Point shooting and cross-eye dominance

M

MZ84

New member
I've just started getting into pistol shooting again after about 10 years away from the sport. I was taught target shooting style - two hands, one eye, aim carefully. And while that's something I'm working on getting better at, I've also been practicing point shooting.

The problem, though, is that I'm miserably bad at it, even at very short distances (30 feet). The trouble, I've realized, is that I always pull the gun low right of the target.

And I think I know the reason. I'm left-handed, but right-eye dominant. I shoot with my left hand and my left eye when I target shoot. When I use both eyes, I think my right eye takes over, hence pull the gun.

I've been practicing pointing my handgun with both eyes at a distant object. Other than that, what can I do to fix this problem?

It seems to me that in the event that I need to use my revolver to defend myself, I'm unlikely to have the time or the thought to close one eye and aim carefully with the sights. As a result, I'd really like to start getting a handle on point shooting.
 
You do not have a problem that cannot be cured by practice.
Just that, continual practice. Muscle memory will slowly set in, and the problem is solved.
 
Practice Practice Practice "point shooting" multiple rounds into the 8,9,10's
Once you can sink a quick 5 into there everytime you'll be good to go.....
 
If you are "point shooting" it doesn't matter which eye is dominant -you are not using a visual plane to align the sights. Point shooting is pure muscle memory. And it does take a LOT of practice. You need to able to call where the shot is going to land by how your arms and wrists "feel". If you are pulling the gun off the target then that is a completely separate problem.
 
Follow up question: So what's the best way to practice?

Other than shooting live ammo at a target, will pointing at an object in the distance help?
 
Like as been said, the eyes aren't on the gun, but on the target, so dominant eye is of no concern.
Point shooting is very much like instinctive or traditional archery.
It's all technique, so your stance, grip, 'etc has to be good.
The rest is repetition and believing you can do it.
Practice and develop confidence and you will hit the target.
An airgun is very helpful, especially if you can see the bb or pellet going downrange.
 
MZ84 said:
The problem, though, is that I'm miserably bad at it, even at very short distances (30 feet). The trouble, I've realized, is that I always pull the gun low right of the target.
Click to expand...
30 feet is NOT a "very short" distance for point shooting. IMHO, it is not just a very long distance for point shooting, it is TOO FAR for point shooting.
 
Start your point & shoot practice from 5 yards first....
As you get better with practice go to 7 yards. Statisticly
15 feet & 21 feet are the most likely average for a self
defense situation....later go to 15 yards max 45 feet.
From there if you can fire a fast 5 point & shoot consistantly
into a 7 ring man target you're doing great.
 
I use to be proficiant with my M-66 and my SAA, other shooters it was hit and miss (that seems appropriate). It appears to me that you may be better with some than others.
 
it's practice

I'm right handed and only have sight in my left eye so I know you can get there. But practice is not just volume shooting (ALTHOW YOU DO SHOOT IN VOLUME) Your practice must methodical always analyze what your doing and the results. When I hear volume and ammo expense I think quality air gun i like to practice at as long a distance as is practical, the longer the distance the more it shows your mistakes it sort of magnifies your mistakes. If you practice at say 50 yards with a 25 yard target, when you shoot a match at 25 yards it will feel like the target is a barn door that you can't miss. Also if life permits set a certain practice time and stick with it assuming out door shooting over time you will shoot all conditions.
Good luck
bb
 
As said, 30 feet is quite a bit for point shooting. As folks have said begin closer. Also, begin slower.

There is more than one thing which folks refer to as "point shooting" and more than one method of practice. Some maintain that point shooting can be done out to 50 yards or so but mostly it is a method of one handed self defense shooting at quite close range where the shooter does not have time, or the light, to use the sights.

It is useful to study these some. If you use the search function here you will see a good many discussions of this from over the years.

tipoc
 
Point shooting to me is natural point of aim. Complete focus on the target (both eyse open) and not the pistol. You might be able to get some use out of a cheap laser mounted to the trigger guard and use some snap caps to help protect the firing pin. The laser might help you see what you might be doing wrong with your trigger pull. It won't be the same as live ammo but it should help with muscle memory. It has already been stated to start at a reasonably close distance and then move out when you are getting consistant groups. Practice is about the only way to get there. I normally end each range trip with natural point of aim practice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top