Author Topic: Scoped handgun and a bad right eye? (Read 1872 times)

AtlLaw · « **on:** September 14, 2012, 07:11:24 AM »

A short time ago I lost 50% (+/-) of the vision out of my right eye.

If I try to look through a scope with that eye I cannot see anything.

I am trying to switch over to shooting my rifles left handed but it isn't going well.

And what's worse is that deer season is fast approaching!

Now, I have a Ruger SBH Hunter with a Bushnell 2.5-7 scope mounted and I got to thinking.

Can a handgun be shot accurately right handed, with the only vision being from the shooter's left eye, if both eyes are kept open, looking through and around the scope set at low power?

What y'all think?

keith44 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2012, 07:58:49 AM »

I hunted exclusively with a Ruger SRH scoped with a 2x Simmons for 7 of the past 9 seasons. I have taken deer at 85 paces, to as close as 2 paces with this rig. I shoot with both eyes open, one focused through the scope, one watching the deer, until the moment I am ready to shoot when I focus both through the scope. Sounds wierd, but I can watch whats going on until a second before I pull the trigger. (no I do not keep the gun up, when I see what I want to shoot I raise the gun and "pre-aim")

MePlat · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2012, 10:48:22 AM »

I am going to try to be tactful but, I have shot right handed right eyed, left handed left eyed, and right handed left eyed to see if it is a big deal and guess what it isn't. The big deal is in ones mind. Unless youare very wide between the eyes shooing with a two handed hold it takes very little shift of one head to be able to see through the scope shooting right handed and left eyed. If you have trouble with a master right eye close the right eye for goodness sake. If your right eye is so bad you can't see through a scope what difference is it going to make in the first place?
Quit debating on it and go shooting. You will readily see what I mean. That will be more benifit than wondering about it.

sixshot · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2012, 07:20:38 PM »

There are a lot of shooters who do that very thing, shoot right handed using the left eye.

Dick

irold · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2012, 02:51:32 AM »

Quote from: sixshot on September 14, 2012, 07:20:38 PM

There are a lot of shooters who do that very thing, shoot right handed using the left eye.

Dick

Yep, I do. Not all the time, but my left is much better than my right.....not a problem with an EER scope.

regards , irold

fatercat · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2012, 05:07:00 AM »

why don't you try IT??? damn.

Catfish · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2012, 08:26:16 AM »

With a little practice you should pick it up reather quickly. I always shoot 2 eyes open with a hamdgun scope. When you get the scope on the target it seems that it pops out at you and you really don`t see much with the other eye. I hate to hear of you problem, but in a couple of years shooting right handed and left eyed will seem natural.

mechanic · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2012, 09:14:47 AM »

I've seen John Wayne shoot without even raising the gun from the hip, so I know you can do it......

Seriously, you can shoot plenty well enough to get Bambi.

Ben

keith44 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2012, 11:52:34 AM »

At the range the other day I was watching Dad shoot his rifle. He was holding weird so I asked about it. He is left hand right eye shooter. So even scoped rifle is possible, but may take more practice.

Tom W. · « **Reply #9 on:** September 15, 2012, 09:51:02 PM »

Short answer... Yes.

FPH · « **Reply #10 on:** September 15, 2012, 10:12:39 PM »

I did it for years. I grew up wanting to be like my Dad.........he was right handed but left eye dominate. AS a kid, I didn't know about eye dominance. I shot rifles and shotguns lefty.......pistols righty (using my left eye). Keep both of your eyes open....it will help.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2012, 03:09:30 AM »

Quote from: MePlat on September 14, 2012, 10:48:22 AM

Unless you are very wide between the eyes

Well, now that you mention it, I have been told I favor Marty Feldman... $:-\$

AtlLaw · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2012, 03:34:00 AM »

Thanks all. I wanted a little feedback from those that have been there, done that. I've carried a handgun, even my Ruger, when hunting before, but I've never really hunted with one. $:-\$ I hope I'll have a chance to pop a few caps in my basement today.

Quote from: mechanic on September 15, 2012, 09:14:47 AM

I've seen John Wayne shoot without even raising the gun from the hip, so I know you can do it......

Me too Ben!

I've always been a proponent of the "point - shoot" method with fighting handguns so I didn't see any problem there. Especially since I don't get in many gunfights nowadays...

But target shooting with my Cap & Ball revolvers is sumpin else... Oh well, others here have told me it can be done so all I have is another challenge!

Ladobe · « **Reply #13 on:** September 16, 2012, 08:07:53 AM »

The "point - shoot" method ought to be just fine if with a handgun you have a history with - no scope needed for deer to reasonable ranges. The mulies and elk I shot was with revolvers I had lots of experience with, either just a grooved top strap or adjustable sights. But either way the sights not paid much or any attention to even at the far end of my comfort ranges with the revolver on big game. That was back when I still had descent eyes that were both kept open, although I did shoot strong side hand and eye 99% of the time. I had played with shooting weak side hand and eye plinkiing or target shooting for just in case. Not that hard to get used to, but I never did it hunting except for a couple of times when the circumstances meant it or not at all. Worked, so the play was worth the powder burned.

You've still got time to get practice in, find out what your limitations would be if any, if you really need to scope or if just plenty of practice however works for you gets done before the hunt.

Rodent · « **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2012, 12:59:54 PM »

Right handed using left eye with a scoped handgun. I do it all the time. Try it, I doubt that you will have any problems at all.

Mikey · « **Reply #15 on:** September 18, 2012, 01:10:21 AM »

Richard: I am dang sorry to read that you are having such vision problems (truly) - but this won't skew your view on things will it or make you more apt to take a 'left-handed' approach to problem solving now ?...........

Mikey · « **Reply #16 on:** September 18, 2012, 01:14:54 AM »

Is this where being 'blind-sided' comes from??? Sorry, I just couldn't resist..

AtlLaw · « **Reply #17 on:** September 18, 2012, 04:26:07 AM »

Quote from: Mikey on September 18, 2012, 01:10:21 AM

this won't skew your view on things will it or make you more apt to take a 'left-handed' approach to problem solving now ?...........

Shoot Pal! $:-\$ Back in the day I disconnected the left directional signal on my cars 'cause I'd never turn left!

Now, since I only got a left eye I suddenly feel the urge to read Lenin's communist manifesto and hold a memorial service for Ho Chi Minh!

I guess outlooks do change...

Quote from: Mikey on September 18, 2012, 01:14:54 AM

Is this where being 'blind-sided' comes from???

Yup... Sho is... But I just turn a bind eye to it!

Mikey · « **Reply #18 on:** September 18, 2012, 10:56:56 AM »

Ow.... I shoulda seen that one coming...................

S.B. · « **Reply #19 on:** September 20, 2012, 06:27:29 AM »

Quote from: sixshot on September 14, 2012, 07:20:38 PM

There are a lot of shooters who do that very thing, shoot right handed using the left eye.

Dick

I did but, now force myself to use my right eye. Damn astigmatisms!
Steve

HHI-7420 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 04, 2012, 06:11:31 AM »

Altlaw, you CAN do it. I've been blind in my left eye for over 55 yrs.. I'm a right hand shooter and have always wondered what I'd do if something happened to my right hand/arm. I've tried holding left handed- it works. BUT your off hand/arm will probably be weaker and will need to be beefed up some. Keep in mind -it does/ work. Pat

wild willy · « **Reply #21 on:** October 07, 2012, 02:08:07 PM »

I've been doing it for forty years.I shoot bow and long guns lefthand. Handguns righthand. I could shoot longguns right or left before I lost my eye so it wasn't hard to shoot them left handed.The one thing I have found is it hard to use fiber optic sights with one eye. If you and the sights are in bright light and the targets in the shadows you can't see past the front sight.I have a couple scoped revolvers keep the scope on the lowest power you'll be fine.

anachronism · « **Reply #22 on:** October 14, 2012, 04:55:13 PM »

There are many cross-dominant shooters out there. I'm left-handed, but right eye dominant. It just takes a little work, like everything else.

Just do it. You can make it work.

okie44 · « **Reply #23 on:** October 17, 2012, 05:52:01 PM »

Keep both eyes open, squint a little like Clint Eastwood, works great!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #24 on:** October 18, 2012, 04:51:48 AM »

Okay, I've been practicing. It felt a little awkward at first but now I wouldn't hesitate to shoot even open sights!

It's almost like my left eye took over and my body shifted it's position to acomodate the new dominant eye.

keith44 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 18, 2012, 05:36:39 AM »

Glad it's working out AtlLaw, amazing how the body can adapt to new situations ain't it

cheetah · « **Reply #26 on:** October 20, 2012, 07:53:43 PM »

I'm in nearly the same boat At. I discovered the Contender and while the factory sights can be coarse - with a scope all's fun again. I've even found enough cross-eyed room with a long barrel, normal butt drop, and scope - although heavier loads can lift and punch the cheekbone as opposed to slide up a normal hold.

streak · « **Reply #27 on:** October 21, 2012, 04:56:30 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on October 18, 2012, 04:51:48 AM

Okay, I've been practicing. It felt a little awkward at first but now I wouldn't hesitate to shoot even open sights! It's almost like my left eye took over and my body shifted it's position to acomodate the new dominant eye.

Great news AtlLaw!
For awhile there it sounded like you might be becoming a "MR MAGOO" with us!

Also shows the adapability of the human body!!