I wanted to share a few thoughts this week concerning the sighting systems that shooters use. Now, some guns are made to use scope only, while others are built in such a manner that using a scope is impractical, due to the design of the gun. However, the majority of air guns give the shooter an option of what sight they want to use.
First and foremost, I believe that scopes make me a better shooter. At my age (early 40's), and with my history of vision problems, a scope simply makes sense. And if I have a gun that allows it, you will find a scope on that particular gun. That is because fewer things thrill me more than being able to hit the target I'm shooting at, be it a spinner, paper target, or live game animal or pest. I want to hit that target.
Because I use a scope more often than not, I am more conscious of the movement my body makes as I sight in on my target. Small things like breath control, muscle relaxation, and eye position behind the scope become very important all of a sudden. It's not that I don't pay attention to these things when I'm using open sights, but when I look through a scope, I see the effect all these things have on the wandering crosshairs of my scope. I don't see this as much when shooting open sights. I sort of like to be able to call my shot into the "O" in Coke on the aluminum can, rather than just hitting the can itself someplace. Likewise, when targeting a squirrel, I can call the shot into a specific place, rather than just hitting the squirrel somewhere.
When I shoot an open-sight gun, and I have a few, I can't quite call the shots as accurately as I can when using a scope. Part of it is my eyesight simply isn't up to the challenge of being that precise. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy my open-sight guns, but I sometimes hesitate to take a shot that, if I had a scope on the gun, I would normally take. It all comes down to being sure of the shot placement on the target.
I've met some truly wonderful shots in my time shooting airguns, and some of them have made some incredible shots with both types of sighting systems. Most of the target shooters in competition today will spend nearly as much, if not more, on a quality scope than they will spend on the airgun they choose to use. The sighting system is that important! Likewise, I know hunters that always bring home game with an open sight airgun. They are accustomed to, and know how to use, the system that works on their gun.
One advantage you will find open sight shooters enjoying is the quick target acquisition when in the field. This isn't such a concern for the target shooter, but hunters often find it handy to be able to quickly draw down on their prey, getting in a good quality shot before the target gets nervous enough to head for cover or fly away.
If you have several airguns, try a comparison yourself. Take two of your guns out, one of each kind, and start shooting them side-by-side. The advantages and disadvantages of each system is quickly noticed, and it is up to you, the shooter, to decide what works best for you. And be sure to fill up your target, ammo, and optics needs by checking out the great bargains available here at Airgun Depot.
