One eye open or both eyes open?
Massachusetts
Contributors to this thread:
How do you shoot? I've always closed one eye when I shoot and have always struggled to settle my pin on my target in what I consider to be a timely manner. I played around with shooting with both eyes open a little bit late last summer. I was fairly accurate most of the time with a few outliers that were way off, but I'm sure I could fix that through practice. I also didn't want to change shooting techniques a couple months before hunting season opened. One thing I did notice was I able to get my pin settled on my target much more quickly with both eyes open. So what do you guys do? And any pointers in switching to shooting with both eyes open?
Well, the professional shooters use one eye. But time is irrelevant and accuracy paramount. For the close combat training I received, both eyes open is preferred for fast target acquisition and full frontal line of sight. You don't have to worry much about another deer trying to kill you on your non-dominant side, but it is an accepted shooting technique for certain situations. Try it for a few months. If you get good at it, use it. I personally never needed to shoot that fast with a bow, and fall into the old dog category. 3-5 seconds I'm on target with one eye. I think this falls in the what works best for you area.
Both eyes open til I get it in the ballpark, then one eye to shoot.
I've done both... But I use the right eye only now.
Same as Jeb . if your shooting eye is your dominant it should be natural and sight pic will not shift.
side note: I painted the ring around my pins white and that seems to help to get my peep circle centered on the pin ring without thinking about it . Adjust that circle within the circle by moving the pin ring out or in. Also I prefer a larger peep for more light.
I keep both eyes open and then close when I'm on target now as well, but I always seem to require some adjustment after closing my left eye. I'm going to try playing around with both eyes open when I start shooting more often in the spring.
I do both eyes, but I don't use a peep.
Both eyes open at the moment I release the trigger. While first drawing back the bow and acquiring the target in the peep sight I will use one eye. Once locked in I will keep both eyes open and dial in the shot. I think I have a better sight window and overall view of the target and where the pin is placed with both eyes. It has taken a lot of practice to get to this point a ton can go wrong within that few second timeframe.
I shot with two eyes until Chris Reed yelled at me so now I shoot with one.
Just close em both .
HFSC , if the site pic shifts you are probably left eye dominant. I had a buddy that decided to start shooting lefty even though he is right handed because of this. Test your eye dominance first . Then seek the best techniques and options. -Pi
Both open for better sight window in low light !!!!!!!
Just waiting for Jeb to chime in on how it works for him with both eyes closed...
I'm both eyes open for all shooting
MRW brings up a good debate point. I don't use a peep sight either. I have a Hindsight. I find it easier and more consistent, and don't have to worry as much about getting the exact same draw length or cheek placement. I'm sure this helps me with getting a quick pin on a deer and would probably make shooting with both eyes open easier. Thoughts?
I don't use a peep either. Helps in low light conditions. First 5 and last 5 minutes of light are crucial.
Both eyes open . Right eye dominant. Right handed shooter. Milliseconds before the shot I blink the left eye to make sure I'm looking thru the peep. Way better field of vision. Results at 90yds.
Chuckwagon I think Pi beat me to it. But I think you've got my number. I confess it was my first thought when I saw the original entry.
I alternate. Sometimes two is good, sometimes one. Full disclosure; I have a a lazy left eye so I am basically blind in that eye. It is only used for peripheral vision. Calculating distance for me is a bitch.
Two eyes open always. Helps with binocular vision and depth perception for the best way to get the distance to your target, pick the correct pin and stay on your target. Both eyes open allow me to focus on the exact spot on my intended target and I can let the pin just settle before release.
Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm going to play around with both eyes open more and have really thought about ditching the peep also. For those of you guys who don't use a peep, do you have any advice for transitioning away from the peep? It seems like a rock solid consistent anchor point would be key.
Big kisser button, nose on string, pin on target, level leveled, let it fly!
Hunt, with me being well trained on open sights, it was easy for me. Put the pin in the middle of the cross hairs and fire. I don't think it will be much of a transition for you if you drop the peep. Just don't forget the bubble still matters
Just like moons said. Kisser button, nose the string. Haven't used a peep sight in over 20 years. Consistent anchor point makes for consistent shooting.
Both eyes open till the last second, then I close my left eye.
I by no means am an expert here but I've been shooting a bow since '94. I'm not sure one or two eyes matter. I take lessons still as needed. When your form is correct and you're at "peace" with your bow it's all automatic. I never got to the "peace" point before but a good coach can get you there if you put in the time. When you draw your bow everything falls into place. Pin on target and your body fully at rest with bow drawn. No weight on your bow arm or draw arm. It's a great relaxed feeling am combine that with focus on the target and great things happen.
I'd like to get to that "peace" stage you speak of, Proline. I think I'm a decent shot, but my mind is always running 100 mph instead of everything just happening naturally. Do you have any recommandations for the lessons you mentioned?
HFC, if you shoot 12 arrows a day, from the time It gets warm, till opening day, you'll feel very confident getting into the tree. It only takes about 10 mins a day
notme's Link
https://youtu.be/IfgbExC1UV4
Usualy one eye open but there are cases of both eyes closed
I shoot 90 % of the time trad-barebow so I'm trained to shoot with both eyes open. I actually can't remember how I shoot the compound with the peep & pins. I never even took it out of the case in 2017.
think its about time I through it up on craigslist anyway.
Practice with eyes closed draw anchor nose open eyes peep pin let it fly. Now your in the zone Don't forget to breath!!!!!!!!!