How To Check Which Eye Is Your Dominant Eye When Shooting A Gun

Knowing which of your eyes is dominant can be very important for improving your accuracy and shooting technique. The dominant eye is the one your brain prefers to rely on when aiming. When shooting a gun, understanding this can help ensure that you aim more precisely. Here's how to identify your dominant eye and why it's important for shooting.

Step 1: Perform the "Miles Test" or "Weaver Test"

A common and simple method to check for your dominant eye is the "Miles Test" or "Weaver Test." Follow these steps:

1. Make a triangle with your hands: Hold your hands out in front of you and form a small triangular opening with your fingers by bringing your thumbs and index fingers together.
2. Focus on an object: With both eyes open, focus on an object in the distance through the small triangle created by your hands.
3. Align the object with the triangle: Keep both eyes open and bring your hands back towards your face, keeping the object centered inside the triangle.
4. Close one eye at a time: Close your left eye first. If the object remains in the center of the triangle with your left eye closed, then your right eye is dominant. If the object shifts when you close your right eye, your left eye is dominant.

Step 2: The "Porta Test"

This test is another way to confirm your dominant eye.

1. Create a small circle: Hold your hands out in front of you and make a small circle with your thumb and index finger.
2. Focus on a distant object: Just like in the Miles Test, find an object to focus on through the circle.
3. Bring your hands to your face: While keeping both eyes open, bring your hands closer to your face and continue to keep the object centered in the circle.
4. Close one eye: Close your left eye first. If the object stays within the circle when your left eye is closed, then your right eye is dominant. If the object shifts, then your left eye is dominant.

Step 3: Use Your Non-Dominant Eye for Sight Alignment

If you find that you are cross-dominant, meaning your dominant eye is opposite to your dominant hand, you may need to adjust your shooting technique:

• For right-handed, left-eye dominant shooters: You can either learn to shoot left-handed or adapt by using your right hand to support the left side, keeping the gun at an angle to allow your left eye to dominate.
• For left-handed, right-eye dominant shooters: The same applies — you can either learn to shoot right-handed or find a method that accommodates your right eye for sight alignment.

Why Dominant Eye Matters in Shooting

Your dominant eye helps you aim more accurately by providing clearer sight alignment and focus. If you aim with the wrong eye, your shots may be misaligned, leading to less accuracy. Additionally, understanding your dominant eye allows you to make adjustments to your shooting stance, grip, and posture to achieve the best possible performance.

Conclusion

Identifying your dominant eye is a crucial step in improving your shooting skills. By performing simple tests like the Miles Test or Porta Test, you can easily determine which eye is dominant. Once you know, you can make adjustments to your shooting technique for more accurate results. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, mastering eye dominance will enhance your overall performance and confidence on the range.