Do you know which eye is dominant? It is easy to determine which eye dominates with a simple exercise. Pick an object that is 6-10 feet from you (a light switch, door knob, or other similar object) Make an “OK!” sign with your right-hand (see photo). Hold it about 18 inches from your face. Now, open both your eyes and look through the circle made by your index and thumb. Place the circle on the object so that you can see it in the middle. Now, the important part: while you hold your hand up, keep your right eye closed. If you can’t see the object, your right eye is dominant. If you can still see the object, close your left eye and open your right eye. If your left eye is closed and you still don’t see the object, you may be left-eye dominant. Many interesting articles can be found in the digital archives of Shooting Sports USA. Shooting Sports USA hosted a symposium on Eye Dominance that was a must-read for both pistol and rifle shooting. It doesn’t matter if you have normal dominance, i.e. This article will help you to understand if your dominant eye is on the opposite side of your dominant hand, or if your dominant eye is on. Norman Wong, an acclaimed optometrist, provides a detailed explanation of the science and physiology of eye dominance. Expert advice is also provided by top shooters like Lones Wigger and Phil Hemphill. Top Rifle Champions Talk about Eye Dominance: David Tubb, 11-time National High Power Champion
Always, I keep both my eyes open. Some shoot with a blinder, whether it’s for rifle or shotgun. You won’t get a clearer sight picture if you close your non-dominant eyes. You have a greater problem if your aiming eye does not correspond to your dominant eye. Lones Wigger — World Champion Rifleman, National Champion Rifleman, and Olympic Champion Rifleman
Shooters should use the dominant eye unless their vision is poor or the non-dominant has better vision. Shooting with both eyes open will allow the shooting eye proper function. Dennis DeMille — National Service Rifle Champion
I close my non-shooting eyes first. After I have taken a sight picture, I don’t focus on it. If they are using a patch, I suggest that they use something white to block the view and not cover the eye. Bruce Piatt — 2015 World Shooting Championship Winner
Some shooters, especially those who have nearly equal or cross-dominance will naturally squint one eye. Doing this will cause you to close your dominant eye and add stress to your face.
