Don't shoot one eye closed, says top shot

Shotgun coach Nick Penn offers his tips for straight shooting. Learn his secrets here.
For more from Nick, go to www.pennsport.co.uk/
This film is sponsored by Beretta. For Beretta shotguns, visit www.gmk.co.uk
This film was first shown in Fieldsports Britain episode 394. To watch the whole show go to Fcha.nl/fieldsportsbritain394
▶ Join the Fieldsports Nation and fund our fight for fieldsports in the media Fcha.nl/fieldsportsnation - for full details / @fieldsportstv for KZbin membership
/ fieldsportschannel for the same via Patreon
To become a more structural shareholder, visit fieldsports.envestry.com
Or simply support us, please, by donating: www.paypal.me/fieldsports
▶ Sign up for our weekly email newsletter Fcha.nl/register
▶ Fieldsports Shop fieldsports.shop
We’re proud to promote enjoyment of fieldsports and the countryside. There are three guiding principles to everything we do on Fieldsports Channel:
▶ Hunt, shoot and fish responsibly
▶ Respect the quarry
▶ Ensure a humane, clean and quick kill
Take part in nature. Join the Fieldsports Nation Fcha.nl

[@frankposterello1628]

I love when people who don't have a complication (cross eye dominance) confidently dismiss it.

[@muchohucho]

I was looking for this comment!

[@Maybenxt_time]

Look up Ben Husthwaite and Ed Solomon. Both are world champions in sporting clays and both world class coaches. They both say try both because some people shoot better with one eye closed. They also say if a coach tries to force you into keeping both eyes open… find another coach.

[@erichaun4529]

I keep both eyes open as I track the target but close my left eye as I tighten on the trigger. This has served me quite well through the years. But I was told for years this was wrong and I have repeatedly tried both eyes open with poor results. Then I met a world class trap and skeet shooter who did the same and said something that stuck with me, "if the only proper way to shoot a shotgun was with both eyes open, then it's funny they all are made with ribs and sights". Another thing, the gun absolutely has to fit to shoot both eyes open and gun fit changes with how many layers of clothes you're wearing or weight gain or weight loss. Great for some folks but apparently not me.

[@jameswathen2376]

Eric Haun interesting comments, I do the same but before I did, I had an expect put an opaque sticker on the left lens of my glasses. I still begin with both eyes open and as I close in on the target I close my left eye. Additionally once I purchase a new gun that fit better my score increased by 20%. Listening to his analogies makes me want to take the sticker off my glasses and try shooting with both eyes open.

[@juniperman]

You mean I didn’t invent that technique ?

[@geetarz1]

As a novice clay pigeon shooter (but experienced target shooter), and someone who had to wear a patch as a very young kid over my “strong” eye to correct my lazy eye… if you are very one eye dominant, and that eye is the opposite of the shoulder you mount to, I strongly recommend to shoot how you get the best results, irrespective of this kind of pressured method selling… for me that’s with one eye closed. With two eyes open, I genuinely can’t aim the gun - it’s nothing to do with hand eye coordination, it’s that my left eye is so strong (but I’m right handed) that I couldn’t even get close when trying it. Fortunately, my instructor (a Team GB shooter) doesn’t force a particular method on me… he noticed that with 2 eyes open I was several meters off target. Closing my left eye, I’m pretty accurate, even though I’m a beginner (best result so far at sportrap style lessons being 42/50). My instructor said to carry on shooting one eye closed, as it clearly works for me… and mentioned that international shooters he knows shoot one-eyed where their dominant eye is a natural distraction. As with most things in life, one-size does not fit all 👍 Happy shooting folks - it’s a brilliant sport, and I’m thrilled to have started it! 😊

[@markscarborough7580]

Those that do not experience it, don’t understand it.

[@tyb525]

Gun sights were invented so we didn't have to rely so hard on the human brain - which is imperfect. Line up 2 points along a straight barrel and you know you'll be accurate.

[@geetarz1]

@@tyb525 shotguns don't have sights... some don't even have a bead. If your brain refuses to use the eye that's sat at the stock-end of the barrel, you've got to stop the other eye from focusing somehow (close it, eye correction dot/patch)

[@grinchyface]

It's likely because you are a new clay shooter, you don't quite understand the finer points of good fundamentals in successful clay breaking. In no way are you supposed to look at the barrel or anything attached to the gun when you are on a clay within 70 or so yards. Always look at the target, match your barrel speed with the speed of the target, and pull the trigger. You *need* both eyes open to have the depth perception to allow your brain to compensate the position of the gun with the speed and distance to the target. If you don't, you lose half your field of view and all of your ability to perceive depth. If a clay ever looks fast when you are behind the gun, it's because you aren't looking at the clay with both eyes.

[@grinchyface]

btw- this skill transfers 1:1 to other shooting disciplines. Most people have only fired at stationary or slow-moving targets, and start clay shooting with stationary target fundamentals against clays, and have an incredibly steep learning curve without much success. Become a good clay shooter, and you can be a world class rifleman.

[@seabee7071]

Thank you for a very informative video! At 68, I am new to trap shooting. I am a retired police officer and was a range master for over 20 years. With pistols, I always shot with my left eye closed. I tried this with trap. It worked for the first time, 23/25. It went downhill from there....I became VERY frustrated with my shooting. I began listening to too many people and my scores went from bad to worse. I happened upon your video about a month ago and watched it about 10 times ! I went to the trap range and made a conscious effort to keep both eyes open. It took about 3 rounds to make a go of it. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !!!! See the bird, shoot the bird !!!!! I now concentrate on the bird, not my shotgun and I am shooting in the 20's every round ! Thank you Sir ! Greatly appreciated !!! JJP

[@ginobailo8462]

We've both had a similar experience. And isn't it incredible how much more comfortable and relaxed shooting is when you start keeping both eyes open. I can shoot with one eye closed but find I have to concentrate much harder and it wares me down. This video changed how I shoot and has increased my enjoyment of the sport immensely. Thank you very much Nick Penn.

[@alanbush4192]

most of the people on here don't know which one of their eyes is their master eye and until now didn't even know there was such a thing and until they do they cant make any sensible decision as to a remedy . Find a professional EXPERIENCED instructor and get proper advice and help before wasting money and frustration time 75% of shooters don't need any help GET CHECKED FIRST

[@Quentin217]

I am a wingshooter of very long and heavy experience in the American west. I think that one of my early advantages in hitting birds and clay targets was that I never had a blooming lesson. Before I bought my first shotgun, I read a very old book about birding. Alone with no one to critique me, I learned from trial and error how to hit and how to miss. Not to boast, but I got good in a short interval. I think that the trick is to refrain from overthinking the matter.

[@manuelpasadas7578]

Em português???

[@gedenirfiorese3523]

I’m left hand, but being told I’m right eye dominant. Obviously I use the trap shotgun on left side. My issue is, if I keep both eyes open I see it “crossed-eye” when I look down the barrel. Regardless of what side I shoot with

[@alisonmcelrea3270]

Totally agree, I love my Beretta Vittoria, fits as perfect as it can. Will need to try keeping both eyes open.

[@rhiconic]

I tried both eyes open and on my first outing I hit 50% more clays.

[@alanbush4192]

that's most likely because your eye looking the rib is your dominant eye. lucky you

[@mikeroberts3868]

This is a instinctive shooting method. Just like shooting recurve bows instinctively. You shoot with both eyes open and the brain makes correction. Just like throwing a baseball, you don't close one eye and your brain makes the correction. If you don't practice it feels funny and it take a while for your brain to program but once it does it's great.

[@markinaction1]

He is exactly right. I am an archer. I use no dedicated aiming method. Otherwise known as instinctive. I concentrate on the shot process built by time and effort. It can be done.

[@AdamsClayPigeonGuide]

Archery is different to shooting a shotgun. Are you shooting a moving target? I used to do archery and never had a problem. Clay shooting and off eye dominant/central vision? Nightmare until recently

[@peterjackson2632]

That was so enlightening. I'm not a shooter but I watched your video to improve my success rate with photographing flying birds. From now on I will try and keep both eyes open.

[@C_Tutt]

Went from shooting 60s with one eye closed to 85 and 90s with both eyes opened, drastically improved my shooting, never been so surprised by changing one technique how much it improved me

[@kingneutron1]

Beautiful artwork on that gun!!

[@zenadventurer69]

I’m right handed but heavily left eye dominant. With both eyes open, the front sight disappears into a blur of three or more blurry shapes. My instructor suggested trying to shoot leftie, but no way that’s going to work, so I have no choice but to close my left eye. With my handgun, I can turn my head slightly and pick up my front sight and shoot with both eyes open, but of course can’t do that with my Benelli.

[@jeremiahgachassin1955]

I have the same problem 😕

[@Deadbuck73]

I’ve just learned to go lefty... it really isn’t hard at all... being able to see and hit my target made the awkwardness go away quickly...

[@peterboffa7264]

Same here, I was taught in my lessons to close my dominant left eye (right handed shooter) so for two years I've known nothing different and it works for me.

[@afroliciouspresents3603]

If you chaps don't mind looking a little odd while shooting, here's a tip. Get a pair of prescription free glasses and cover the dominant eye side with white tape and keep the dominant eye open. This way, that eye will do its job of gathering light, ensuring the aiming eye doesn't tire prematurely, but won't interfere with the aiming process.

[@afroliciouspresents3603]

Or.... Remove the glass from the dominant eye side, use it as a stencil on milk carton plastic, then place the plastic 'lens' where the glass lens was. Moderately less daft looking than white tape, but still a tad 'Joe 90'.

[@The_Gallowglass]

Same with bows. Used to shoot trap a lot as a kid. Either with pump, single shot, or double barrel. My dad had a really nice Browning Auto 5.

[@williamalanwilliams8182]

absolute brilliant tutorial introduction into shooting, I'm 70 in August and hope to get my licence so i can enjoy the time what i have left.... thanks for posting...Bill

[@bobwat007]

Snap! I am also 70 in August and am about to send off my licence application. Always have been a gun nut but lost interest after they banned hand guns in the uk. After 2 trips to the USA and blasting away on 5 ranges my interest is back and had my first lesson last Thursday. Unfortunately left eye dominant and right handed.

[@maximumfartsmell]

Its hard to get at first but after a bit of practice its amazing. I dont even see my gun anymore but somehow i hit them. My tip is keep above you rib cage ridged and swivel you hips, kind of feels like you aiming with your chest. Do try it and dont give up after your first miss, you are always going to go down in score when you try something new but in the long run you might improve loads

[@alanbush4192]

your gun must always be in your peripheral vision and the target in your focal vision. if you reverse them you will miss .NEVER LOOK AT THE GUN

[@hawkgeoff]

Tell us how hour off hand dominant. Otherwise you don't have a clue what you r talking about. If you got a cat shootin 97s with a small patch or squinting you'd tell them to shoot ur way and score in the 50s???

[@alanbush4192]

As someone who started shooting when i was 11 and am now 76 shoot clays and still AA game /target / pest control/ pistol captain at Carshalton r/p club before the ban. CPSA qualified instructor for some 20 years . And head instructor at Headly gun club surrey [5 other instructors] . with both eyes open Eye dominance is not a problem if you are right eyed and right handed or left eyed and left handed it only becomes an issue when they are opposed because even if the shooter is looking at the target and not the gun they end up looking across the gun at the target and not down the barrel as the strong eye takes over causing the shot to go to the left of the target of a right hander and to the right of the target of a left hander. I have taught many hundreds maybe thousands to shoot over the years and in my experience the problem the majority of novices have is stopping themselves looking at the end off the gun instead of the target. You can tell the instant they look at the gun because instead of a nice smooth swing the muzzle turns into Harry potters wand and results in a miss. That's why i start every lesson with an eye dominance test and then adjust the lesson on those results. The trick is to get them to look through [past] the gun at the target and not let their focal vision drift off the target back to the gun. The clay stays in the focal vision the gun in the peripheral vision sounds easy don't it. Well it is if you practice for 65 years . OH another problem with novices is getting them to keep their weight on their front [leading ] leg and not on the back one and leaning back wards. Drives me bonkers but i just love that smile they get when they hit their first ever clay wonderful

[@imadhellaily6078]

I learned to shoot left handed just because I believed in eye dominance tbh it helps me a lot now I shoot both hands I prefer the left but the right is ok

[@mjhill72]

I come from a law enforcement background & never understood the eye dominance test because I couldn't get it to work. Consequently, I learned to keep both eyes open on the range (which caused me to see two guns when focusing on the target) and aim with the gun to the left. I was always a consistent top gun shooter with mostly perfect scores. Years later I learned about "mixed ocular dominance" which means your eyes are equally dominant, which is why the dominance test never worked for me.

[@alanbush4192]

you have CENTRAL vision you can shoot both eyes open if you squint the eye you don't want to be dominant do this until your brain automatically acquires the preferred eye on aiming

[@mjhill72]

@@alanbush4192 Cool. I just tested that and it does make the sight picture clearer. 👍

[@geoffhawk2332]

I never heard the term "mixed ocular dominance"... For me whatever eye is closer to the direction I'm looking at becomes dominant. Huh... must be this.

[@surfakta]

I tried everything! One eye closed, both eyes open, even both eyes tightly shut!! Nothing worked. Then One day I woke up with a splitting headache. Red wine and the single malt the night before may have had something to do with it.Seeing AC Sporting is only twenty minutes away I decided to get some fresh air.After a strong coffee I went on the Fitasc stand and shot 22 out of 25 !! Holy S..... I could not believe it. Round 2, shot 23 out of 25. I have not looked back since. The answer? Leave your thinking machine at home.

[@Thescorpion1255]

Since I was a kid I always shot both eyes open I had thought everyone did it until I met up with other shooters I thought it was crazy to cut off half your field of view when aiming a firearm and im glad to see others feel the same way about that traditional style of one eye closed

[@tasmedic]

Dominant eye is very important when using a shotgun and trying to hit moving targets. Speaking as a Doctor, I can tell you that not everyone can suppress the image from their non-dominant eye. This is why some people do better closing their non dominant eye. However, if you can suppress the image from your non dominant eye, and keep your dominant one in the right place when shooting, then the main gain from keeping both eyes open is that the pupil on your dominant eye will be smaller when you're keeping your other eye open. This gives the shooter a much clearer target to shoot at, due to increased depth of focus. I don't agree with the instructor who implies that you can use both eyes and depth perception when shooting a moving target with a shotgun. If you did that, then your point of focus, is, ipso facto, half way between your right and left eye, and this is NOT where the bead at the end of the shotgun barrel is, in relation to the target. If you were relying on that theory, then you'd need to put your chin on the stock and have the barrel exactly half way between your eyes. What's needed is an instructor who can spot what their students are doing, and work to their strengths. Some can keep both eyes open and suppress the false image from the non dominant eye, but most cannot, and will get fed up of altering their body position and technique to try and compensate for this. I suspect this instructor will find about 60% of his students unable to follow his advice, due to an inability to spot his student's innate capacities.

[@Pidalin]

You don't need barrel in middle of your eyes. You still see sights with one eye (dominant or not, it doesn't matter, I have left eye dominant, but with rifle, I just can't see sights with left eye obviously) even with both eyes opened, second eye only makes 3D vision. I didn't know such simple thing as shooting with both eyes opened is such complicated thing for most of people, I am shooting like that whole my life, it's simple. You focus on target and you see only ghost of sights, that's how it works, you see 2D projection of sights so you don't have to refocus on sights and to target, you just keep your focus on target with both eyes, but you see sights with one eye. I think I started shooting with both eyes opend because of I have left eye dominant so when I am aiming with rifle I tend to look with my dominant eye, but I have to see even sights so I invented shooting with both eyes opened, after 20 years of shooting (with everything from toy guns to real guns) it looks simple for me, but it's probably not so simple.

[@brianwright9514]

I have had this trouble in the past, shooting trap targets. I've had to go to adding a bit of tape in front of my left eye to prevent it seeing the target. I find the biggest benefit from two eye shooting is picking up the target faster and getting my focus locked in faster, but it definitely hinders maintaining focus as the barrel is moving into the target picture.

[@Snurker]

This is one thing many people disagree on, many says shoot with one eye closed, others say don't. I personally shoot with both eyes open, with both rifles, shotguns and handguns.

[@rallandfortier3151]

Shooting with two eyes open can be advantageous, but dismissing the problems caused by eye dominance is foolish.

[@cgreeneblue]

Are there no Ophthalmologists out there who shoot clays or what? I feel like so many online instructors make grand statements about what you "can't do" with one eye, or start making stupid analogies about playing baseball or tennis with one eye and they have no idea regarding the mechanics of vision and occulomotor control. The sight picture a cross dominant person sees is simply not the same as a "normal" person and shooting with both eyes open will never work as well for them as a person with same hand and eye dominance.

[@shaundavis8522]

@Lord7master7mike i also am right hand and left eye dom. i shoot lh and have changed many a junior because of this r to l etc and have always seen difference and happier more confidant shooter

[@Pidalin]

@Lord7master7mike Aiming with left eye with rifle is nonsense, you have to just overcome your instinct aim with left eye. I am also left eye dominant (I am using left eye as dominant for pistols), but I have right eye dominant for rifles because there is no other option, you have to get used to, you can't fight with that. BTW I never close eye, nobody told me I have to when I was kid so I always shooted like that and it probably works better when you are used to it becasue you see thru your gun, thru your sights and you have 3D vision.

[@MrAbstraxsax]

I have always shot both eyes open. Now after about 8 years of little or no shooting and now being just over 60 I've started again only to find I am now cross firing. I am right shoulder, right eye dominant but with both eyes open at times my left eye takes over and I miss either miles in front (clay from left) or miles behind (clay from right). I was also missing straight going away or teal clays on the right. I've tried a patch in my glasses but it can still happen. The only way I'm finding to hit clays constantly is close my left eye. I try and pick up the clay with both eyes but track it with one. So far it seems to be working. I was speaking to a chap at the clay ground the other day who has developed the same problem and, funnily enough we are the same age! I am due in for a sight test so I'll see if they have any suggestions.

[@robertsultana4347]

I'm right handed but left eye dominant......everyone was always taught to shoot with one eye closed here in Malta. In my case it's the only way I can shoot....always suited me well ! I've even been to the U.K. on woodpigeon and always got my fair share....consistently having a 1: 2.5 shot to kill ratio sits pretty well in my book !

[@charliesebbage9401]

Very strong opinions, almost borderline aggressive! But some good points although no two people are the same

[@royedwards3388]

I may be the odd ball but I can't shoot 2 eyes open. I grew up trap shooting and have been told all the different ways to shoot better!! When I was young I tried everything but thankfully I had a father that continued to support my passion of shooting! My Dad and I would go to the range on weekends and shoot 4-500 rounds of trap which really helped me to refine my style of shooting. I am a stickler on mounting and head placement for the fact that you have to have a constant before you can have a reliable lead. I mount to check my head position and bead alignment is correct then use both eyes to acquire the target. Once acquired I close my left eye and do a sustained/pull away lead. I'm a firm believer it's practicing your style of shooting while performing good basics. Knowing your leads through practice on targets doesn't always spell game in the hand. Hence I say it's practice along with good fundamentals. I would challenge this video but if it helps someone shoot better then all the better for them :)

[@dermotmcgreevy5220]

im cross dominant and it affects me a lot when i try to shoot, can i use this method?

[@kevlec1947]

Very informative video.

[@martineleven8179]

What works for you works for you, George digweed is the finest I've ever seen shoot tbh. Absolute genius.

[@operator6471]

I thought it depends on whether you are left or right handed and which is your dominant eye. If you are right handed and right eye dominant both eyes open. If you are right handed and left eye dominant you will have to keep one eye closed- or so I was told at my recent clay pigeon instruction.

[@motohunter2390]

Brilliant information

[@jeffreyarcher5030]

Outstanding!!!

[@RyanHyman1989]

With correctional contact lenses which give me perfect central vision all I can see is two sets of barrels in a V in front of me if I'm focusing on the bird with both eyes open. I'm never accurately in front or behind and I can't tell you where I'm pointing the gun at. If I track with both eyes, but shut my left eye when pulling ahead I get a much more accurate picture - I can see one barrel in my field of view and I know exactly where I'm pointing at! By no means a great shot, but I'm a lot better with one eye!

[@curttuundra]

Best training I have found for better both eyes open shooting is to place clays on the ground and a facing mound at random distance and order. Shooting from the hip moving from target to target. You can progress to practicing hip shooting on incoming high targets too. Keep both eyes open. You'd be surprised how easy it is to hit targets.

[@iceman5167]

I've won 3 shooting competitions granted on a small scale but I've won them while keeping my left eye covered & i learned to shoot with my left eye closed

[@mariustresorus942]

Hello, I need some help. I'm a strange shooter : handgun comfortable in my right hand but shotgun comfortable on my left (I'm a left hand writer, but I boxe orthodox ). Now, my dominant eye is the right, no doubt. One thing is sure, I won't change my shotgun of side=> Left. Question : Am I ok to shoot eyes open ? For now, I follow the clay both eyes opened and I close the right a few second when doing "butt head shot" swing. Without any hearing from you, I'll try two eyes open next time (when the confinement will be ended). Thanks a lot in advance !

[@srspower]

I guess he's talking about getting in the 'zone' I get that Pigeon shooting after missing a few but it's not easy.

[@Monmorrangr]

I’m 40 years old and have been shooting since I was 10. I never realized people looked at their beads or closed one eye when using a shotgun. I can’t imagine hitting anything if I did that

[@tyb525]

It's people like me who were trained on rifle sights. It's instinctive to aim with one eye then. Use only one eye and your brain doesn't have to worry about making corrections for 2 eyes.

[@ljp200]

Cannot say that I agree with Mr. Penn on terms of eye dominance. First off if it didn't matter there would be little explanation as to why experiences shooters will miss completely if they change shoulder, I have tested this and have seen instructors miss clay at 20 meters on the ground, not to speak of myself. If the issue was that you pull the gun to one side (a possible contributor) when you raise the gun this should have no effect on level shooting, or as in our test shooting, downwards. This would leave Mr. Penn with a problem explaining why people miss low birds or stationary targets when they change shoulders, something eye dominance do account for. Secondly "the higher I go the more I drag, now that's common sense" Well no it isn't, if you do so you are holding the gun rather retarded and pulling the gun to the side with either the one hand or the other, not putting pressure inwards. You can see people do this if they aim using their shoulders or arms, something you ought never to do and would be the first place to correct. Also "that's common sense" does not constitute an argument in any way shape or form.

[@davidbundesen5867]

I spent a lot of money on a very expensive lesson where they insisted I shoot with both eyes open. I literally couldn't hit anything. this does NOT work for everyone. I am right handed and left eye dominant. and if I have both eyes open, I see two barrels crossed in front of me. Sorry. I WISH This were true for everyone. but its not for me.

[@chrisbutler264]

Same! I was just going to post this comment.

[@davem4193]

Same thing here!

[@maginas13]

@@TheWill76052 Was it difficult to change side of shootting?I have the same problem left eye dominant and i shoot right side so i close left eye a moment before i press trigger.I dont have a lot of missed game but always exist space for improvement...so i think to start practice with a pro coach to change side and aim with full open eyes. Does it worth the time and the money?

[@noahtaylor4256]

What did work? Because i'm exactly the same...

[@davidbundesen5867]

Noah Taylor actually, I now shoot with two eyes open but have a patch that blurs the target over my left eye. I wear eyeglasses.

[@KSWSG]

I started shooting at about age 8 which was nearly 30 years ago Telling an 8 year old to put a specific lead on something is impossible. Gauging 2 or 3 feet at a target 15+ yards away is impossible for them. I was taught how to set up for shots in terms of hold and focus and where to break birds. No one ever said anything about leads or eye focus. They helped me get set up and let me shoot. As a result, I have always been an instinctual shooter with both eyes open. I have thought about it many times that I don't think I could teach someone to shoot because I can't necessarily tell them what I am doing after I call pull. Perhaps the answer is as simple as keep your eyes open and let the gun do the work. I feel better about teaching my son the way that I learned after seeing this. He still has a couple years before we get behind a shotgun, but at least I feel better about giving him a foundation.

[@fredfreddy8684]

If you are cross-eye dominant, you should try shooting with both eyes open and one eye closed to see which works best for you. Nothing, nothing at all always works best for evreyone.

[@estebancamacho809]

This little piece of advise got me from 11-13 avg to 21-23 in no time, one or two months...

[@estebancamacho809]

@Alex Waters come to Miami and I'll prove you wrong. No need to lie. Cheers.

[@afroliciouspresents3603]

Funny. I watched one of Ben Husthwaite's videos, the other evening, in which he trashed anyone who thinks we must shoot with both eyes open! For the new shooter, is has to be baffling. I'm not much of a clay shooter, although I enjoy it. But, as a rifle shooter, I will say that eyes work best in tandem. It's not just for gathering light - our brains are instantly metering the light to judge depth of field. A throwback to the days when such party tricks helped us know how far we needed to throw a spear to kill an animal and therefore not starve. The problem is that if you close and open and close and open and close and open one eye, the muscles working the pupil will tire, prematurely. The eye which stays open will need to do the work for both eyes and will also tire sooner than if both eyes did the job. It's rather like two guys carrying a log. If one of them decides to take a rest, every two minutes, while the other drags the log for both, the pair of them will wind up knackered. That said, dismissing eye dominance as an issue seems a little rash.

[@bowhunt2472]

Great video.

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

..when I started clay shooting (30 years ago), having come from rifles, I would squint and adjust the aim just before I shot and it worked well. However, with the correct dominant/master eye for hand dominance and a gun that fits, it's much easier both eyes open especially for fast birds. When you hit a ball with a bat, you watch the ball and swing - you don't squint and try and line the bat up...it's far more instinctive than that...like clay shooting!

[@Odyseus-uz9xh]

Littledaddy Nesbit I am a right handed shooter with dominant left eye, can’t see the target in rough shooting birds. Please advice how to improve this and how to shoot with both eyes open.

[@curttuundra]

There is almost zero correlation to hitting a baseball to clay target shooting. Clay targets are generally not coming near you and you don't open your hips and swing your arms to smash the gun into the clay target. Not sure why people keep saying this. I played baseball 50 years and went one season with a patch over my left eye, had no problem seeing or hitting the ball. Throwing accurate on the other hand was difficult to master.

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

@@curttuundra ...the comparison to baseball or cricket IS relevant. It's a reference to hand and eye coordination. Unlike rifle shooting were it's "aiming". It's nothing to do with your hips or whether the clay is coming towards you. You learn "sight pictures" to make kills at varying angles and speeds and build it's done with both eyes open, hopefully with the right dominant eye over the barrel....

[@curttuundra]

@@littledaddynesbit4193 disagree. You make my point about hitting a baseball whereby in baseball to hit the ball you're using the whole body in a specific sequence to hit a flying object coming at you. Yes good hand eye coordination is required just like every sport I can think of. By the way just because you have good hand&eye coordination is not a prerequisite for becoming a good clay shooter. I have seen tons of expert shooters in all shooting discipline that are not athletic enough to dribble a ball and surely wouldn't be able to hit a baseball coming at them at 80mph. You want to improve hand eye coordination, purchase a set of paddle ball toys (the little wooden paddleswith a small rubber ball attached with rubberband. When you can master hitting the ball squarely in the center of the paddle using both hands at the same time you will drastically improve hand eye coordination. Oh and in fact its very easy to master. Will this new learned skill translate over to better shooting, not for most of us.

[@littledaddynesbit4193]

@@curttuundra ...same argument you used on your first reply. No points for that. My comment was how I transitioned from trying to measure lead coming from rifle shooting to using both eyes and trusting my hand and eye coordination to predict where to place the shot. I've learnt there's a few angles and speeds that can trick you but for the majority of clays, you already know where you need to place the shot without thinking about. My favourite (and most productive) comment for novice shooters is "don't think, swing"...bit like baseball ;-)

[@jackdm596]

I used to go bird shooting and I missed 80% of the time. Now I know why : when pointing my finger to a still target and close my left eye and then without moving I open both eyes I find that I have shot way to the left of the target.Same for moving targets or birds, I was shooting way to the left of the bird, hence missing.

[@abrahamfh]

So than what is the recommendation for this of us that are cross eye dominate. I’m a right handle with left eye dominance. Haven’t been shooting long so I’m trying to figure out what i should do

[@Truecrimecommunity]

On An AR platform or my Ruger .308 scout with a vortex pro scout 1-6x you wouldn’t believe how much faster , how more lethal you become. It’s important to note that some scopes are made for both eyes open. Many people do not realize that. If you get a great red dot or tubular that is made for 400 yards and in which a scout is my top pick for 500 and in you will be amazed at how much faster you can get on target & secondly how fast you can switch targets. You can switch targets as fast as your eyes can move vs however long it would normally take you with a scope and 1 eye. Some people can’t switch targets quicker than 4-5 seconds. In a defense or offensive situation this could = a permanent nap

[@mac2k2020]

makes perfect sense in traditional/primitive archery we call it instinctive shooting many of the greatest archers including Howard hill used that technique , if you don't know who he is google it and prepare to be amazed lol

[@kenabell4978]

I’m left handed right eyed and was short sighted in my left eye, had it laser corrected but no improvement, swapped to right shoulder and straight away as good (just felt awkward) now shoot better than ever, forget the one eye, the patch on your glasses both eyes is the only way or if you want to go as far as I did swap shoulders and use both eyes.

[@Cafferssss]

eye dominance absolutley matters. I've been shooting for 18 years and when sighting the target - both eyes open - i hard focus on the clay and i see two out of focus ribs and beads. Which leaves me to total guess work. I've been learning to shoot left handed, and yes my form needs refining a lot to be as good right handed, however when hard focused on the clay i only see one rib out of focus. not two meeting at the bead. I agree that pulling left is a form issue, however eye dominance matters when it comes to being hard focused on a clay.

[@codybrinkman9066]

With shotgun sports shooting I was always told shoot with both eyes open my boss even tells me it I can do it but I shoot better with one eye open and I shoot faster with only one eye open

[@JsuzGhost]

Ive been shooting with one eye closed since i started shooting with alot of people telling me that its "the wrong way". Yet i consistenly shoot low 90/100s and see the errors of my shots only in concentration errors or i have not enough experience with a target.

[@bertram1st]

When I tried this it looked like the barrel crossed over can I train my eyes or is this because my eyesight is not 20 20

[@Ederandnl]

Oh and for all the comments I see below about seeing the side of your barrel etc etc the clou is and point that is in my view correctly made 'YOU SHOULD NEVER LOOK AT YOUR BARREL !!!' it is physically impossible for a human to focus on two things and for shure when the are 30mtr's apart !!

[@theoldhobbit3640]

It just goes to prove if you say something with enough conviction you must be right. Please forgive the snipe but this type of information is extremely confusing to a novice such as myself. I have only been shooting for about 5 months and am currently taking lessons with a club coach. I'm ex services and have been trained and practised over 12 years to shoot with one eye open and that unfortunately sticks with me. My instructor has tried to get me to open both eyes (R eye dominant) but has made it very clear that I should shoot in a way that I feel comfortable with. I have adopted an unusual style which incorporates both options in that I use both eyes open to pick up and track the clay, but close my left eye just as I get to the kill zone. I have to say I am quite pleased with my performance so far, even though I have yet to be tested in some really difficult presentations, but one eye works for me. Please forgive my apparent novice arrogance but I know what works for me and for this very experienced gentleman to dismiss this subject in the way he does seems to offer insult to all the coaches out there who have a different opinion.

[@Ranko1974]

Dave Carrie the legend, has only one eye, and is an amazing shot..... 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@shaundavis8522]

if thats all you got but if you have an advantage and dont use it your loss

[@peterbalac1915]

Spot on Carlos.

[@MjrMjr-tt3kn]

I would like to try this both eye open thing, i use one eye open and one closed for now. Would love a 694!

[@TacticalHunter1981]

I changed my shooting style a couple of years ago! Both eyes open rules!!!

[@user-ov3cq3zp7o]

One more magic thing happens when you start shooting ducks with your both eyes opened... You don't need whatever lead anymore... You shoot stright in the duck, no matter the distance or it's speed, and you hit your target. Your brain makes all the math... and regulates the speed of your gun... (you are shooting through the target) Sounds good? Right, feels even better! If while shooting you are trying to analyze every step you do... and controll your actions with your mind... your brain commander is blocked.... It's hard to understand, even harder to explain how it actually works, but it does. Nick Penn, thank you! From Russia with Love.

[@cratxn1]

I find it interesting that for the ladies gun fit there was no mention of changing the pitch or angle of the recoil pad against their chest. Women here in Texas often have prominent breasts that require the toe of the recoil pad to have more angle off to prevent discomfort...and if the toe can be kicked out to align the recoil pad with the natural crease i.e. angle of the shoulder pocket..vs straight up and down...so much the better ! Knockers Up ole girl...ta ta...titi...ta da

[@glennbain6432]

The Vittoria range actually have a modified pitch and a semi-Monte Carlo butt, to better fit the shape of the chest for women. They also have a minimal (about 1mm I think) cast and a semi-Monte Carlo butt to allow for the narrower shoulders and a better into the shoulder pocket. That, along with no palm swell and a smaller diameter pistol grip are probably as important as the reduced length of pull described in this video.

[@ocavant]

Wonder what he would say for someone with impaired vision in only one eye? I suffered macular degradation in my right eye as an early teen(Coats disease). Loss of inner peripheral vision and a degeneration to about 20/60 over the entire vision field. Shooting right-handed since about 8, I sort of panicked, but my dad said if I wanted to continue I'd need to shoot with the left eye. I became a lefty, but can still shoot right handed. I'm cross eye dominant with a rifle and pistol, but I shoot mostly left-handed with a shotgun. I've tried both eyes open but it does not seem to work for me. I guess my bum eye is sorta like putting tape on your glasses over your non dominant eye. BTW, I'm about average as a shooter goes.

[@andrewjohnston4127]

S H I was going to make a similar point, I'm blind in my left eye and shoot perfectly well using my right.

[@jeanbuys5414]

I'm shooting for a few years now, I look at the bird with 2 eyes open. But right before I shoot I close one eye( just like crow). Is it worth changing to 2 eyes open all the time?

[@fieldsportstv]

+Jean Buys Nick Penn says yes. / Charlie

[@micahlowbe9067]

If i’m not allowed to look at the bead, how do i know if i’m leading the target?

[@gaylemason1659]

Just came across this today and I have one question: How many of you watch your tennis racket, baseball (cricket) bat, golf club, handball glove or soccer (football) cleat when playing those games? You don't! So why insist that you must look at the barrels when it is the same hand/eye coordination situation. Several years ago, before a job change had me working most weekends, I helped with the youth day at our local range that included instructions in air rifle, archery, .22 pistol and rifle, and shotguns. While instructing at the shotgun range, there was always the same statement from students after I instructed them to keep both eyes open and only look at the bird: "My Daddy says to look down the barrel at the sights/bead." At this point, I would ask all the students in line to come close beside and a little behind me, tuck a shotgun under my armpit and then break at least 4 out of 5 and often 5 out of 5 trap style targets in a row. They would all start asking how I did that! I explained, in much simpler terms, that this possible because the eyes sends data as to speed and direction of the target to the brain, which then calculates the "FUTURE" path of the target, so that it can transmit spatial (positional) data to the hands that allow the interception (lead) of the target. There are many articles written on this subject, go online and read a few.

[@fieldsportstv]

Thanks - good points.

[@michaelbrohl1625]

Just watched a video where Rob Leatham says if you're cross eye dominant just close one eye (whichever one is necessary). Problem solved. I think Rob Leatham knows a thing or two about shooting. I'll go with his advice. Besides, it's been working for me for 30 years.

[@seemoore]

Ive never been happy shooting with an eye closed because Im not disabled and use both eyes for looking and doing everything else in life. One lesson with Paul at Pennsport and thankfully I will never close an eye again for shooting with a shotgun.

[@clawhammer704]

This works great if your dominant eye is on your shooting side.

[@rubenninja853]

Yup,im cross dominance :P

[@richardgrainger6334]

It's very very hard. You can train your eyes and brain to achieve it but it will take a lot of time and money (A LOT!) and not guaranteed to improve your scores (especially with cross eye dominance). Many people think eye dominance changes or is a set thing, not many know it is possible to be right or left eye dominant but BARELY...meaning the non-dominant eye can and will take over given the tiniest reason. I'd agree completely closing one eye is not going to help but something to restrict can benefit. Just remember, lessons are worth the money, I'll always strongly recommend...but the guys and gals teaching you rely on you coming back and the longer it takes you to learn the more money they earn. The other thing about missing left or right that is talked about here is that if is so often caused by gun fit...it's frustrating how few people bother to actually get their gun fit, a millimetre or two at the muzzle can make several inches or more difference at 30/40yds. So if you fit isn't quite right....you'll miss no matter what your eyes are doing. I do think they technique he teaches works, I use it for trap shooting and it took some getting used to and trust. But, I can't use it for game or sporting where I have to shoot maintained lead... Just trying to teach people a whole new technique sounds like a good business strategy, not sure if it's as pragmatic for the shooter.

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

I have used this technique for years, I even taught it in my firearms safety class for 9 years.

[@apbt067]

There may not be eye dominance but the can dang sure be one better or stronger than the other. I can’t see crap out of my left eye.

[@TheNinyo77]

I can't hit shit with two eyes open, far better with one eye on it, with the new red bead brilliant addition.

[@sirich7751]

I just went shooting sporting clays. (I am a total novice w/ clays) Usually I close one eye when shooting anything but I found myself keeping both open. Just felt more natural for clays.

[@doctordifferentialspeedsho9506]

I’ve always kept both eyes open and looked down the barrel when shooting a shotgun. You can see more and make a more accurate shot.

[@JMc.D]

It’s not surprising the comments are mixed. Demonstrates that this is not a hard and fast rule.

[@DirtRoadGroceryStore]

If you're cross dominant, or are corrected to near equal, shooting with both eyes open makes you shoot before or behind. The reason is your brain is seeing two sets of barrels. All that automatic calculating he talks about happens with the wrong set. Much of the other stuff he says is true, though. It isn't anything new. In fact, I'm surprised it was presented as if most people over there actually do close the eye and look at the rib. If your gun fits you and you have good eyes, things work best as presented in the video. It's just where he talks about dominance that he makes himself out a loon. I think y'all should do a segment with this fellow and that Gilly gal. They'd fit well together.

[@tdlaustralia7791]

This might work for trap shooting but what about peep sights or scopes for target shooting. I've never been able to shoot remotely accurate for target shooting or hunting trying to keep both eyes open. I've done very little clay target but i can understand why it would work for them.

[@Pidalin]

It works for everything when you are used to, I think it very depends on how you started shooting, I shooted always with both eyes opened because nobody told me I shouldn't so I got used to. Also holding one eye closed is very uncomfortable, it can be even painfull when you do it for longer time. When I aim with pistol, I automaticaly see thru sights with my left eye and and I don't have to close eye. Same with rifle, except I aim with right eye (obviously, because it's not possible vice versa). I tried do it vice versa, use right eye as dominant for pistol and it's almost impossible for me so I guess that is how people who are not used to see it with both eyes opened. I am doing it like that whole my life so it's probably not so easy to learn in adult age. I can shoot same way with pistol with both hands, it doesn't matter in what hand I hold pistol.

[@charlesmiller8672]

I've tried 2 eyes for shooting trap but it doesn't work for me .......but i shoot sporting clays with both eyes open

[@s7aimmansoori263]

nice tips

[@chrisao1987]

I can’t do it. Everything is blurry and I can’t hit crap when I keep both eyes open. I can’t even focus on my target.

[@John-uj9zy]

You can shoot clay targets with one eye closed. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Once upon a time I shot perfect rounds of skeet and trap with one eye closed. Clays are predictable, birds are not. If you shoot with one eye closed you will not be as good as at hunting as you could be if you shot with both eyes open. I am right eye dominate, but neither of my hands is dominate and I shoot on either side regularly. When I shoot left handed I relax my dominate right eye and raise my left eye brow. For me it takes less effort than squinting or closing one eye. If you close an eye to shoot while hunting at some point you will miss simply because you took a harder shot and missed when there was a easier shot you were unable to see. Gun fit and mount is paramount. Tape a drinking straw to the top of your barrel where it meets the receiver. Then mount your gun with both eyes closed. When you open your eyes you will be looking down the straw if the gun fits and is mounted properly.

[@attananightshadow]

I know you’re supposed to have both eyes open; I don’t. I close one eye. The 72 geese and 43 ducks I nailed this past season didn’t know the difference. I don’t give definitive shooting advice. I just tell people to do what they feel they’ll be confident and comfortable doing; if they’re successful, roll with it. Having a good fitting gun is really important.

[@HistoricSteamTV]

Bunk, first shotgun i ever shot was a Purdy and if your skeet shooting or duck hunting you need to pull in your shoulder as you rise. People with challenging body size this becomes impossible as with frail lady shooters and youth. I bet this guy was a machine gunner in service then his perspective shooting theory makes sense. :o)

[@Thomas-nd2zp]

shooting with one eye closed is not a big problem when shooting parkour, but when you start shooting skeet, 2 eyes open is essential.

[@rallandfortier3151]

Tell that to a one eye shooter.

[@rallandfortier3151]

An afterthought to my previous post: I am actually right-handed but shoot rifle and shotgun left-handed. People often ask me if I shoot with one eye or both eyes open. I say yes. I've been blind on my right eye since I was seven. No problem with eye dominance except with individuals who dogmatically dismiss it. Check out what John Shima has to say about shooting with one eye.

[@ginobailo8462]

I only started shooting trap 3 months ago. (longtime rifle shooter) First I learnt to look out beyond my gun hold and not to aim! That was difficult and most rifle shooters complain about how hard it can be to adjust. But after doing all the simple tests to check eye dominance I found as a right hand shooter I was left eye dominant. I decided I will shoot with one eye closed and I was doing ok but only getting a best of 15 out of 25 clays. I employed a coach to try and assist but wasn't going to have my 1st lesson for more then a week. So I had a couple of days to practice before my 1st lesson. I watched this video. The next day on the layout I decided 'to hell with the eye dominance I'll try with both eyes open.' Unbelievable! At my 1st lesson I was told I needed no further coaching at this stage and only to get my gun stock checked and very slightly shortened, maybe a thinner recoil pad. Best I've shot since shooting with both eyes open 24 out of 27. And I smash the clays now and joining competition. If eye dominance is a fact how can I be hitting any, let alone improving????

[@deeremeyer1749]

Thats easier said than done. If you're lucky enough to have your "handedness" and "dominant eye" on the same side, it's not difficult. If you have "opposites" it takes a lot of time and effort to train your "non-dominant eye" to be your dominant eye. And if you think eye dominance is a "myth", you're a fool and you don't have a clue because you don't have an eye dominance issue. MOST PEOPLE will HAVE an eye dominance/handedness "match". Some people, like myself, DON'T. But I got LUCKY ENOUGH to have a LEFT-HANDED UNCLE teach me to shoot guns AND pool at a young age. I'm "right-handed" but I SHOOT LEFT-HANDED when it comes to LONG GUNS and POOL and it feels perfectly natural for me and always has. The first shot I made was with an old worn-out Daisy BB gun I ended up tagging a frog with and inadvertently killed because I didn't really expect to hit it OR for the BB that almost ROLLED out of the barrel to do any damage. I'm kind of a natural with anything involving hand-eye coordination and I'm semi-ambidextrous. That has helped me tremendously in my career as a diesel mechanic and I can do things like pick up two bolts or nuts and start them in holes or on bolts or studs simultaneously one in each hand and screw them on or in. I can pick up another with my empty hand while I'm still screwing with the other hand, etc. Lots of mechanical work is "blind" where you can't see at all what your hands are doing and that helps. I barely shot any handguns until 5 years ago but I've been shooting rifles and shotguns for 35+ years. When I bought my first handguns and started shooting them, I struggled. I was used to just being able to pick up guns or almost anything else involving putting projectiles in or on targets and being decent at it. It took me a lot of time and revising my practice schedule from QUANTITY to QUALITY practice and getting my RIGHT TRIGGER FINGER, which had only RARELY pulled a trigger when I very rarely shot right hand just to mess around, trained to be a "full-time" trigger finger with HANDGUNS. Because I shoot HANDGUNS RIGHT-HANDED. I can shoot long guns right-handed but its a struggle MOSTLY because of my EYE DOMINANCE. My right eye is only "non dominant" its weaker as far as vision goes and I struggle like hell to do with my right eye what I do instantly and naturally and easily with my left. I can keep both eyes open and do so automatically. But that STILL doesn't mean MY LEFT EYE isn't TAKING OVER. It is. You're equating POINTING a shotgun to AIMING a rifle or handgun and there is a huge difference. Like I said, if you're a natural "match", you don't have a freaking clue about eye dominance.

[@waldenhouse]

TRIANGULATION..............always important!

[@the45er]

If I'm starting out with a new shooter, my instruction would definitely be to tell them to learn to shoot ANY firearm with both eyes wide open. However, there are many, many situations that come with age and other changes that arise that result in BETTER shooting with one eye closed. As someone who has shot shotguns reasonably well for 65 years, I switched to a technique in sporting clays that has greatly improved my shooting. I call for the clay with both eyes open but as I move the gun to my shoulder, I shut my left eye. It works very well and no one can convince me otherwise. Here is a great video on this topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZKTXpShhcmspLM

[@mikebutler7605]

All I know is that, since my cataract surgery, my left eye , which was a 6.50 diopter eye, it sees better than my right eye, which has always been dominate. Now, as a right handed shooter, my left eye seems targets and sends its message to the brain along with my right eye and it confuses the hell out of me brain. I’ve had to block my left eye rather than learn to shoot left handed. I think the author is full of baloney.

[@jeansandmyshirt]

what about stationary targets?. does this method work on ducks sitting?

[@itsobvious5835]

Really? Let's et's ask Pete Blakely. A world class shooting instructer at the Dallas gun club. He disagrees. He has an excellent book that covers this issue. Many, many, master class shooters wink an eye. I acquire the target with both eyes open, then wink an eye a split second before the trigger. THAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR ME. I tried both eyes open for a year. My score dropped.

[@zondahyt45]

I have to disagree too, I’ve tried multiple times opening both eyes but I feel I’m looking down the side of the barrels and can’t hit a thing yet when I close my left eye it’s so much easier

[@alanbush4192]

That because you are left eye dominant and it takes over . God was kind to me he made me right handed and right eyed so I shoot both eyes open 87% kills 74 years old

[@browningmaxus5360]

@@alanbush4192 Not true I'm right eye dominated and if I shoot both eyes opened I see the left side of the barrel

[@nickkent5377]

A big thank you for expert free advice.

[@AdamsClayPigeonGuide]

Yes this video was certainly expert free. The bloke hasn't got a clue.

[@skeetman22]

Irony is listening to a guy talk about how important the eyes are in shooting but doesn’t wear shooting glasses

[@heathhalfhill6867]

Would you say the same for shooting airguns through your scope? I shoot with one eye sometimes but try with both and don’t really notice any difference when shooting target. While hunting I honestly never noticed if I use 1 or both while sighting through the scope.

[@Pidalin]

I don't close yes when I am shooting with scope, keep one yes close is very uncomfortable, it's better keep it open and just ignore what you see with that eye and focus on scope. Also when you are hunter, you can see around you. Only problem with scopes and both eyes opend is when it's very sunny day and your second eye is overexposed to light.