I've been an instructor for 6+ years, and this is some of the coolest advice I've come across. I don't have a dominant eye, and it's been a constant struggle to practice what I preach. I'm going to try this right away. THANK YOU
After about a month of conscious effort and leaving notes to myself on my ammo can, I can finally do this. Yeah, I'm only shooting paper on the range with nobody shooting back, but still, it works and my hits are just as decent. Cool vid.
Great news. Glad it helped, and you're taking the time to work through it has made you a much better combat shooter. That is what will set you above your peers... This takes more than just watching videos. You got out there and did it. Good for you!!! Thanks for watching. Strength & Honor, TR,
So many people just don’t simplify pistol shooting in particular by just focusing on the front sight post. Some people just don’t try to shoot both eyes open because they are afraid they may not be as accurate at the onset. In addition to this they simply don’t practice the draw stroke to final shooting position, punched out putting rounds downrange and making it the same every time. That repeatable shooting position is a must, thank you the great video! Just subbed!
Try non allergenic free range gluten free Bees Wax. It’s the best eye balm out there for shooting. Not only will it help your dominant eye, but also it’ll keep your submissive eye moist.
""I'm an old guy I joined way back in 1985."" Thanks,, pogue. I joined in 1980 and was on the Czech border (17K/96R) until 1986. Just found your site, enjoying it solid info.
Thanks Glenn, We appreciate the comment. We put out a video every Friday so keep checking back with us and help us spread the word by sharing it with anyone you think might be interested. Strength and Honor, TR
Interesting, this is the first time I've heard the theory that the reason you train with both eyes open is due to the fight or flight response. Ive always heard it articulated that the reasoning by behind doing so is that it maintains better situational awareness. Learning alot of knowledge from you guys, great channel, tier 1 stuff. Keep it up brothers!
I was just messing around with my postal aiming with both eyes. And I can totally see how aiming with both eyes for the first time in a panic situation could get you in trouble.
I've always found it easier to shoot with both eyes open. While you are using your dominant eye to look through the scope my left eye can see what my other can't so I am keeping my field of vision as open as possible. Awesome video bud keep them coming
I found it helps to focus on that front sight- and REALLY focus on it and your eyes will separate to two separate images. You'll see a "duplicate" sight off to the right, and a "duplicate" target off to the left- and you'll learn to ignore them. (Assuming right-eye dominant).
We experimented with shooting with both eyes open when I went through basic in '91. This was to combat the fatigue that comes with keeping the non-dom eye closed for long periods of time. My head DS was infantry and had us shoot with both open during FTX. It definately helps with situational awareness and eliminates one more thing you have to worry about. When I came back in in '09, shooting with both eyes open was unheard of amongst both the guys I went through WTC and AIT with. I would have thought that with CQB being more of a focus that the technique would have been at least touched on, if not common.
you are telling me you came in in 91 and almost 20 years later again? never read a more false statement.. why take the time to construct a lie to sound relevant? also, is that the only shooting experience in your : "military career" basic training? fuckin stop with the lies of serving ... serving aint that kool man... no need to try and fit in..
Like you, I went through the same US Army basic training shooting with one eye open. My whole time in the army and into the Army National Guard the same old training, keep one eye closed. Since buying my first AR-15 in December 2015, I started training myself to shoot with both eyes open. Its not easy but it can be done. Dry fire practice with no ammo around, one can retrain themselves. Worst thing I experienced in the army was going from post to post and never seeing a range the whole 24 months. I started retraining after I purchased my first red dot sight that requires you to shoot both eyes open. USA!
I grew up shooting comp shoots being taught with my non-dom eye closed. Dad was instructor btw (but knew his stuff). Placed well. Then I watched American Sniper about Chris Kyle where he preaches shooting both eyes open. In the movie he challenges his instructor when hes training that there is something out there, he can see it with his other open. His instructor tells him hes doing 50 push-ups if there's not and sure enough he shoots a snake. Which was the reason he was shooting all over his steel target. The movement was enough to bother him making tsrget shots. Since then, I've been hearing both eyes open from every professional I've seen and I do have to say, I'm convinced now. It totally makes sense, especially in the military where something may be shooting back at you.
We trained both eyes open in Basic in 1967. Now I still shoot handguns both eyes open but find that when I tilt my head over on my rifle butt I'm now closing my left eye. The only reason I can come up with is that with the handgun both eyes are on the same visual plane (ie, the horizon is the same in both). With my head tilted, the dominant eye may be focusing on a mound of dirt and my left eye on trees. Of course, this would have been true for the last 50 years as well but it's all I can come up with. The other variables are the stock and optics. When I first got involved in amateur astronomy I was taught to keep both eyes open as it takes "thinking" power to keep it closed. It is much easier to keep it open in the dark, though. ;)
I've never been to a range but how I was taught to hunt was keep both eyes open because you never closing that one eye left or right may allow someone to slip into your target zone and you may hit which could have been prevented if you had kept both eyes open
I remember at the range an Army Instructor told me to keep shooting with both eyes open after someone told me to close one eye. As a Civilian I don't need to train fight or flight. But, much like what you said, he said with both eyes open your brain receives more information thus you can line up your shot better. One eye closed you can't tell 50m from 70m. Both eyes open you gain depth perception thus you can line up that shot those precious cm and get that tighter group. Never thought about it from a combat situation but dam, the logic behind it all
Bought a sub compact for personal carry as my first gun. Figured that there had to be a difference in shooting for pure accuracy to shooting in a life or death situation. This video perfectly explained how I need to build my skills and be prepared for that scenario. I bought a ton of range ammo. But only two 25 count boxes of hollow point. I hope to never use those 50 rounds though, if I’m being honest.
This is something that I've been working on lately and it turns out that I find I actually shoot better with both eyes open. It's literally a whole new world from what I've grown up doing. I really enjoy it, to be honest.
A very clear, understabeble and convinsing explenation. These are the questions I've been asking myself for many years. In the French Army Special Forces we could choose, but not without a such non-docmatic arguments of advantages and inconveniences on both sides. Thanks again, Daniel
When I worked at a gun range, I had the hardest time explaining physiology of fight and flight and the effects of the body and keeping both eyes open. This and the person who tilts their head when shooting. It affects depth perception, field of view, balance, tracking moving targets and their own shoot and move. Great video!
This is great information and totally true. People don't realize how important their vision is in shooting and further don't understand that they have a dominant eye, some folks even have a dominant eye that is on the opposite side of their dominant hand. You're exactly right, in real life, both eyes are gonna be like saucers, wide open... You ain't gonna be like in the movies closing one eye, taking your sweet time.
Hello so do you also recommend shooting with both eyes open. Because I'm right handed but my dominant eye is left, for this I always miss on the left side of the target, like always. My right side of the target is always clean.
Exactly. I couldn't close my one eye during my first paintball game because of adrenaline. Yeah, even it was basic game, due to high heart rate and adrenaline I sometimes closed wrong eye or closed both. It was impossible to close left eye for me (I do it at normal times with no problem). After that day I realised I need to aim both eyes open. You're absolutely right about it!
I learned via the blink method, where as you keep both eyes open and when lose focus. you blink the weak eye shut and slowly opening the weak eye until every thing is in focus. do this as much as you need to, until it becomes natural to be able to shoot with both eyes open.
Thank you so much for explaining this ! The training I've been receiving has been to shoot with dominant eye only. Personally have been questioning exactly what you talked about. Not too many options in my area to go for classes . Guess I will just practice on my own.
Good points. One thing to add is that even in competition we shoot with both eyes open. You are more relaxed that way and don't shake as much. We do have a shield in front of the non-shooting eye so it doesn't look at the target. I can only speak for unsupported shooting from a standing position though, no idea how other competitions do that.
It certainly does make all the sense in the world about how your body will react. No use setting yourself up for failure. Train like you're going to fight. I like the tip about putting a wee bit of chap stick on the lens of your shooting glasses (not your actual eye). I'd just always heard squint a bit, then squint a bit less, a bit less, etc. etc. Definitely going to try the chap stick technique on both dry fire and live fire though. Let you know how it turns out.
I had the opportunity to go to a shoot house during our POPO training and as I entered a 40FT steel container a marker round went past my face, I turned and fired with my AR 15 with both eyes open(because thats what happens) and hit the bad guy right in the face at 40ft. This type training is a must.(he was happy that someone fired at him) I train alot like you suggest for years and all my posse never even got off a shot.(because they don't train like they should or shall I say don't train at all.) What you say is true. Even though you are talking about pistols it also works with red dots or even your iron sights on the AR. I always look over the rear sights on my AR with both eyes open and at 25yds or so you might hit a little high but the bad guy won't complain. Great teaching. I am retired now but I wish the POPO's would train more realistically like you say. Groups don't matter in a gun fight. God Bless.
Love this channel guys. Everything is simple and to the point. No frills and gimmicks, just great information from people who really know what there teaching.
Marat Issa what are you on about, are you a troll or just a freak. second to none means excellent so can and crawl back from under your rock. live in the uk, the only talking would be you begging for your life sunshine
Hey there, the Gun Collective sent me😁 Thanks for addressing the physiology of why to train with both eyes open. I just started going to the range as of November of last year, when I shot a gun for the first time. There is a shooting platform that exists that I trained in earlier this year. Not everyone agrees with it, but I find merit in it. Have you ever hear of Center Axis Relock (CAR)? It was created by the late Paul Castle. CAR "High" Position requires both eyes to be open and covers handling the pistol on both left-handed and right-handed. When shooting I'm right-handed, I focus the sight picture with my left eye with my right finger on the trigger. When shooting left-handed, I focus the sight picture wih my right eye. It may seem gimmicky, but Paul Castle knew combat and cared about helping the disabled and more feeble train to defend themselves with firearm training. The platform was developed so that even a small woman at 5'0 could retain her weapon and not have it used against her. Again, I love the chapstick on shooting glasses idea. Looking forward to more of your videos😄
Great vid. I have a good situation. The eye on my dominant side for handedness sees significantly worse than my other eye, which is my dominant eye. This makes shooting with dot or holographic sights great. My dominant eye focuses on the target, the non dominant eye just superimposes the reticle in my vision. For pistol, I just hold it in front of the dominant eye, and the non-dominant works for peripheral vision and motion detection.
Mid 80's,...first formal training, a reserve deputy course. We were taught from the beginning, 2 eyes open, look over the barrel, not the sights (revolver). We all passed with flying colors. I even qualified with a 2" snub, and I didn't even get all my shots off. I love reading from the Book of Karl...
Patience grasshopper. I happen to come across this channel a few days ago and decided to watch and it took off from there and now subscribed. They are now 70k plus. TR, I enjoy watching your videos and keep cranking them out.
I've been shooting both eyes open now for years. My groups out to 10 yards are pretty much the same whether 1 or 2 eyes. A real advantage I find is rapid engagement of multiple targets.
Go figure all that you say is on point. My father was a Marine and would watch me shoot (one thing I excelled at) he wouldn't correct me (lol..) if I closed one eye. He never put Chapstick on my shooting glasses but he did reiterate the importance of being able to train my dominant eye and proper sight picture and alignment so that I could shoot the same (if my non-dominant eye were closed) as well as keeping that broader field of view open for more possible threats. Olympians favor the rule of covering an eye in the opposite. Custom glasses to block out their eyes "second opinion". I learned to use my left eye (which sees more clear than my right, barely) to scan and be aware while my right (dominant) eye holds a proper sight picture and alignment...
As a kid when playing with BB guns and stuff instinctively I would only half close my other eye in order to aim and by trying it instinctively only now I see that it is enough to aim better and also have some side vision too
The information and equally the presentation of the information was clear, crisp and easy to understand. Particularly when you broke down the differences between the tourniquets presented and why one is better suited to a particular situation.
So true. Keeping both eyes open while dove and duack hunting has increased my kill ratio. But it is hard to teach those who are used to shooting a shotgun with one eye closed, or one eye partially closed. My father and son both prefer to shoot with one eye closed...
I 'm a recent subscriber to your channel and love your scientific explanations for the techniques and equipment discussed in your videos. I noticed that I have much better situational awareness and much faster target acquisition while hunting when using both eyes, but I always thought I was doing something wrong. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience!
I'm ambiocular, so it's very difficult for me to focus with both open. Keeping both eyes open is something I'm working on, but it's not easy. The tape/ChapStick idea is one I've heard many times. I need to try that.
When quickdrawing and shooting with one hand I seem to be very accurate with both eyes open and shooting between the two images of my sights. Not as good for long range but I actually taught people about dueling in the 19th century and from how cowboys would have been running while shooting. I kinda took a few things and found it makes for a good chance to hit at closer range and while moving. It’s like the brain is able to acquire the shot and not have to readjust slightly.
I taught a friend to shoot with both eyes open by using an AR with a parallax free red dot sight. I turned the sight on and put the lens cap on the objective lens. It forced him to shoot with both eyes open to see both the target and the dot.
Great technique and there are actually older reflex sights that you can't look through. There is a name for this techinque (covering the OB lens on the sight). Test... What is the name? All our Docs out there might know it. I'll give you a couple of days. Then, I'll tell you the answer. Remember, knowledge is power and knowledge can be your best weapon. TR.
Ya it's easy for people who are cross eye dominant to use a parallax free sight. The trouble comes with iron sights on a rifle or a variable magnification scope
I know I'm super late to this, but thanks for this one big Karl...I've been trying to get that muscle/visual memory down...a little challenging breaking that one eyed habit from BCT...thanks for the content brother...Strength and Honor.
Tactical Rifleman, What I do rather than putting chapstick on my glasses is to blink a few times with my non-dominate eye, then my dominant eye can focus-in and I stop blinking, which helps me focus on the front site better.
This by far the best explination I have heard on this topic. Also I am damn glad I paid enough attention so that I did not rub chapstick straight into my eye! .... (close call!)
I really like this gentleman and I really don't want to argue his specific point because it involves so many variables and I am not doubting that statistics may back him up, but it is not for everyone and is definitely not for me. I grew up with firearms and was hunting and killing wildlife by the time I was 13 or maybe even 12 and got over the adrenaline rush that can screw up an inexperienced shooter. I hunted everything from ducks to quail to deer and turkey and wild hogs (now there is a good exercise in muzzle and target discipline; it usually goes like this, you walk up in Florida underbrush and spot a group of hogs at the same time they hear you and they all scatter to the winds, you have to pick one and get the sight on it quick and get a shot off against a fast moving target before they are into the heavy brush and gone. If you can shoot a wild hog in escape mode with one eye you can shoot a slow moving human bad guy with one eye). I was taught by my Dad to shoot one eyed and it was reemphasized to me when I was in The Corps (qual'd Expert in both Rifle and Pistol and had high Series Rifle Range score in boot)...in my specific case I am right handed and am 20-20 in my right eye so it really makes sense for me to shoot with my right eye. I am a firm believer that everyone is different both physically, emotionally and life experiences and you need to get some reps (as in Lots of Reps) and some professional instruction and then develop what works for you, be it a golf swing, a baseball swing or using a firearm ( a U.S. Recon Marine combat vet.)
You always hear dont get tunnel vision. Closing one eye eliminates your peripheral vision. There could be a second threat that needs to be addressed first. Maybe more important in a ccw situation. You dont have a fellow shooter next to you to get your back.
Ive had to do both in the military. Most what i do now of coarse is longrange target shooting so i catch myself closing the left eye some, i do try to not completely close it but more squint it to were my right takes more in but i still get some peripheral action from the left. On days me and my vet buds train ar platform i try to do both eyes but honestly youd have to watch me n tell me what im doing as it's a quicker tempo of fire and im more focused on putting accurate fire on target or at distance without optics getting my ass on target with old man eyes. Lol 😆
Worked in fugitive recovery and as armed security guard, I was taught to keep both eyes open to maximize peripheral vision. 10 years later and I'm a psychologist now, but I got the itch to start going to the range again. Well, I may need glasses because now it is a bit harder to focus with both eyes open these days!😜
I had same problem and actually elected for lens-replacement in one eye... could convince myself that I would always have my shooting glasses with me in bad situations. Thanks for watching, TR
What about when your dominant eye is not the same as your dominant hand (as is my case)? Let's assume right hand left eye. In that case if you put an opaque cover over the right eye, you would either have to rotate the head to the right to allow for the left eye to line up on the sight picture, meaning the eyes are straining to look out the left side. Alternatively the hands may have to shift in location which may change the geometry of the shooting grip along with potentially tilting the head. All of these are not good options for someone with an eye/hand dominance mismatch. In my case I've trained myself to close my left eye (my dominant one), however when I use laser optics and open both eyes I am no longer able to see the laser dot well. Sometimes it's gone, other times it's blurry, and even more strange I get double vision and focus problems. Suggestions?
Excellent Question. We have lots of students show up shooting pistols right-handed, while they are left-eye dominate. With a pistol it doesn't matter. We proper practice, you can train the body to bring the pistol up under your left eye just as easy as bringing it up under the right. It comes down to building proper muscle memory. Sid, an instructor at T1G, is a perfect example of this. He is left-eye dominate, and shoots pistol right-handed and rifle left handed. He is awesome with both weapons, because he practices with both eyes open. As for dominate-hand: Sid's dominate hand is now free to work door handles, control combatants, and so forth. As for blurring, again, it takes building muscle memory through repetition. Try the chap stick on the shooting glasses. It works. It really does come down to practice. Hope this helps. TR.
I recently had a medical issue with my dominant eye so my vision is not as clear as it was. I've been practicing aiming with my unloaded handgun and I don't seem to have any trouble picking up my sights or target. But the range will tell!
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I misheard you the first time, I thought you said to put chapstick on my ocular lenses, I was like dam that's freaking extreme.
i also thought the same thing....
Michael Nguyen
thought the same I had to rewind lol
Michael Nguyen Same, bad phrasing haha
"Instructions unclear, eyeball stuck in magazine"
Same.
This guy couldn't have made more sense. I appreciate a full scientific explanation on how and why we should do certain things.
I've been an instructor for 6+ years, and this is some of the coolest advice I've come across. I don't have a dominant eye, and it's been a constant struggle to practice what I preach. I'm going to try this right away. THANK YOU
After about a month of conscious effort and leaving notes to myself on my ammo can, I can finally do this. Yeah, I'm only shooting paper on the range with nobody shooting back, but still, it works and my hits are just as decent. Cool vid.
Great news. Glad it helped, and you're taking the time to work through it has made you a much better combat shooter. That is what will set you above your peers... This takes more than just watching videos. You got out there and did it. Good for you!!! Thanks for watching. Strength & Honor, TR,
Thanks Sir.
Excellent!
So many people just don’t simplify pistol shooting in particular by just focusing on the front sight post. Some people just don’t try to shoot both eyes open because they are afraid they may not be as accurate at the onset. In addition to this they simply don’t practice the draw stroke to final shooting position, punched out putting rounds downrange and making it the same every time. That repeatable shooting position is a must, thank you the great video! Just subbed!
I'm now blind in my left eye from rubbing 2 tubes of chap stick into my eye ball over the last 4 days and it doesn't seem to be helping! Ooh it burns
lol
smh lol
Try non allergenic free range gluten free Bees Wax. It’s the best eye balm out there for shooting. Not only will it help your dominant eye, but also it’ll keep your submissive eye moist.
Too late......I'm in ER now for chapstick infection in my eye :)
@@andyprairiedog I think you mean ;..(
""I'm an old guy I joined way back in 1985."" Thanks,, pogue.
I joined in 1980 and was on the Czech border (17K/96R) until 1986. Just found your site, enjoying it solid info.
One of the best, if not THE best, gun/tactics channels on RUclips. Awesome quality and content.
Thanks Glenn, We appreciate the comment. We put out a video every Friday so keep checking back with us and help us spread the word by sharing it with anyone you think might be interested. Strength and Honor, TR
This guy is a badass he looks like a old school type of dude to
Donald trump agreed, and he doesn't come across as a narcissistic douchebag like some guys out there.
Astrology Astrology dude was a green beret legit
Too
Thank you SO much for taking the time to explain this!
not a problem. We put out a new video every Friday so subscribe and keep coming back for new stuff. Strength and Honor, TR
Interesting, this is the first time I've heard the theory that the reason you train with both eyes open is due to the fight or flight response. Ive always heard it articulated that the reasoning by behind doing so is that it maintains better situational awareness. Learning alot of knowledge from you guys, great channel, tier 1 stuff. Keep it up brothers!
I was just messing around with my postal aiming with both eyes. And I can totally see how aiming with both eyes for the first time in a panic situation could get you in trouble.
I've always found it easier to shoot with both eyes open. While you are using your dominant eye to look through the scope my left eye can see what my other can't so I am keeping my field of vision as open as possible. Awesome video bud keep them coming
Thanks for watching, TR
I found it helps to focus on that front sight- and REALLY focus on it and your eyes will separate to two separate images. You'll see a "duplicate" sight off to the right, and a "duplicate" target off to the left- and you'll learn to ignore them. (Assuming right-eye dominant).
Great video. I'm surprised this channel doesn't have more views yet. Keep up the unique content!
We experimented with shooting with both eyes open when I went through basic in '91. This was to combat the fatigue that comes with keeping the non-dom eye closed for long periods of time. My head DS was infantry and had us shoot with both open during FTX. It definately helps with situational awareness and eliminates one more thing you have to worry about. When I came back in in '09, shooting with both eyes open was unheard of amongst both the guys I went through WTC and AIT with. I would have thought that with CQB being more of a focus that the technique would have been at least touched on, if not common.
you are telling me you came in in 91 and almost 20 years later again? never read a more false statement.. why take the time to construct a lie to sound relevant? also, is that the only shooting experience in your : "military career" basic training? fuckin stop with the lies of serving ... serving aint that kool man... no need to try and fit in..
Y
Like you, I went through the same US Army basic training shooting with one eye open. My whole time in the army and into the Army National Guard the same old training, keep one eye closed. Since buying my first AR-15 in December 2015, I started training myself to shoot with both eyes open. Its not easy but it can be done. Dry fire practice with no ammo around, one can retrain themselves. Worst thing I experienced in the army was going from post to post and never seeing a range the whole 24 months. I started retraining after I purchased my first red dot sight that requires you to shoot both eyes open. USA!
I grew up shooting comp shoots being taught with my non-dom eye closed. Dad was instructor btw (but knew his stuff). Placed well. Then I watched American Sniper about Chris Kyle where he preaches shooting both eyes open. In the movie he challenges his instructor when hes training that there is something out there, he can see it with his other open. His instructor tells him hes doing 50 push-ups if there's not and sure enough he shoots a snake. Which was the reason he was shooting all over his steel target. The movement was enough to bother him making tsrget shots. Since then, I've been hearing both eyes open from every professional I've seen and I do have to say, I'm convinced now. It totally makes sense, especially in the military where something may be shooting back at you.
We trained both eyes open in Basic in 1967. Now I still shoot handguns both eyes open but find that when I tilt my head over on my rifle butt I'm now closing my left eye. The only reason I can come up with is that with the handgun both eyes are on the same visual plane (ie, the horizon is the same in both). With my head tilted, the dominant eye may be focusing on a mound of dirt and my left eye on trees. Of course, this would have been true for the last 50 years as well but it's all I can come up with. The other variables are the stock and optics.
When I first got involved in amateur astronomy I was taught to keep both eyes open as it takes "thinking" power to keep it closed. It is much easier to keep it open in the dark, though. ;)
I've never been to a range but how I was taught to hunt was keep both eyes open because you never closing that one eye left or right may allow someone to slip into your target zone and you may hit which could have been prevented if you had kept both eyes open
Marine boot camp in 1987 taught this. Good stuff.
I remember at the range an Army Instructor told me to keep shooting with both eyes open after someone told me to close one eye. As a Civilian I don't need to train fight or flight. But, much like what you said, he said with both eyes open your brain receives more information thus you can line up your shot better. One eye closed you can't tell 50m from 70m. Both eyes open you gain depth perception thus you can line up that shot those precious cm and get that tighter group. Never thought about it from a combat situation but dam, the logic behind it all
Bought a sub compact for personal carry as my first gun. Figured that there had to be a difference in shooting for pure accuracy to shooting in a life or death situation.
This video perfectly explained how I need to build my skills and be prepared for that scenario. I bought a ton of range ammo. But only two 25 count boxes of hollow point. I hope to never use those 50 rounds though, if I’m being honest.
This is something that I've been working on lately and it turns out that I find I actually shoot better with both eyes open. It's literally a whole new world from what I've grown up doing. I really enjoy it, to be honest.
Welcome to a great new world with much better situational awareness. Thanks for watching, TR
A very clear, understabeble and convinsing explenation.
These are the questions I've been asking myself for many years.
In the French Army Special Forces we could choose, but not without a such non-docmatic arguments of advantages and inconveniences on both sides.
Thanks again,
Daniel
When I worked at a gun range, I had the hardest time explaining physiology of fight and flight and the effects of the body and keeping both eyes open. This and the person who tilts their head when shooting. It affects depth perception, field of view, balance, tracking moving targets and their own shoot and move. Great video!
Thanks for watching. TR
This is great information and totally true. People don't realize how important their vision is in shooting and further don't understand that they have a dominant eye, some folks even have a dominant eye that is on the opposite side of their dominant hand. You're exactly right, in real life, both eyes are gonna be like saucers, wide open... You ain't gonna be like in the movies closing one eye, taking your sweet time.
Hello so do you also recommend shooting with both eyes open. Because I'm right handed but my dominant eye is left, for this I always miss on the left side of the target, like always. My right side of the target is always clean.
Exactly. I couldn't close my one eye during my first paintball game because of adrenaline. Yeah, even it was basic game, due to high heart rate and adrenaline I sometimes closed wrong eye or closed both. It was impossible to close left eye for me (I do it at normal times with no problem). After that day I realised I need to aim both eyes open. You're absolutely right about it!
I learned via the blink method, where as you keep both eyes open and when lose focus. you blink the weak eye shut and slowly opening the weak eye until every thing is in focus. do this as much as you need to, until it becomes natural to be able to shoot with both eyes open.
Thank you so much for explaining this ! The training I've been receiving has been to shoot with dominant eye only. Personally have been questioning exactly what you talked about. Not too many options in my area to go for classes . Guess I will just practice on my own.
I'm an NRA certified instructor. I'm left-handed and left eye dominant and I shoot right-handed. Would love to have you as a student.
Good points. One thing to add is that even in competition we shoot with both eyes open. You are more relaxed that way and don't shake as much. We do have a shield in front of the non-shooting eye so it doesn't look at the target. I can only speak for unsupported shooting from a standing position though, no idea how other competitions do that.
It certainly does make all the sense in the world about how your body will react. No use setting yourself up for failure. Train like you're going to fight. I like the tip about putting a wee bit of chap stick on the lens of your shooting glasses (not your actual eye). I'd just always heard squint a bit, then squint a bit less, a bit less, etc. etc. Definitely going to try the chap stick technique on both dry fire and live fire though. Let you know how it turns out.
Practical advice for learning to shoot with both eyes open. Great video.
I had the opportunity to go to a shoot house during our POPO training and as I entered a 40FT steel container a marker round went past my face, I turned and fired with my AR 15 with both eyes open(because thats what happens) and hit the bad guy right in the face at 40ft. This type training is a must.(he was happy that someone fired at him) I train alot like you suggest for years and all my posse never even got off a shot.(because they don't train like they should or shall I say don't train at all.) What you say is true. Even though you are talking about pistols it also works with red dots or even your iron sights on the AR. I always look over the rear sights on my AR with both eyes open and at 25yds or so you might hit a little high but the bad guy won't complain. Great teaching. I am retired now but I wish the POPO's would train more realistically like you say. Groups don't matter in a gun fight. God Bless.
Love this channel guys. Everything is simple and to the point. No frills and gimmicks, just great information from people who really know what there teaching.
Honestly the info you guys give is second to none.
Marat Issa what are you on about, are you a troll or just a freak. second to none means excellent so can and crawl back from under your rock. live in the uk, the only talking would be you begging for your life sunshine
Hey there, the Gun Collective sent me😁
Thanks for addressing the physiology of why to train with both eyes open.
I just started going to the range as of November of last year, when I shot a gun for the first time. There is a shooting platform that exists that I trained in earlier this year. Not everyone agrees with it, but I find merit in it.
Have you ever hear of Center Axis Relock (CAR)? It was created by the late Paul Castle. CAR "High" Position requires both eyes to be open and covers handling the pistol on both left-handed and right-handed. When shooting I'm right-handed, I focus the sight picture with my left eye with my right finger on the trigger. When shooting left-handed, I focus the sight picture wih my right eye.
It may seem gimmicky, but Paul Castle knew combat and cared about helping the disabled and more feeble train to defend themselves with firearm training. The platform was developed so that even a small woman at 5'0 could retain her weapon and not have it used against her.
Again, I love the chapstick on shooting glasses idea. Looking forward to more of your videos😄
Great vid.
I have a good situation. The eye on my dominant side for handedness sees significantly worse than my other eye, which is my dominant eye. This makes shooting with dot or holographic sights great. My dominant eye focuses on the target, the non dominant eye just superimposes the reticle in my vision. For pistol, I just hold it in front of the dominant eye, and the non-dominant works for peripheral vision and motion detection.
Mid 80's,...first formal training, a reserve deputy course. We were taught from the beginning, 2 eyes open, look over the barrel, not the sights (revolver). We all passed with flying colors. I even qualified with a 2" snub, and I didn't even get all my shots off. I love reading from the Book of Karl...
Why the FUCK does this channel only have 10k subs? Totally deserves more like 100k subs.
LOVE the channel guys keep the videos coming!
Subscribed!
J SHOTTT they'll get there they have great quality videos. Give it time
J SHOTTT your right
J SHOTTT Perhaps because sub are missing.^^
J SHOTTT 62,500+K 😜
Patience grasshopper. I happen to come across this channel a few days ago and decided to watch and it took off from there and now subscribed. They are now 70k plus. TR, I enjoy watching your videos and keep cranking them out.
I've been shooting both eyes open now for years. My groups out to 10 yards are pretty much the same whether 1 or 2 eyes. A real advantage I find is rapid engagement of multiple targets.
Go figure all that you say is on point. My father was a Marine and would watch me shoot (one thing I excelled at) he wouldn't correct me (lol..) if I closed one eye. He never put Chapstick on my shooting glasses but he did reiterate the importance of being able to train my dominant eye and proper sight picture and alignment so that I could shoot the same (if my non-dominant eye were closed) as well as keeping that broader field of view open for more possible threats. Olympians favor the rule of covering an eye in the opposite. Custom glasses to block out their eyes "second opinion". I learned to use my left eye (which sees more clear than my right, barely) to scan and be aware while my right (dominant) eye holds a proper sight picture and alignment...
As a kid when playing with BB guns and stuff instinctively I would only half close my other eye in order to aim and by trying it instinctively only now I see that it is enough to aim better and also have some side vision too
The information and equally the presentation of the information was clear, crisp and easy to understand. Particularly when you broke down the differences between the tourniquets presented and why one is better suited to a particular situation.
I never knew why 2 eye shooting is now suggested. AND you gave us a strategy to do it! Thanks!
I have been train with both eye open since I began, but I did not had the explanation as good as you just did....Thank you !
Glad it was helpful!
Karl is killin’ it with the training tips !!!! Great video as always Karl !!!
This is something i need to work on, another great video Sergeant Major.
Great training tip. I struggle with this and its sounds like a simple way to train the brain. Thanks
Yes! Karl, you are the man! This, along with many tr videos, is so useful. These are so great for new and experienced shooters.
TGC SENT ME! And I'm glad they did.
man, he sure knows a lot about marksmanship for a retired space force guy.
SPACE FORCE ?! He went through xxxxx School. Space Force . . . omg.
@@josephshaff5194 yeah, everyone knows the SF stands for Star Fleet not Space Force.
Great tip about the chapstick on the shooting lenses! I'll have to try that.
Learning shooting with both eyes will take me awhile, but I’m going to learn this, I don’t want to get caught not being able too when I need too
So true. Keeping both eyes open while dove and duack hunting has increased my kill ratio. But it is hard to teach those who are used to shooting a shotgun with one eye closed, or one eye partially closed. My father and son both prefer to shoot with one eye closed...
I 'm a recent subscriber to your channel and love your scientific explanations for the techniques and equipment discussed in your videos. I noticed that I have much better situational awareness and much faster target acquisition while hunting when using both eyes, but I always thought I was doing something wrong. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience!
Woah, you earned a new subscriber. That's real quality right there
Wow. When I heard it explained like this it makes perfect sense. I never would have thought of it, but I'm sure glad I stumbled across this video!
Thanks for watching, TR
Great way of explaining it to those not in the know brother.
I'm ambiocular, so it's very difficult for me to focus with both open. Keeping both eyes open is something I'm working on, but it's not easy. The tape/ChapStick idea is one I've heard many times. I need to try that.
Thanks mate. Wealth of "experience" (putting knowledge into practice and practice forming knowledge"
Thank you for creating this channel. It is a fantastic resource for us internet ninjas.
Great, great, great explanation. Thanks!
Hell of a channel. Great guys, important and helpful info. Thank you fellas!
Thanks! We put out a new video every Friday so make sure to subscribe and keep coming back. Thanks for commenting. Strength and Honor, TR
TGC told me about this channel. Subscribed after one episode, great channel an info
When quickdrawing and shooting with one hand I seem to be very accurate with both eyes open and shooting between the two images of my sights. Not as good for long range but I actually taught people about dueling in the 19th century and from how cowboys would have been running while shooting. I kinda took a few things and found it makes for a good chance to hit at closer range and while moving. It’s like the brain is able to acquire the shot and not have to readjust slightly.
Best advise, thanks Carl! I'll start doing that from now on.
I will keep this in mind and shoot slowly to train my brain.Makes sense Karl.
I taught a friend to shoot with both eyes open by using an AR with a parallax free red dot sight. I turned the sight on and put the lens cap on the objective lens. It forced him to shoot with both eyes open to see both the target and the dot.
Great technique and there are actually older reflex sights that you can't look through. There is a name for this techinque (covering the OB lens on the sight). Test... What is the name? All our Docs out there might know it. I'll give you a couple of days. Then, I'll tell you the answer. Remember, knowledge is power and knowledge can be your best weapon. TR.
Tactical Rifleman + included eye sights were the precursor to the modern red dot sight right?
Ya it's easy for people who are cross eye dominant to use a parallax free sight. The trouble comes with iron sights on a rifle or a variable magnification scope
Totally agree, great explanation!! In tactical applications we need to shoot with both eyes open and it all starts with training as Karl mentions.
Incredibly helpful video and great presentation
I know I'm super late to this, but thanks for this one big Karl...I've been trying to get that muscle/visual memory down...a little challenging breaking that one eyed habit from BCT...thanks for the content brother...Strength and Honor.
Holy shit ! I tried the chap stick thing on my non dominate left eye glass lens . What a difference. Thanks!
Tactical Rifleman, What I do rather than putting chapstick on my glasses is to blink a few times with my non-dominate eye, then my dominant eye can focus-in and I stop blinking, which helps me focus on the front site better.
Looking forward to watching more videos. Tactical rifleman was highly recommended by TGC!
Thanks for watching. We put out a new video every Friday. So, stay tuned. Strength & Honor, TR.
The musical score had my heartrate way up and pupils dilated.
This by far the best explination I have heard on this topic. Also I am damn glad I paid enough attention so that I did not rub chapstick straight into my eye! .... (close call!)
40k subs, 05/09/2017 as before 10k subs 3 months ago. Great job!
Thanks for this! It's going to be a hard habit to break ;-)---but I'll start the training to leave both eyes open.
I really like this gentleman and I really don't want to argue his specific point because it involves so many variables and I am not doubting that statistics may back him up, but it is not for everyone and is definitely not for me. I grew up with firearms and was hunting and killing wildlife by the time I was 13 or maybe even 12 and got over the adrenaline rush that can screw up an inexperienced shooter. I hunted everything from ducks to quail to deer and turkey and wild hogs (now there is a good exercise in muzzle and target discipline; it usually goes like this, you walk up in Florida underbrush and spot a group of hogs at the same time they hear you and they all scatter to the winds, you have to pick one and get the sight on it quick and get a shot off against a fast moving target before they are into the heavy brush and gone. If you can shoot a wild hog in escape mode with one eye you can shoot a slow moving human bad guy with one eye). I was taught by my Dad to shoot one eyed and it was reemphasized to me when I was in The Corps (qual'd Expert in both Rifle and Pistol and had high Series Rifle Range score in boot)...in my specific case I am right handed and am 20-20 in my right eye so it really makes sense for me to shoot with my right eye. I am a firm believer that everyone is different both physically, emotionally and life experiences and you need to get some reps (as in Lots of Reps) and some professional instruction and then develop what works for you, be it a golf swing, a baseball swing or using a firearm ( a U.S. Recon Marine combat vet.)
Feels like Jagged Alliance 2 tutorial. Awesome!
don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this channel
Great lesson, when I get my Concealed/ Carry License I will train to shoot with both eyes open, Thanks!
You always hear dont get tunnel vision. Closing one eye eliminates your peripheral vision. There could be a second threat that needs to be addressed first. Maybe more important in a ccw situation. You dont have a fellow shooter next to you to get your back.
I was wondering about this. Thanks again T1G guys. :)
Thanks for watching. TR
Thanks again .I have been learning so much from your video's..
Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching, TR
Amen, great video!
Instructions unclear; Chapstick stuck in eyesocket. Send help.
Funny shit... thanks for watching, TR
Ive had to do both in the military. Most what i do now of coarse is longrange target shooting so i catch myself closing the left eye some, i do try to not completely close it but more squint it to were my right takes more in but i still get some peripheral action from the left.
On days me and my vet buds train ar platform i try to do both eyes but honestly youd have to watch me n tell me what im doing as it's a quicker tempo of fire and im more focused on putting accurate fire on target or at distance without optics getting my ass on target with old man eyes. Lol 😆
So this is why I was taught the pistol that way, but they still taught Galil one eye closed.
:D
I guess only half of my instructors knew about this.
Worked in fugitive recovery and as armed security guard, I was taught to keep both eyes open to maximize peripheral vision. 10 years later and I'm a psychologist now, but I got the itch to start going to the range again. Well, I may need glasses because now it is a bit harder to focus with both eyes open these days!😜
I had same problem and actually elected for lens-replacement in one eye... could convince myself that I would always have my shooting glasses with me in bad situations. Thanks for watching, TR
What about when your dominant eye is not the same as your dominant hand (as is my case)? Let's assume right hand left eye. In that case if you put an opaque cover over the right eye, you would either have to rotate the head to the right to allow for the left eye to line up on the sight picture, meaning the eyes are straining to look out the left side. Alternatively the hands may have to shift in location which may change the geometry of the shooting grip along with potentially tilting the head. All of these are not good options for someone with an eye/hand dominance mismatch. In my case I've trained myself to close my left eye (my dominant one), however when I use laser optics and open both eyes I am no longer able to see the laser dot well. Sometimes it's gone, other times it's blurry, and even more strange I get double vision and focus problems.
Suggestions?
Excellent Question. We have lots of students show up shooting pistols right-handed, while they are left-eye dominate. With a pistol it doesn't matter. We proper practice, you can train the body to bring the pistol up under your left eye just as easy as bringing it up under the right. It comes down to building proper muscle memory. Sid, an instructor at T1G, is a perfect example of this. He is left-eye dominate, and shoots pistol right-handed and rifle left handed. He is awesome with both weapons, because he practices with both eyes open. As for dominate-hand: Sid's dominate hand is now free to work door handles, control combatants, and so forth. As for blurring, again, it takes building muscle memory through repetition. Try the chap stick on the shooting glasses. It works. It really does come down to practice. Hope this helps. TR.
Twenty years from now: "Grandpa whats that picture of the funny man with the mustache?"
I recently had a medical issue with my dominant eye so my vision is not as clear as it was. I've been practicing aiming with my unloaded handgun and I don't seem to have any trouble picking up my sights or target. But the range will tell!
Pure science.. thank you
I can't get used to shooting with both eyes open but I'm going to practice it more often when I go to the range.
Nice points.Thank you.
This is PURE GOLD . ....
Just heard of you from Jon at The Gun Collective. Good stuff. Thanks!
Spot on. 👍