Understanding the Why: Unveiling the Fundamentals
The crisp scent of gunpowder hangs in the air, the metallic tang of the weapon a familiar comfort. The target, a distant silhouette, demands focus. But as you settle into position, a question arises: should you close one eye? This seemingly simple act, the practice of keeping one eye closed when shooting, is a cornerstone of marksmanship, yet it’s surrounded by both tradition and debate. This article delves into the reasons, the scenarios, and the techniques behind this common practice, offering insights for shooters of all levels, from casual hobbyists to seasoned professionals. We’ll explore the science, the strategies, and the alternatives to help you hone your skills and make the most informed decisions when it comes to aiming downrange.
The Dominant Eye: The Guiding Star
One of the primary reasons shooters close one eye revolves around eye dominance. Just as we have a dominant hand, we also have a dominant eye. This eye takes the lead in processing visual information, essentially acting as the primary “sight.” When the dominant eye is aligned with the sights of a firearm (or other shooting apparatus), it naturally leads to more accurate target acquisition. If you are not using a scope or another device that may help with the alignment of the eye, and your dominant eye does not align directly with the sights, your brain is forced to compensate, leading to potential inconsistencies in aiming.
To determine your dominant eye, try a simple test. Extend your arms in front of you and create a small triangular opening with your thumbs and forefingers. Focus on a distant object through the opening. Then, bring the opening back towards your face, keeping the object centered. The eye that remains aligned with the object is your dominant eye. Another simple technique is the “hole” test. Extend one arm with your hand open. Make a circle with your thumb and forefinger. Pick a distant object. Close one eye and see how you are still aligned to the object, then close the other. Whichever eye you naturally keep aligned with that distant object is your dominant eye.
Understanding eye dominance is especially critical when shooting a firearm. If you are cross-dominant (dominant eye on the opposite side of your dominant hand), the challenge becomes more pronounced. For instance, a right-handed shooter with a left dominant eye will face a greater hurdle in naturally aligning the eye with the sights of a firearm. This is where the practice of closing one eye can come into play. This facilitates a more consistent sight picture, bringing the dominant eye directly in line with the target. This method helps overcome the natural tendencies of the non-dominant eye to “take over” and throw off the shot.
Depth Perception’s Role
Closing one eye undeniably affects depth perception. With only one eye providing visual input, the brain has less information to calculate the distance to the target. This can be particularly noticeable at longer ranges, where subtle variations in distance can translate into significant misses.
The trade-off between depth perception and aiming accuracy is a key consideration for every shooter. In shooting disciplines where precision is paramount, such as target shooting, the enhanced accuracy gained from isolating the dominant eye often outweighs any disadvantage caused by reduced depth perception. The shooter is generally more focused on that single point.
The shooter needs to consider the trade-offs when choosing to keep one eye closed while shooting. When choosing the ideal method, the shooter may choose to keep both eyes open for greater depth perception.
Addressing Cross-Dominance
Cross-dominance, as discussed previously, presents a unique challenge. The practice of closing one eye is a common strategy to help overcome the difficulties of a cross-dominant setup. This isolates the dominant eye, encouraging a more natural and accurate sight alignment.
However, there are also other methods to consider for cross-dominant shooters. Some shooters may find that canting the head or using alternative shooting stances helps to bring the dominant eye into better alignment. Training and practice, under the guidance of a qualified instructor, are often essential for cross-dominant shooters to master the techniques that best suit their individual needs.
Reducing Visual Clutter: The Focus Factor
In many shooting scenarios, especially those involving moving targets or rapid-fire situations, a shooter is often bombarded with visual information. Closing one eye effectively reduces this visual clutter, simplifying the sight picture and allowing the shooter to focus more intently on the target.
By eliminating the distraction of the second eye’s input, the shooter is better able to track the target, anticipate its movement, and make more precise shots. This heightened focus is crucial in sports like competitive shooting, where milliseconds can make the difference between winning and losing.
Focus and Concentration: The Power of Mental Clarity
Beyond the practical aspects of sight alignment, closing one eye can also improve the shooter’s mental focus and concentration. The practice effectively quiets the visual noise, allowing the shooter to become more attuned to the task at hand.
Shooting, like any performance-oriented activity, relies heavily on mental fortitude. By minimizing external distractions and creating a sense of calm, the shooter can enhance their concentration, improving the chance of a successful shot.
When to Close One Eye: Matching the Technique to the Task
The decision of whether to keep one eye closed is not universal. It’s a tactical choice that must be tailored to the specific shooting discipline, the situation, and the shooter’s skill level.
Specific Shooting Disciplines
Target shooting emphasizes precision above all else. In these disciplines, a steady, deliberate approach is the key to success. The practice is extremely common in target shooting. The enhanced accuracy gained from isolating the dominant eye often provides a significant advantage.
Hunting is a different scenario. In hunting, situational awareness is paramount. The hunter needs to be aware of the surroundings, the animal’s behavior, and any potential hazards. This means that the hunter may be less likely to choose to keep one eye closed while shooting. The reduced peripheral vision that comes with closing one eye is far less ideal.
Self-defense presents an even more dynamic and unpredictable environment. The time of reaction is typically shorter than in target shooting and hunting. Closing one eye might reduce the speed with which you can acquire the target. Also, situational awareness is critical.
Factors that Influence the Choice
The distance to the target plays a significant role in determining the optimal shooting technique. At closer ranges, where the aiming is less critical, shooting with both eyes open may be advantageous. At longer ranges, the increased precision offered by closing one eye can be a huge advantage.
The target’s speed and movement also influence the shooter’s choice. If the target is moving quickly, or in a dynamic way, the shooter may choose to keep both eyes open to maintain a larger field of view.
Environmental conditions, such as lighting and weather, can also impact the shooter’s choice. In low-light conditions, closing one eye may help the shooter acquire the target and focus on the target more efficiently.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and training. Through repeated practice, shooters develop muscle memory and find the techniques that work best for them.
How to Close One Eye Properly & Alternatives
There’s no one “right” way to close one eye. The technique should be comfortable and effective.
Techniques for Closing One Eye
The most common method involves completely closing the non-dominant eye, either by squinting or deliberately shutting the eyelid. While effective for blocking visual input, this technique can sometimes lead to eye strain. Alternatively, some shooters prefer a “partially closed” approach, where the non-dominant eye is partially shut.
Alternatives
Shooting with both eyes open offers several advantages. The shooter maintains full depth perception and a wider field of view, crucial for situational awareness. This technique requires practice to train the brain to focus on the sights with the dominant eye while ignoring the input from the non-dominant eye.
Optical sights and devices, such as red dot sights and scopes, can provide a clear and focused aiming point. The optical device makes focusing on the target and acquiring the shot simpler for the shooter.
Potential Issues and Considerations: Addressing the Downsides
While closing one eye offers benefits, it’s not without potential drawbacks.
Eye Strain
Closing one eye for extended periods can lead to eye strain and fatigue. This is because the eye muscles are working harder to maintain focus. To mitigate this, take breaks, and practice blinking frequently.
Peripheral Vision Limitations
As mentioned earlier, closing one eye reduces peripheral vision, which can limit situational awareness.
Muscle Memory and Consistency
Consistency is key to marksmanship. Whether you choose to close one eye or use another technique, the most important thing is to practice consistently.
In conclusion, the practice of keeping one eye closed when shooting is a multifaceted technique that can significantly impact marksmanship performance. By understanding the underlying principles, the situational considerations, and the alternative approaches, shooters can optimize their technique and unlock their full potential.
