The first method is the goal, the proper method in marksmanship. The 2nd method is the reality, it’s what actually happens in gunfight or high stress scenario. You’re not aiming during that. You’re using point sight or point box shooting. The first method is good for target shooting and competition. The 2nd is good for combat marksmanship and gun fighting. Both have an important place. This is also a good argument for red dot optics. It blends both of these into one and makes this argument irrelevant. But I still like iron sights as well. They serve a purpose.
Ill never go to open sights ever again!!! So quick and accurate with my Elite 10mm and Holosun 508Titanium green dot! Apple off you head at 50 yards! Guys are shooting 200 yards with this set up dinking around, that one popular RUclipsr hit a turkey steel target at 410 yards in 4-5 shots! The hold over wasnt as high as you would think! They made a new round with the 10mm pistol round and necked it down a tad to .338 amd they are subsonic and it's a beautiful little set up
Focus on target about 95% of the time. If going for precision, I focus on the front sight. Just as you described. I'd rather be more aware of what the target/threat is doing, instead of being concerned with the size of my front sight.
In my unit we always taught the guys for marksmanship at a bit of distance you focus on the front sight, but once the fighting starts your adrenal response is going to make it incredibly difficult to focus on anything other than the threat, so both need to be trained but target focus is going to be what saves your life 9 times out of 10. It has to be trained consistently though, because a big part of it is building the muscle memory to keep your sights on target even when it's not a conscious thought.
Threat focus with iron sights flash sight picture up to maybe 6 or 7 yards and with red dot optics at any distance. Front sight focus with iron sights (okay, plastic sights on a Glock) at anything greater than 6 to 7 yards. It's easy to aim at the center of a blurred target, because the center of a blur is still the center, but accurate hits at distance are virtually impossible with iron sights without focus on the front sight.
@@calanon534, many (most?) folks are happy to train only for the statistical average - "the vast majority" of defensive encounters. However, to be truly prepared, a defender must train well beyond the statistical average. Just had to throw that in also.
I learned shooting with optics, and I shot irons in a match for the first time at last year's USPSA production nationals with a factory G34. I experimented with both front sight and target focus during the match, and I found that I actually had better accuracy at distance using a deliberate target focus. There was one stage that had a 35-40 yard partial USPSA target with a hard cover steel covering the lower half and another steel plate behind the target to remove auditory feedback and necessitate shot calling. I took four shots at the target with a deliberate target focus, and I ended up with four hits within a few inches of each other. I ended up having more misses when aiming at difficult targets with a front sight focus than with a target focus. This may be because of my acclimatization to shooting with red dots, however.
It’s definitely possible, and I find it especially true when shooting small or low contrast targets that you can’t properly see when front sight focusing. Target focusing has its place too, but it is limited
always train on target focus. being able to do both is ok but when a self defense situation comes up you must naturally aim and have the target in focus not only for properly identifying the target but continuing to identify the target as a threat. if you lose the fine details of an engagement the consequences can be problematic. also just shoot with both eyes open its a simple training task that usually becomes second nature within a few training sessions.
Agreed. Our brains are naturally hard wired to focus on a threat the same way they're hard wired to have both eyes open during a violent encounter. Whenever you're in a self defense encounter, techniques that are closest to how your body naturally reacts give you the best chance of survival. That's why people often ridicule all the self defense videos with flashy techniques that look like they come out of a superhero movie - because they rely so much on fine motor function and not the gross motor function that you naturally default to during a stressful encounter, that even if you were trained to use them you'd likely neglect to do so during the hour of need.
Makes sense. Sight focus might make sense for the first shot or two once you decide you need to advance on the target quickly , but switching to focusing on the target is more important after that fact. I agree, being able to do both is important. I think there's a slight prioritization involved. At the end of the day, you'll most likely be within 7-10 yards of a threat where either way won't matter much at all. I was at the range one day with my son explaining to him the distance which most threats of self protection occur, and without aiming down the sights of my revolver I just pointed and pulled the trigger and hit all shots center mass 10 yards out without trying to aim.
@@McCaroni_Sup Yup, it's like how despite how I had been training on how to box for over a year, I still managed to break my hand twice in actual fights because I couldn't remember my discipline in that moment and started punching sloppily with my pinky and ring knuckles (floater knuckles) and fractured them on a person's face twice lmao
@@GlorifiedGremlin Oof, sorry for your knuckles. Training is good but unfortunately it seems us humans have our limits - we can't beat our physiology. A lot of martial arts really are focused on fine motor skills. It's not necessarily a steadfast rule that all fights would only have gross motor skills be available to you. That really depends on a couple of factors like adrenaline and just your general physiology. I've even heard that you can regain your fine motor skills mid-fight if you get surprised, though I'm not sure of the veracity of such a claim because I've never really been in a "real" fight and I don't plan to anytime soon. You can use fine motor skills better when you're expecting a fight - such as when sparring or in a tournament. But when it comes to the real world you will rarely anticipate having to defend yourself unless someone is going all tough guy on you to save their ego; but at that point you'd be better served by simply attempting de-escalation of the situation with words until it is either resolved or you are forced to defend yourself physically. But either way, I prefer to train martial arts that I believe rely more on gross motor movements because they're more versatile.
I always focus on the target... but I had been shooting traditional archery (gap shooting) for 10 years before I was old enough to buy my own firearm. Focusing on the target was so engrained in my shooting that I legitimately cannot focus on the front sight without taking 5-10 times longer. It was the method I used when I saw combat (granted, that was with a rifle), and I just dont personally see a reason to switch or learn something new. If I ever end up in a self defense situation, I'm fine with relying exclusively with what I learned and what kept me alive. If I end up attacked and target focus gets me killed, I can rest peacefully knowing it ain't my problem anymore.
had that same issue, been into archery my entire life and finally went and picked up a handgun for my house. I had a lot of trouble at first with front-sight focus, it's so different from instinct shooting with a bow
Definitely is different, but if you practice it, instinct shooting with a handgun can be learned as well. It’s not the popular shooting doctrine taught by instructors, but those who are good at it definitely hold their own.
Mm interesting, in a different line, im used to just not focusing on either at all, i find i hit my shots best when i just let my body take over. Granted its airsoft so its wildly different from a real self defense situation.
That comes from knowing your pistol so well that you point shoot it to a high degree. I’ve had 2 pistols that I’ve been able to do that with, and it takes a lot of trigger time.
Absolutely. Shooting 2 eyes open is what I recommend everyone do, however my camera is monocular, not binocular so it wasn’t possible to film that way 😅
@@deusvult6920 meet me at the range I’ll show you sumn buddy. You shoot 1 eye and I’ll shoot 2 eyes and we’ll test speed accuracy range and multiple target speed
My training was that this is decided by distance from the target/threat. For further distances, focus on the front sight. For closer distances, focus on the threat. At what distance should you switch methods? Get range time in and decide for yourself what works for you. You'll know when you're practicing where the switch over should be.
Starting with target shooting with my dad as a kid to my military training, I noticed that after firing 1000s of rounds, I no longer consciously focus on the sights. Through muscle and eye memory, I am able to just point and shoot. The small adjustments happen automatically. ( I still have to adjust for externals such as windage) I'm 60 years old now and I have a slight tremor in my hands, but I can still group 5 rounds center mass at 30 yards. My point is, even mediocre shooters can become proficient with the proper training and practice. Practice, practice, practice.
In self defense you better have a target focus and “muscle memory” because there is no time for looking at the sights. You better be looking at the threat
I think in most accounts, unless there was a very deliberate shot taken where the shooter had to precisely use their sights, it kind of ends up as background noise in your memory. I'm sure I used my sights in numerous situations of force on force training I've been in, as well as shoot house drills, but trying to recall whether I had target or sight focus just isn't there. That's why getting the reps, especially under stress with a timer on the range is so important. You get to the point that you are extending, picking up your sights, and firing without having to think about it. That way, when you are presented with a threat, and your heart rate goes from 70bpm to 140+ in a flash, you aren't thinking about those small things and can instead respond to the threat as you've trained. So you likely saw your sights, it was just such a minor part of the experience that your brain filtered it out.
100%. Training to the point it becomes second nature and subconscious is the goal. 👌🏻 Like a instructor of mine use to say-“don’t train till you get it right, train so much until you cannot get it wrong.”
There is always time to find a good sight picture. This is how people get killed by stray bullets. Sight picture, grip/ hand positioning/ trigger manipulation are your 3 keys to great accuracy with a handgun.
Depends on distance and the level of accuracy you are trying to achieve. If you are going for a face shot of a hostage taker at 15-20 yards, you should probably aim. If you're dealing with a threat at like 7-10 yards taking center of mass shots, your natural point of aim is likely sufficient.
Target focus is what i caught myself doing and I didn't realize till I watched a video when I had got back from the range talking about this topic. I agree that both are circumstantial.
Agreed. Probably 8/10 times I shoot target focused because it’s faster and I’ve trained to make accurate hits that way. That being said, If I need to make a very precise shot, especially at distance I will take the added time and front sight focus.
Practice in dry-fire for muscle memory: Identity target, bring weapon up, transition to front sight focus. With practice, the aim will be where you are looking. Then you can shoot accurately, quickly, with muscle memory. To make it more challenging, you can test yourself, by identifying the target, closing your eyes, bring the weapon up, opening your eyes to check aim.
My close range vision is naturally out of focus when trying to read, or focus on iron sights. I have no choice but to view fuzzy irons and focus on the target. It works though for precise A zone shots I have to slow way down for out past 15 yds
That’s definitely true. The further out and the smaller the target, the harder it is to get good hits for sure with a target focus (unless you’re running a dot of course)
Focusing on sight alignment should be taught to be a tool to develop proper trigger press as not to alter the alignment during the press. This also allows to identify where in your press the sights deviate to indicate where to correct the press, grip, finger placement or overtravel of the trigger. Once a muscle memory trigger press has been established it is common to switch to a target oriented focus. Great video demonstration.
I’m a target shooter with plenty of 1st placements and I use the second method and have been using that for my entire career, I like to be able to see what I’m hitting not what I’m hitting with if that makes sense
It does not make sense and in fact doing it your way assures less comprehension for where the gun is pointed. Always focus on the front sight for best results. Creds: US Distinguished Rifleman, American High Power Rifleman in Long-Range, and Military Rifle Instructor assisting USAMU deliver SDM, TTT, and SAFS Training.
In a competition where shot placement matters, focusing on the front sight is the way to go. In a speed competition or combative scenario, target will always take priority.
What matters is who hits first not who misses first! Shot placement always matters in both competitions and combat. With Iron Sights Front Sight Focus should always take priority. Iron sights, front sight focus Red dot, target focus
In the Corps, were were taught to focus on our target, the sights should be slightly blurred. Must have worked, because I qualified not only expert, but expert with the same exact score every year. Look THROUGH your sights, eyes on the target.
Lol you physically do not have time to draw your weapon or pick up your rifle from whatever position it’s it and drive the gun towards the direction of the threat as the threat is actively engaging you or about to. Your mind will forget what a sight is even a red dot. Your red dot may be there but you won’t realize you’re seeing it in a hundredth of a second action your body is doing and thinking to survive. Also Range doesn’t matter because you’re not telling yourself “ohh yeah I’m at 6 yards away so I don’t have to see my front sight”. Yeah that happens. If someone is shooting at you with a weapon and rounds impact you before you blink even 100 yards away, you think you’re going to pick up your gun aim it perfectly before you get shot? Well that’s saying something of anyone who says otherwise and hasnt seen the barrel of a weapon about to blow them away and the hiss of rounds and then impacting behind you. This is why the top shooters that have been in combat say anyone that says they have time to aim hasn’t been there and is blowing smoke up peoples asses from flat range work. You have to identify a target, what it’s doing, etc. you also have to get the fuck off the X and a lot of times you can’t even do that it’s too fast. This is coming from zero combat experience😉🫡
Awesome. Finally someone who shows both ways aaaaand their strengths. In my opinion the point shoot should be part of that discussion as well but still, I like that clip
Target acquisition is so hard for some people to understand. A video on that would be fantastic so I could link to that instead of explaining it. Also much easier to understand when you can actually see what is being explained. Great video.
Thanks! Are you referring to acquiring the target initially and getting the first shot off, or tracking it between shots or even multiple target transitions?
Haha, fair enough! I’m hoping to get another camera here soon (go pro style) to be able to better pick up what I’m looking at without having to hold a camera and a pistol simultaneously.
Target is the correct answer You should be practicing enough that you can always align your sights to your eye. Most advanced shooters will bring the sights into position while focusing on the target. Another advance shooting technique is leaving both eyes open. Again, you’re focusing on the target and bringing your sights to your eye that’s already locked on. That said, you don’t wanna stare at the target either because of eye fatigue. So it’s best to acquire your target. Put your sites on target and slow steady squeeze the trigger.
I focus on the target and hit every time but switched to a red dot holosun now I have a clear view of the target and know my sights are on the target at all times
@carpe diem well my eyes would sometimes take time to line up the front sight and keep eyes on target owning a red dot and training your eyes wit that is a lot faster
one is for target shooting and the other is for combat shooting, me personally i say it’s much more practical to focus on your target more just due to my background of combat shooting for the majority of my shooting years, now don’t get me wrong i love target shooting too and that’s how i got in to shooting so it holds a special place in my heart, the only reason i say that focusing on your target is best overall for both is only because it builds mental reps for that in case you need to when your out and about
100% agree with ya. If I have the time to build a crisp sight picture on a high contrast fixed target, it’s usually a front sight focus. If it’s a pull up and shoot fast or the target is blurred or moving, it’s a target focus. Each one has its place.
The problem is that humans have a tendency to focus on imminent danger automatically, and no amount of training is going to program that out of a human's mind in a time of high stress. But with enough training with the clear tip/blurry target, getting accurate shots will make it that your muscle memory will be of a huge assistance if ever, all of a sudden, you're confronted with danger. I drew and fired an HK at a target at 10 meters and over to the side at 15 meters in 2.2 seconds, refined precision. It wasn't aim, it was muscle memory, and my brain didn't let me focus on the front sight because I put so much pressure to have the best score. And I wasn't planning on deviating from my plan to find the front sight. You press forward with both arms, get the isosceles going, and the rest is down range.
That’s false. In very close quarters, you focus on target to see how they are moving and react to that. Natural point of aim will lead you to hitting target. But without great accuracy Accuracy, it’s focusing on sights always, focus on what you can control, you can’t control the target but you can control your weapon.
The hardest part for me when shooting accurately is getting used to my target not being as "in focus" as it was in video games, it really throws off your visual intuition when you start learning.
So from my time in the military, practiced a lot of quick draw and fire techniques 4 shots in 2 seconds sequence. If I have an immediate threat in front of me I'm alresdy firing as I bring the gun up to eye level. Instinctive aiming is best for self defense situations.
This is why red dots are so useful. Fast target aquisition, great for low-light scenarios, easy to see dot (so long as red dot is not cheap, poor quality), and no split-plane focusing. Love having red dots on my hand guns
Target focus is fantastic with plenty of practice and being able to rely on a bit of subconscious and instinct. Sight focus is great when trying to 'push' the shot
For beginners focus on the sights, until you get used to them, your aiming gets more stable and you have good muscle memory with practice, focusing on the target gets better
I've always done target focus with irons. And I can hit out to 100 yards easily doing that. Never cared for front sight focus. Everyone will say it's wrong, but I get results. I'd rather be able to see my target clearly, and just line up some identical looking blocky blurs which are my sights. Equal height equal light works perfectly when blurred, as they blur equally and you still have a flat edge.
What matters is who hits first not who misses first! Shot placement always matters in both competitions and combat. With Iron Sights Front Sight Focus should always take priority. Iron sights, front sight focus Red dot, target focus
Belief is with sight focus. You can always see your target in the background, so focusing on your sights allows you to make accurate placements. You should never rely on just one, both have their use, but i believe in sight focus the most.
I was always taught to keep both eyes open. One can focus on target and one can focus on the sights. It has done me well, it was just difficult to learn.
use right eye to focus sights and left eye to focus the target. It takes a few weeks to master but once you do, you will see both crisp and clear. - Former green beret.
I've always been taught a 1-2-3 method, if you have time you adjust your focus from rear sight, front sight, then target. When you don't have time you go from rear to front and then fire when necessary
I say used which one that actually works for you. I was taught target identification and shooting almost simultaneously. Using a modified Weaver stance. the purpose is if you have get shots off on multiple shots off in rapid succession. it doesn't rely on steady aim but rapid acquisition, and uses not the sights but the top of the barrel. I never completely mastered it but it actually works well.
I have learned something similar, and especially on speed shots inside of 10-15 yards that is exactly what I use. Sights float but I’m more positioning the target over the slide during recoil
@@thereloadingcraft if you don't mind a small explanation, too many think the average gun fight is at long distance, it's only 7 yards. What I was taught, keep both eyes open spare magazine in your off hand aligned with the grip. Look down the barrel not the sights, remember you are not shooting for points on paper so don't worry about exact placement, when a target is hit it will drop. As long as the muzzle is within the kill zone ,chest or abdomen. Headshots are for dreamers and John Wick. Keep your head and shoulders aligned you move one you move the other. Reload in battery, Knees bent lead shoulder ahead of your own center mass, do not present your center mass. So if you are hit it's less likely to be a kill shot. Move swiftly. That's pretty much it. A similar technique to people like John Wesley Hardin. It's how the best gunslingers survived so many encounters. They often shaved off the sights because they didn't worry about shot placement but just hit squarely. Biggest thing don't get cocky or fancy. Just acquire the target and shoot, that's the thing on your mind, that's how I was taught
@@stevenbaker8184 that’s fine and mostly valid for the average concealed carrier. I volunteer as church security in a building that stretches 50+ yards front to back, and any given time has several hundred people all in close proximity. Does everyone have to deal with that? No. But if need be Jack Wilson’s incident shows us the necessity of precision and speed. I’d rather have the skill and have an easy shot than need to make a tight shot and scrub it under stress.
@@thereloadingcraft you just proved my point. You still are shooting for what the Marine Corps designated an AREA target. The person who taught me was an old FBI field agent. What I failed to elaborate on is the fact that you are moving towards the targets not away from, and why rapid target identification is crucial. In your environment you have to adapt the method on the fly,and ensure your congregation is not in your line of fire. Similar methods same outcome (if practical without endangering non target individuals). What I was taught is how to navigate a police or FBI practical range. Your scenerio is not covered in that but being adaptive is again crucial. Now I'm not LEO in any way. It's more useful in a multiple target setting ie like the movie End of Watch. The training is something similar to what you seen in the first version of point break. Except without the shotgun. Now I understand where you are talking about, but the method still works, because you are NOT trying to be a competition shooter. You goal is to drop the target as quickly as possible without injury. That's why training is important. It works at distance if you train to it. The modified Weaver stance allows you to be more stable than standard and has the added benefit of reducing your own chances of getting killed, not necessarily injured. Train for all scenarios. You aim for center mass anyway so the method still works. If you watch some of the modern tactical shooters do it's actually very close to what I am describing ( minus loading in battery) except I was taught it years before that. If you practice to it you won't flub your shot. It's also helpful to develop the "one shot one kill no exceptions" mentality. Once it's mastered it is useful in all but a very few scenerios.
Age induced myopia make’s focusing on iron sights difficult. It try and put them in alignment with my target as best as possible. This is where it’s helpful to have a scope or red dot when possible.
It’s not just about seeing the target itself more clearly, but it’s also about one eye open versus two. Typically people who front sight focus are using strictly their dominant eye, and the other is closed. With both eyes open, and target focusing, you have the ability to see more in your peripheral vision, which is important in a real threat engagement. You never know what other threats may be off to the side during combat. Therefore I always find it more beneficial to train that way.
I use both methods frequently but for self defense type shooting i believe target focus is almost always the way to go. You get more awareness and more importantly, it's what your body will probably default to anyway. I FSF when shooting for groups, zeroing or shooting long range.
I can't say its a very good demonstration since it is just a one eye open perspective with the camera. I suppose its good if you are just at the range having some fun with paper, but I think recommend to friends to try their best to get used to shooting with both eyes open which changes the experience on focus a good bit.
The single camera focus is a limitation (you’re losing the peripheral from your second eye) and the camera does show the focus difference in greater contrast than what a normal human eye does, yes. The goal of it was to clearly explain the “clear sight blurry target” and “blurry sight clear target” comparison since so many people don’t know how or when to do either.
>Whenever playing pool, i look at the ball i wanna hit then glance at the cue ball and where my stick is aiming and just imagine the line of travel. That's the most important thing is imagining the line, and you're just at the beginning of it. Like in golf, most of it is based on mentally imagining where you want it to end up. Don't forget to use your third eye too along with your two physical eyes haha. That's more important than your focal point, but my preference is target like others have explained, better situational awareness, and also when shooting bow and arros, the target focus is better for me.
The first method is the goal, the proper method in marksmanship. The 2nd method is the reality, it’s what actually happens in gunfight or high stress scenario. You’re not aiming during that. You’re using point sight or point box shooting.
The first method is good for target shooting and competition. The 2nd is good for combat marksmanship and gun fighting. Both have an important place.
This is also a good argument for red dot optics. It blends both of these into one and makes this argument irrelevant. But I still like iron sights as well. They serve a purpose.
Very well said!
Thank you 🙏
Ill never go to open sights ever again!!! So quick and accurate with my Elite 10mm and Holosun 508Titanium green dot! Apple off you head at 50 yards! Guys are shooting 200 yards with this set up dinking around, that one popular RUclipsr hit a turkey steel target at 410 yards in 4-5 shots! The hold over wasnt as high as you would think! They made a new round with the 10mm pistol round and necked it down a tad to .338 amd they are subsonic and it's a beautiful little set up
Sooooo true, EXPERIENCE with both 🤪🤣
Accurate synopsis.
No discussion of a correct method, just a display of the two. Much appreciated.
It's not complicated, he literally perfectly described both concepts here tf
That was the goal 👌🏻☺️ and thanks guys
Very informative, straight up and to the point, you love to see it
It's up to individuals and varies, depending on situation.
@The Reloading Craft What Brand Of Handgun Is that?
Focus on target about 95% of the time. If going for precision, I focus on the front sight. Just as you described. I'd rather be more aware of what the target/threat is doing, instead of being concerned with the size of my front sight.
In my unit we always taught the guys for marksmanship at a bit of distance you focus on the front sight, but once the fighting starts your adrenal response is going to make it incredibly difficult to focus on anything other than the threat, so both need to be trained but target focus is going to be what saves your life 9 times out of 10. It has to be trained consistently though, because a big part of it is building the muscle memory to keep your sights on target even when it's not a conscious thought.
As you should
It's about the front sight. No competit ion shooter worth a damn suggests focusing on the target, unless it's so close you don't bother with aiming
There's no debate. You always focus on the front sight no matter what.
Threat focus with iron sights flash sight picture up to maybe 6 or 7 yards and with red dot optics at any distance. Front sight focus with iron sights (okay, plastic sights on a Glock) at anything greater than 6 to 7 yards. It's easy to aim at the center of a blurred target, because the center of a blur is still the center, but accurate hits at distance are virtually impossible with iron sights without focus on the front sight.
The vast majority of defensive firearm use is at less than 7 yards. Just had to throw that in.
@@calanon534, many (most?) folks are happy to train only for the statistical average - "the vast majority" of defensive encounters. However, to be truly prepared, a defender must train well beyond the statistical average. Just had to throw that in also.
I learned shooting with optics, and I shot irons in a match for the first time at last year's USPSA production nationals with a factory G34. I experimented with both front sight and target focus during the match, and I found that I actually had better accuracy at distance using a deliberate target focus. There was one stage that had a 35-40 yard partial USPSA target with a hard cover steel covering the lower half and another steel plate behind the target to remove auditory feedback and necessitate shot calling. I took four shots at the target with a deliberate target focus, and I ended up with four hits within a few inches of each other. I ended up having more misses when aiming at difficult targets with a front sight focus than with a target focus. This may be because of my acclimatization to shooting with red dots, however.
It’s definitely possible, and I find it especially true when shooting small or low contrast targets that you can’t properly see when front sight focusing. Target focusing has its place too, but it is limited
Maybe I'm just old, but target focus is def needed when shooting at longer distances, over 25 yds
The first short video that has a beginning and a end. You deserve an award from youtube.
Thanks!
Yeah those looped RUclips shorts are cringe
Probably one of few if not the only video that actually presents the difference in the viewpoints irl. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
Excellent video.. no BS no messing around just pure information.. I’m gonna be watching more
I've never thought of focusing on the target. I've always sight focused. But damn was that enlightening.
always train on target focus. being able to do both is ok but when a self defense situation comes up you must naturally aim and have the target in focus not only for properly identifying the target but continuing to identify the target as a threat. if you lose the fine details of an engagement the consequences can be problematic. also just shoot with both eyes open its a simple training task that usually becomes second nature within a few training sessions.
My thoughts exactly 👌🏻
Agreed. Our brains are naturally hard wired to focus on a threat the same way they're hard wired to have both eyes open during a violent encounter. Whenever you're in a self defense encounter, techniques that are closest to how your body naturally reacts give you the best chance of survival. That's why people often ridicule all the self defense videos with flashy techniques that look like they come out of a superhero movie - because they rely so much on fine motor function and not the gross motor function that you naturally default to during a stressful encounter, that even if you were trained to use them you'd likely neglect to do so during the hour of need.
Makes sense.
Sight focus might make sense for the first shot or two once you decide you need to advance on the target quickly , but switching to focusing on the target is more important after that fact.
I agree, being able to do both is important. I think there's a slight prioritization involved.
At the end of the day, you'll most likely be within 7-10 yards of a threat where either way won't matter much at all.
I was at the range one day with my son explaining to him the distance which most threats of self protection occur, and without aiming down the sights of my revolver I just pointed and pulled the trigger and hit all shots center mass 10 yards out without trying to aim.
@@McCaroni_Sup Yup, it's like how despite how I had been training on how to box for over a year, I still managed to break my hand twice in actual fights because I couldn't remember my discipline in that moment and started punching sloppily with my pinky and ring knuckles (floater knuckles) and fractured them on a person's face twice lmao
@@GlorifiedGremlin Oof, sorry for your knuckles. Training is good but unfortunately it seems us humans have our limits - we can't beat our physiology.
A lot of martial arts really are focused on fine motor skills. It's not necessarily a steadfast rule that all fights would only have gross motor skills be available to you. That really depends on a couple of factors like adrenaline and just your general physiology. I've even heard that you can regain your fine motor skills mid-fight if you get surprised, though I'm not sure of the veracity of such a claim because I've never really been in a "real" fight and I don't plan to anytime soon. You can use fine motor skills better when you're expecting a fight - such as when sparring or in a tournament. But when it comes to the real world you will rarely anticipate having to defend yourself unless someone is going all tough guy on you to save their ego; but at that point you'd be better served by simply attempting de-escalation of the situation with words until it is either resolved or you are forced to defend yourself physically. But either way, I prefer to train martial arts that I believe rely more on gross motor movements because they're more versatile.
This is a really good demonstration and is exactly how video formatted media should be used! Excellent.
Thank you!
It's a non-issue when you get to your fifty's and can't see either sight.
As a US Marine, we are taught, the sights are for snipers. Shoot the threat. Period. Semper Fi
That explains a few things I've learned over the past 27 years teaching police recruits....
As an infantry Marine, I don't know what the fuck you are talking about.
Can also vouch that carries over to Army. It never failed me in Iraq or Afghanistan, I'm living proof.
I always focus on the target... but I had been shooting traditional archery (gap shooting) for 10 years before I was old enough to buy my own firearm. Focusing on the target was so engrained in my shooting that I legitimately cannot focus on the front sight without taking 5-10 times longer. It was the method I used when I saw combat (granted, that was with a rifle), and I just dont personally see a reason to switch or learn something new. If I ever end up in a self defense situation, I'm fine with relying exclusively with what I learned and what kept me alive. If I end up attacked and target focus gets me killed, I can rest peacefully knowing it ain't my problem anymore.
had that same issue, been into archery my entire life and finally went and picked up a handgun for my house. I had a lot of trouble at first with front-sight focus, it's so different from instinct shooting with a bow
Definitely is different, but if you practice it, instinct shooting with a handgun can be learned as well. It’s not the popular shooting doctrine taught by instructors, but those who are good at it definitely hold their own.
Mm interesting, in a different line, im used to just not focusing on either at all, i find i hit my shots best when i just let my body take over. Granted its airsoft so its wildly different from a real self defense situation.
That comes from knowing your pistol so well that you point shoot it to a high degree. I’ve had 2 pistols that I’ve been able to do that with, and it takes a lot of trigger time.
Teacher: use a summary
Tells the whole book
There is also one more method - don't lock on one focal point and open up your peripherals to have considerably improved spatial awareness.
Absolutely. Shooting 2 eyes open is what I recommend everyone do, however my camera is monocular, not binocular so it wasn’t possible to film that way 😅
Those dude misses a lot of shots
@@deusvult6920 meet me at the range I’ll show you sumn buddy. You shoot 1 eye and I’ll shoot 2 eyes and we’ll test speed accuracy range and multiple target speed
@@deusvult6920 not if you practice.
My training was that this is decided by distance from the target/threat. For further distances, focus on the front sight. For closer distances, focus on the threat.
At what distance should you switch methods? Get range time in and decide for yourself what works for you. You'll know when you're practicing where the switch over should be.
Starting with target shooting with my dad as a kid to my military training, I noticed that after firing 1000s of rounds, I no longer consciously focus on the sights. Through muscle and eye memory, I am able to just point and shoot. The small adjustments happen automatically. ( I still have to adjust for externals such as windage) I'm 60 years old now and I have a slight tremor in my hands, but I can still group 5 rounds center mass at 30 yards. My point is, even mediocre shooters can become proficient with the proper training and practice. Practice, practice, practice.
100% agree, and couldn’t have said it better myself 👌🏻
In self defense you better have a target focus and “muscle memory” because there is no time for looking at the sights. You better be looking at the threat
Humans naturally threat focus under stress bud.
Those sights are not a design flaw use them flash sight picture is a very real thing I can attest to.
I think in most accounts, unless there was a very deliberate shot taken where the shooter had to precisely use their sights, it kind of ends up as background noise in your memory. I'm sure I used my sights in numerous situations of force on force training I've been in, as well as shoot house drills, but trying to recall whether I had target or sight focus just isn't there. That's why getting the reps, especially under stress with a timer on the range is so important. You get to the point that you are extending, picking up your sights, and firing without having to think about it. That way, when you are presented with a threat, and your heart rate goes from 70bpm to 140+ in a flash, you aren't thinking about those small things and can instead respond to the threat as you've trained. So you likely saw your sights, it was just such a minor part of the experience that your brain filtered it out.
100%. Training to the point it becomes second nature and subconscious is the goal. 👌🏻
Like a instructor of mine use to say-“don’t train till you get it right, train so much until you cannot get it wrong.”
There is always time to find a good sight picture. This is how people get killed by stray bullets.
Sight picture, grip/ hand positioning/ trigger manipulation are your 3 keys to great accuracy with a handgun.
Practice enough and you don’t even have to use sights. Just point and squeeze.
100% agree
Been working on my point shooting lately and if you’re comfortable and have reps in with your pistol, it’s quite natural to do.
True thats how i find that i usually aim in airsoft. Although thats probably really different
Depends on distance and the level of accuracy you are trying to achieve. If you are going for a face shot of a hostage taker at 15-20 yards, you should probably aim. If you're dealing with a threat at like 7-10 yards taking center of mass shots, your natural point of aim is likely sufficient.
This is why I love RUclips. Well done Sir! salute!
Thank ya!
Target focus is what i caught myself doing and I didn't realize till I watched a video when I had got back from the range talking about this topic. I agree that both are circumstantial.
Agreed. Probably 8/10 times I shoot target focused because it’s faster and I’ve trained to make accurate hits that way. That being said, If I need to make a very precise shot, especially at distance I will take the added time and front sight focus.
Practice in dry-fire for muscle memory: Identity target, bring weapon up, transition to front sight focus. With practice, the aim will be where you are looking. Then you can shoot accurately, quickly, with muscle memory. To make it more challenging, you can test yourself, by identifying the target, closing your eyes, bring the weapon up, opening your eyes to check aim.
Dis is de wey
Screw the gun lesson, I'm impressed how you got your camera to focus on a close and distant target on demand.
Thanks! 😁
My close range vision is naturally out of focus when trying to read, or focus on iron sights. I have no choice but to view fuzzy irons and focus on the target. It works though for precise A zone shots I have to slow way down for out past 15 yds
That’s definitely true. The further out and the smaller the target, the harder it is to get good hits for sure with a target focus (unless you’re running a dot of course)
My eyes do this automatically, back and forth to even make the shot more precise...Best of both worlds.
I switch back and forth but mostly focus on the front sight.
Focusing on sight alignment should be taught to be a tool to develop proper trigger press as not to alter the alignment during the press. This also allows to identify where in your press the sights deviate to indicate where to correct the press, grip, finger placement or overtravel of the trigger. Once a muscle memory trigger press has been established it is common to switch to a target oriented focus. Great video demonstration.
I’m a target shooter with plenty of 1st placements and I use the second method and have been using that for my entire career, I like to be able to see what I’m hitting not what I’m hitting with if that makes sense
It does not make sense and in fact doing it your way assures less comprehension for where the gun is pointed. Always focus on the front sight for best results. Creds: US Distinguished Rifleman, American High Power Rifleman in Long-Range, and Military Rifle Instructor assisting USAMU deliver SDM, TTT, and SAFS Training.
What an awesome video. Well done, we’ll executed, no debate just facts.
Thank you! That was the goal haha
In a competition where shot placement matters, focusing on the front sight is the way to go. In a speed competition or combative scenario, target will always take priority.
What matters is who hits first not who misses first! Shot placement always matters in both competitions and combat. With Iron Sights Front Sight Focus should always take priority.
Iron sights, front sight focus
Red dot, target focus
Learn something new everyday. Thank you.
As an athlete, you ALWAYS focus on your target. Your body will adjust naturally without doing anything.
In the Corps, were were taught to focus on our target, the sights should be slightly blurred.
Must have worked, because I qualified not only expert, but expert with the same exact score every year.
Look THROUGH your sights, eyes on the target.
My father was a range instructor, and I’ll never forget his words. ALWAYS FOCUS FRONT SIGHT!!!
21 years in the Army. Always taught to focus on the front sight center mass on the target. I don’t have a problem engaging the target.
Lol you physically do not have time to draw your weapon or pick up your rifle from whatever position it’s it and drive the gun towards the direction of the threat as the threat is actively engaging you or about to. Your mind will forget what a sight is even a red dot. Your red dot may be there but you won’t realize you’re seeing it in a hundredth of a second action your body is doing and thinking to survive. Also Range doesn’t matter because you’re not telling yourself “ohh yeah I’m at 6 yards away so I don’t have to see my front sight”. Yeah that happens. If someone is shooting at you with a weapon and rounds impact you before you blink even 100 yards away, you think you’re going to pick up your gun aim it perfectly before you get shot? Well that’s saying something of anyone who says otherwise and hasnt seen the barrel of a weapon about to blow them away and the hiss of rounds and then impacting behind you. This is why the top shooters that have been in combat say anyone that says they have time to aim hasn’t been there and is blowing smoke up peoples asses from flat range work. You have to identify a target, what it’s doing, etc. you also have to get the fuck off the X and a lot of times you can’t even do that it’s too fast. This is coming from zero combat experience😉🫡
I Love Sigsauer. Im from Thailand.
It's hard to get a firearm license on my country.
@@thereloadingcraft www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2017-10-23/thailand-amendments-to-firearms-law/?loclr=bloglaw
Fuck laws get your gun , don't tell anybody and go to the Bush to shoot and train.
Awesome.
Finally someone who shows both ways aaaaand their strengths.
In my opinion the point shoot should be part of that discussion as well but still, I like that clip
Thank you! Doing a point shooting explanation is definitely worth showcasing on the channel sometime soon!
Always front sight focus. No question about it.
Situational. In most self defense situations you'll want to focus on the target. If accuracy is a must, front sight.
Well said
my dumbass thought this was airsoft and I genuinely jumped when it fired a live round 💀
Congrats. Thanks for sharing
That's what his target thought too 💀
They are both the correct methods. Use them both, mainly focus on the target but sight alignment is equally important.
Thank you for knowing how to manually control your camera for properly conveying the message it’s perfect
Well thank ya! It’s not 100% the same as far as focus amounts to the human eye, but it’s close.
Target acquisition is so hard for some people to understand. A video on that would be fantastic so I could link to that instead of explaining it. Also much easier to understand when you can actually see what is being explained.
Great video.
Thanks! Are you referring to acquiring the target initially and getting the first shot off, or tracking it between shots or even multiple target transitions?
@@thereloadingcraft originally referring to initial target acquisition but the rest sounds good too... Gotta leave something for me to teach ☺️
Haha, fair enough! I’m hoping to get another camera here soon (go pro style) to be able to better pick up what I’m looking at without having to hold a camera and a pistol simultaneously.
@@thereloadingcraftyou earned my sub. You're awesome.
Glad to hear it! If you have any topic suggestions or ideas for improvement, let me know!
Target is the correct answer
You should be practicing enough that you can always align your sights to your eye. Most advanced shooters will bring the sights into position while focusing on the target.
Another advance shooting technique is leaving both eyes open. Again, you’re focusing on the target and bringing your sights to your eye that’s already locked on.
That said, you don’t wanna stare at the target either because of eye fatigue. So it’s best to acquire your target. Put your sites on target and slow steady squeeze the trigger.
Both eyes open isn't advanced. That's like 101 for marksman
Thats a really clever use of camera focus to show the different focus points, well done man thanks for the info👍
I focus on the target and hit every time but switched to a red dot holosun now I have a clear view of the target and know my sights are on the target at all times
Nice! Red dots are nice that way!
@carpe diem well my eyes would sometimes take time to line up the front sight and keep eyes on target owning a red dot and training your eyes wit that is a lot faster
@carpe diem I first perfected my iron sight shooting for accuracy, then upgraded to red dot for speed
This was something I have never even thought about, very interesting!
Never considered the distinction, but it seems very clear that Clear Focus, upon the threat, is the way to go, in a 'combat' situation
one is for target shooting and the other is for combat shooting, me personally i say it’s much more practical to focus on your target more just due to my background of combat shooting for the majority of my shooting years, now don’t get me wrong i love target shooting too and that’s how i got in to shooting so it holds a special place in my heart, the only reason i say that focusing on your target is best overall for both is only because it builds mental reps for that in case you need to when your out and about
100% agree with ya. If I have the time to build a crisp sight picture on a high contrast fixed target, it’s usually a front sight focus. If it’s a pull up and shoot fast or the target is blurred or moving, it’s a target focus. Each one has its place.
Clear tip, blurry target. That's what the Marines taught me. I'll take it to my grave.
The problem is that humans have a tendency to focus on imminent danger automatically, and no amount of training is going to program that out of a human's mind in a time of high stress. But with enough training with the clear tip/blurry target, getting accurate shots will make it that your muscle memory will be of a huge assistance if ever, all of a sudden, you're confronted with danger.
I drew and fired an HK at a target at 10 meters and over to the side at 15 meters in 2.2 seconds, refined precision. It wasn't aim, it was muscle memory, and my brain didn't let me focus on the front sight because I put so much pressure to have the best score. And I wasn't planning on deviating from my plan to find the front sight. You press forward with both arms, get the isosceles going, and the rest is down range.
War is different. You know which direction not to fire.
Always focus on the target, not only for more awareness but you will also be more accurate.
That’s false.
In very close quarters, you focus on target to see how they are moving and react to that. Natural point of aim will lead you to hitting target. But without great accuracy
Accuracy, it’s focusing on sights always, focus on what you can control, you can’t control the target but you can control your weapon.
Target focus, and this is a hill I will die on 🤷♂️
@@thereloadingcraft Facts, going to the target focus is just a lot faster and just minimally less accurate
Well done. Short, sweet, informative...
My grandpa was a real cowboy and so was his dad. They shot from the waist. They had better aim than my uncle who’s a cop.
interesting. i always had trouble deciding between which focus to use. this gives me a good guidline for the future.
The waffle house has found its new host
Perfect example of why RDS handguns are so great. Best of both worlds
In that regard they are, but they aren’t without issues either…(coming from a guy that runs RDS and irons both)
That’s what’s nice about a red dot optic. A target focus still allows the same amount of precision.
That is prolly the best explanation to someone who learning. Cool video
Thank you!
I like to focus my left eye on the target, and my right eye on the front sight. Takes a while to get used to, but works amazingly well!
LOL
You're just trying to confuse people.
Needed this information, great explanation man, thank you 🙏
Use a red dot reticle and see both the target and the sights. And do so using both eyes. Situational awareness is the most important asset you have.
wonderful demonstration
Thank you!
excellent break down
Thanks!
The hardest part for me when shooting accurately is getting used to my target not being as "in focus" as it was in video games, it really throws off your visual intuition when you start learning.
This was very well done! Thank you!
You’re most welcome. Appreciate the feedback!
So from my time in the military, practiced a lot of quick draw and fire techniques 4 shots in 2 seconds sequence. If I have an immediate threat in front of me I'm alresdy firing as I bring the gun up to eye level. Instinctive aiming is best for self defense situations.
100% agree, especially at close contact distances.
Great use of the video to show what you’re explaining! Awesome short!
Thank you!
Love hearing precise and accurate explanations. A question in the difference is always asked in surveying.
This is why red dots are so useful. Fast target aquisition, great for low-light scenarios, easy to see dot (so long as red dot is not cheap, poor quality), and no split-plane focusing. Love having red dots on my hand guns
Target focus is fantastic with plenty of practice and being able to rely on a bit of subconscious and instinct. Sight focus is great when trying to 'push' the shot
Well said 👌🏻 and I agree.
thank you I love using iron sights for the challenge.
Front sight focus is the proper choice.
This is why a red dot sight is so great for gun fighting: you can target focus without diminished accuracy.
with glass focus on retical, use your other eye for peripheral detail. with iron sight's this video is perfect
Thanks!
For beginners focus on the sights, until you get used to them, your aiming gets more stable and you have good muscle memory with practice, focusing on the target gets better
Absolutely agreed
Whatever works whenever, for me, as a broad generalization, it's better with the front sight.
This was a good interpretation!!!
depends on how close the target is. if it's a close target, soft focus on sight.
if it's far target, soft focus on target
haven't seen a lot of videos like that… That's true to form right there. good video.
Thank you!
I've always done target focus with irons. And I can hit out to 100 yards easily doing that. Never cared for front sight focus. Everyone will say it's wrong, but I get results.
I'd rather be able to see my target clearly, and just line up some identical looking blocky blurs which are my sights. Equal height equal light works perfectly when blurred, as they blur equally and you still have a flat edge.
Direct and to the point good video
Thanks!
What matters is who hits first not who misses first! Shot placement always matters in both competitions and combat. With Iron Sights Front Sight Focus should always take priority.
Iron sights, front sight focus
Red dot, target focus
always focus on target, your aim will improve over time
Belief is with sight focus. You can always see your target in the background, so focusing on your sights allows you to make accurate placements. You should never rely on just one, both have their use, but i believe in sight focus the most.
Very good display. Can't get more accurate or simpler than that Bravo
Thank you! I wish I could’ve shown some of the peripheral as well, but the camera only had one lens, so couldn’t quite manage haha.
@@thereloadingcraft that is very hard to do with the camera.
Agreed
one of the reasons i love the newer handguns coming out already cut for an optic. put dot on target, pull trigger.
Good camera work
Thanks! It took a bit of setting up to pull off so you could see what I see through the camera
I was always taught to keep both eyes open. One can focus on target and one can focus on the sights. It has done me well, it was just difficult to learn.
Very good information for some that are newer to shooting.
Neither is wrong IMO.
I agree. I use both depending on what I’m doing
use right eye to focus sights and left eye to focus the target. It takes a few weeks to master but once you do, you will see both crisp and clear. - Former green beret.
I've always been taught a 1-2-3 method, if you have time you adjust your focus from rear sight, front sight, then target. When you don't have time you go from rear to front and then fire when necessary
I say used which one that actually works for you. I was taught target identification and shooting almost simultaneously. Using a modified Weaver stance. the purpose is if you have get shots off on multiple shots off in rapid succession. it doesn't rely on steady aim but rapid acquisition, and uses not the sights but the top of the barrel. I never completely mastered it but it actually works well.
I have learned something similar, and especially on speed shots inside of 10-15 yards that is exactly what I use. Sights float but I’m more positioning the target over the slide during recoil
@@thereloadingcraft if you don't mind a small explanation, too many think the average gun fight is at long distance, it's only 7 yards. What I was taught, keep both eyes open spare magazine in your off hand aligned with the grip. Look down the barrel not the sights, remember you are not shooting for points on paper so don't worry about exact placement, when a target is hit it will drop. As long as the muzzle is within the kill zone ,chest or abdomen. Headshots are for dreamers and John Wick. Keep your head and shoulders aligned you move one you move the other. Reload in battery, Knees bent lead shoulder ahead of your own center mass, do not present your center mass. So if you are hit it's less likely to be a kill shot. Move swiftly. That's pretty much it. A similar technique to people like John Wesley Hardin. It's how the best gunslingers survived so many encounters. They often shaved off the sights because they didn't worry about shot placement but just hit squarely. Biggest thing don't get cocky or fancy. Just acquire the target and shoot, that's the thing on your mind, that's how I was taught
@@stevenbaker8184 that’s fine and mostly valid for the average concealed carrier. I volunteer as church security in a building that stretches 50+ yards front to back, and any given time has several hundred people all in close proximity. Does everyone have to deal with that? No. But if need be Jack Wilson’s incident shows us the necessity of precision and speed. I’d rather have the skill and have an easy shot than need to make a tight shot and scrub it under stress.
@@thereloadingcraft you just proved my point. You still are shooting for what the Marine Corps designated an AREA target. The person who taught me was an old FBI field agent. What I failed to elaborate on is the fact that you are moving towards the targets not away from, and why rapid target identification is crucial. In your environment you have to adapt the method on the fly,and ensure your congregation is not in your line of fire. Similar methods same outcome (if practical without endangering non target individuals). What I was taught is how to navigate a police or FBI practical range. Your scenerio is not covered in that but being adaptive is again crucial. Now I'm not LEO in any way. It's more useful in a multiple target setting ie like the movie End of Watch. The training is something similar to what you seen in the first version of point break. Except without the shotgun. Now I understand where you are talking about, but the method still works, because you are NOT trying to be a competition shooter. You goal is to drop the target as quickly as possible without injury. That's why training is important. It works at distance if you train to it. The modified Weaver stance allows you to be more stable than standard and has the added benefit of reducing your own chances of getting killed, not necessarily injured. Train for all scenarios. You aim for center mass anyway so the method still works. If you watch some of the modern tactical shooters do it's actually very close to what I am describing ( minus loading in battery) except I was taught it years before that. If you practice to it you won't flub your shot. It's also helpful to develop the "one shot one kill no exceptions" mentality. Once it's mastered it is useful in all but a very few scenerios.
Nice and simply put
Thanks!
Age induced myopia make’s focusing on iron sights difficult. It try and put them in alignment with my target as best as possible. This is where it’s helpful to have a scope or red dot when possible.
Comparison videos are the best. No bias opinion just information to compare
It’s not just about seeing the target itself more clearly, but it’s also about one eye open versus two. Typically people who front sight focus are using strictly their dominant eye, and the other is closed. With both eyes open, and target focusing, you have the ability to see more in your peripheral vision, which is important in a real threat engagement. You never know what other threats may be off to the side during combat. Therefore I always find it more beneficial to train that way.
This is the problem I have in apex. I was thinking that I had focus issues thanks for clearing this up.
I use both methods frequently but for self defense type shooting i believe target focus is almost always the way to go. You get more awareness and more importantly, it's what your body will probably default to anyway. I FSF when shooting for groups, zeroing or shooting long range.
Exactly same here
I can't say its a very good demonstration since it is just a one eye open perspective with the camera. I suppose its good if you are just at the range having some fun with paper, but I think recommend to friends to try their best to get used to shooting with both eyes open which changes the experience on focus a good bit.
The single camera focus is a limitation (you’re losing the peripheral from your second eye) and the camera does show the focus difference in greater contrast than what a normal human eye does, yes. The goal of it was to clearly explain the “clear sight blurry target” and “blurry sight clear target” comparison since so many people don’t know how or when to do either.
>Whenever playing pool, i look at the ball i wanna hit then glance at the cue ball and where my stick is aiming and just imagine the line of travel. That's the most important thing is imagining the line, and you're just at the beginning of it. Like in golf, most of it is based on mentally imagining where you want it to end up. Don't forget to use your third eye too along with your two physical eyes haha. That's more important than your focal point, but my preference is target like others have explained, better situational awareness, and also when shooting bow and arros, the target focus is better for me.