I already know which of my eyes is dominant, so I dont need to read this.
c’mon,set that thought aside.
Its as if theyre trying to find what theyre supposed to be shooting at.
Massad Ayoob demonstrates the Triangle Method of determining eye dominance. To start, the student looks at you or a target with hands like this and his arms extended. Image: Gail Pepin
Sometimes, youll see them looking over the top of the gun.
If that happens, its our fault as instructors, and not their fault as students.
I wasnt born with perfect vision.
The second step to determine which eye is dominant has the student slowly bring his hands toward his face while maintaining the triangle shape with his hands. Image: Gail Pepin
I started wearing eyeglasses and going through eye examinations somewhere around age six or seven.
So, first: we have to establish which is the dominant eye.
There are at least two proven tests.
The student’s hand continues back unto the hands are touching the face. Using the Triangle Method, the dominant eye is revealed. In this case, Ayoob’s right eye is the dominant eye. Image: Gail Pepin
The most common is the triangle.
Whichever eye remains in line with finger or target is the dominant eye.
Yes, it is that simple.
You can take another approach to determining eye dominance. With both of your eyes open, aim at target. Close yourlefteye. If the gun remains aligned, you are right-eye dominant. Image: Gail Pepin
Outliers
Now, youll find the rare person who does not have a particularly dominant eye.
There are few things in marksmanship so subjective as vision.
Fortunately, they do seem to be very few.
Keep the gun on the target and close therighteye. If the gun’s alignment appears to move, this confirms you are right-eye dominant. Image: Gail Pepin
You may find a student in the same situation.
Tell that one to pick one eye and drill on aiming with that one.
Believe it or not, it can be that simple.
If that happens, neither you nor they should despair.
Spoiler: it doesnt always involve using the other hand to control the trigger!
