something in the distance with both eyes open. Then close one, then open and close the other.

Your dominant eye will have your forefinger still on target, your non dominant eye will have it far to the side.

In two departments I’ve worked I was one of only two officers who passed qualifications with either hand. Because I was originally taught that way by a buddy who was a handgun aficionado.

Interestingly, at least to me, I could only qualify with various rifles we used with only one side.

I’m going back to work as an airport cop next month. I’m guessing I won’t be able to qualify with either hand anymore. I guess I’ll see. (See what I did there?)

With any shot over thirty feet I shoot with dominant eye. Anything closer I just shoot.

 

[wab25]

To younger members, or anyone who doesn’t shoot, you can check which eye is dominant by pointing your forefinger at something in the distance with both eyes open. Then close one, then open and close the other.

Your dominant eye will have your forefinger still on target, your non dominant eye will have it far to the side.

That's a new way to do it for me.

The way I was taught was to put both your hands out in front of you, palms facing out.... Touch your index fingers and thumbs together, so you have a diamond shaped hole. (you can over lap your fingers and thumbs, to make the diamond smaller...) Then look at something far way, with both eyes open, center the diamond over that point, so you see the point through the hole you hands made. Keep looking at the spot, through the hole, while you bring your hands to your face. You will bring them to your dominant eye.

Just another way to do the same thing.

(this is much easier to do in person than typing up....)

 

[Buka]

That's a new way to do it for me.

The way I was taught was to put both your hands out in front of you, palms facing out.... Touch your index fingers and thumbs together, so you have a diamond shaped hole. (you can over lap your fingers and thumbs, to make the diamond smaller...) Then look at something far way, with both eyes open, center the diamond over that point, so you see the point through the hole you hands made. Keep looking at the spot, through the hole, while you bring your hands to your face. You will bring them to your dominant eye.

Just another way to do the same thing.

(this is much easier to do in person than typing up....)

That’s the way I was first taught in the seventies. I couldn’t remember if the palms were out until I tried it a couple of minutes ago. (Yup)

Yeah, I find a lot of things are easier to do than to type. Especially since I type with one finger.