What is that tape on your optic

Published on November 17, 2023
Duration: 4:44

Ben Stoeger explains the use of tape on a firearm's optic, a technique called occlusion, as a dry fire training tool. This method forces the shooter to focus on the target rather than the Red Dot, promoting better sight alignment and target acquisition. It's particularly useful for rifles where the optic is closer and more prone to being stared at, helping to identify and correct the habit of focusing on the aiming device.

Quick Summary

Optic occlusion is a firearm training technique where tape covers the front of an optic, forcing the shooter to focus on the target instead of the aiming point. This method provides immediate feedback: if the shooter stares at the Red Dot, the occluded view appears black, signaling a misplaced focus. It's particularly effective for rifle training to develop proper target acquisition.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to Optic Occlusion
  2. 00:45How Optic Occlusion Works
  3. 01:14Dominant Eye vs. Target Focus
  4. 02:05Feedback Mechanism of Occlusion
  5. 02:22Occlusion Benefits for Rifles
  6. 03:18Who Occlusion Might Not Work For
  7. 04:09Recommendations for Trying Occlusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is optic occlusion in firearm training?

Optic occlusion is a training technique where the front of a firearm's optic is covered with tape. This prevents the shooter from seeing the aiming point, forcing them to focus on the target and improving their ability to acquire the target quickly with both eyes open.

Why would a shooter put tape on their optic?

Shooters use tape on their optic for occlusion training. This method helps train the shooter to focus on the target rather than the Red Dot itself. If the shooter stares at the dot, the occluded view will appear black, providing immediate feedback.

Is optic occlusion useful for rifle training?

Yes, optic occlusion is often considered even more beneficial for rifle training. Rifles typically have larger objective lenses on their optics, which are mounted closer to the face, making it easier to develop the habit of focusing on the Red Dot. Occlusion helps counteract this.

Can everyone use optic occlusion for training?

While beneficial for many, optic occlusion may not work for everyone. A small percentage of individuals have eye conditions that cause their perceived zero to shift unpredictably when the optic is occluded, making it unsuitable for live fire for them.

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