Author Topic: Open sight picture (Read 651 times)

Jim B. · « **on:** June 23, 2004, 04:23:17 AM »

When using open sights where the front sight is a bead (such as the Encore 209x50) what type of sight picture do you use for hunting? Do you sight in so the bullet hits just above the bead, in the center of the area covered by the bead or some other sight picture?

Jim

whitfang · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2004, 05:42:14 AM »

Normally the bead will be centered in the notch of the rear sight so that it is level with the top of the rear sight. The target, whether a bullseye or a spot in the kill zone on a deer, is then located on top of the bead. All three have to be kept in this alignment while the shot is squeezed off.
This is known as a 6 o'clock hold. I guess this shot would be sighted in to hit above the bead.

A variation is to split the target with the bead or post. This is known as a center hold. I guess this shot would be sighted in to hit where the bead is located.

This is different from the way I shoot at clay birds and such, when I 'cover' the clay bird with the front sight.

Whereabouts in central Indiana are you located?

Jim B. · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2004, 05:46:16 AM »

I am using an aperture rear sight but a front sight with bead. The fiber optic front sight does not seem to lend itself to a 6 o'clock hold - my tendency is to center the front sight over the area I want to hit. I am located just north of Indy in Westfield.
Jim

fairchase · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2004, 05:56:05 AM »

I put the bead exactly where I want the bullet, otherwise when I am keyed-up (biggame hunting) I'll shoot over the animal at some distances.
Good luck.

whitfang · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2004, 06:14:04 AM »

Sorry, I thought you were looking for basic sight picture information.

I've not used aperture type sights for hunting, but I would cover the target with the bead, centered in the aperture. That way, everthing is concentrically centered.

It sounds, though, like you have to go with what works best.

simonkenton · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2004, 09:26:24 AM »

I sight my rifles in so that the center of the front sight is where the bullet will hit.

whitfang · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2004, 11:02:17 AM »

Come to think of it, this is exactly analogous to a bow using a rear peep and front pins. The pin covers the target where you want the arrow to hit.

How is that aperture sight working? Any problem in low light? Is fast target aquisition a problem?

Jim B. · « **Reply #7 on:** June 25, 2004, 02:21:18 AM »

I am just starting to work with the sight but other rifles I have had with aperature sights have been very fast to get on target. Not focusing on the rear sight makes a big difference for me in the speed of sighting.
Jim