open sights

[del]

I like scopes but my Sheridans handle so much better without them.  Peeps work for me on targets at a given range, but I do a lot of shooting that requires "hold over", and I've learned how much front sight to put up for long range shots with open sights.  I can't do that with a peep.

When I shoot at moving targets, I use the open sights to properly position my cheek on the stock, then look over the sights and shoot as I would with a shotgun.

I like the square notch and post on the original Sheridan sights.  I like a wide notch to let plenty of light show on each side of the post.  Sometimes I widen the notch with a file.  I let my eye center the post  without conscience effort (like shooting a peep).  I don't cover my target with the post, but use a 6 o'clock hold.

I think some shooters get "sight bound", for lack of a better term.  They might do better using the sights as a reference point and letting their instincts do the rest.  The best shot on moving targets I know uses a scope, but ignores the crosshairs.

If you have any tips for using open sights, I'd like to hear them.

[xtred1]

Stay young lol 

[bantam5s]

I just find apertures easier to make accurate shots with.

[Skillet]

Del, I like open sights, too and really enjoy use them up to 20 yards.  After 20 yards, I can't see what I'm hitting, but having reactive targets beyond that, and having a wok gong way out in the distance is fun because you can hear a hit.  Using open sights feels more direct than shooting through a scope to me. 

[the fuse]

I'm with you Del. I am an open sight fan. Trouble is I'm an old fart and my eyes aint what they used to be. I still do 95% of my airgunning with open sights. I've gotten pretty good at compensating for my disabilities. I'm only sort of far sighted, so everything is equally blurry. Flourescent paint and fiber optics are a big help. I fool around with "instinct shooting" and am not too bad inside of 30 feet. I can hit a can pretty regular with my 180's stock resting against the center of my chest. That would be a big mistake to shoot a shotgun that way. Probably cause me cardiac arrest. 

[DanD]

I'm glad this thread came back up. I put lots of concentration into trying to get open sights perfectly aligned, buy my groups are usually not that great.  I'll try the more natural, relaxed approach of letting the sights found their center naturally.  I think my tendency is to align with the windage off center, but maybe I'll do better to just go with it instead of working against it.