‘You’ll never hit anything closing an eye’ ft. Ed Solomons

Published on March 13, 2022
Duration: 25:29

This guide, informed by World Champion Ed Solomons, addresses the common myth that closing an eye while shooting is detrimental. It provides a step-by-step approach to understanding and managing eye dominance, particularly cross-dominance, through experimentation with techniques like squinting. The advice emphasizes achieving a clear visual 'picture' and consistency, rather than rigidly adhering to the 'two eyes open' dogma, ultimately aiming to improve accuracy for shooters struggling with visual alignment.

Quick Summary

World Champion Ed Solomons explains that closing or squinting one eye can be a highly effective technique for managing cross-eye dominance and improving shooting accuracy. This method helps create a clearer target picture and more controlled gun movements, debunking the myth that only two-eyes-open shooting is viable at competitive levels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Eye Dominance Myths
  2. 02:13Managing Cross-Eye Dominance
  3. 04:15Testing Shooting Styles
  4. 07:07The Benefits of Squinting
  5. 11:16Practical Application on Different Targets
  6. 15:50Conclusion and Final Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you shoot accurately if you close one eye?

Yes, closing or squinting one eye can be an effective technique for managing cross-eye dominance and improving shooting accuracy. Many high-level competitors use these methods to achieve a clearer target picture and more consistent gun control, especially when shooting with both eyes open causes issues like double vision.

What is cross-eye dominance in shooting?

Cross-eye dominance occurs when your dominant eye is on the opposite side of your head from your dominant hand. For example, a right-handed person with a dominant left eye. This can lead to difficulties in aligning the target with the firearm's sights or barrel.

How does squinting help with shooting accuracy?

Squinting the non-dominant eye can help by reducing visual input from that eye, simplifying the shooter's visual field. This allows for a clearer focus on the target and can lead to smoother, more controlled gun movements and improved consistency.

Is the 'two eyes open' shooting method always best?

While the 'two eyes open' method is often ideal for shooters with matching ocular dominance, it's not universally the best. Shooters with cross-dominance may find better results and consistency by employing techniques like squinting or partial eye closure.

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