I’ve ranted about this periodically, because I just don’t buy it. But first- the actual “bottom line” is that scopes and red dots and such are really a lot like automatic transmissions in motor vehicles. I used to really enjoy driving stick shifts, and the first several cars I owned had them. But now that I’m a little older, I prefer automatics. They’re much easier to drive, and i probably will never own another manual. Likewise, I can shoot better with a scope, so I do use them.
But it has nothing to do with my eyes. I’m 60, have worn glasses since I was about 11 for distance, and bi-focals for about 15 years for reading. But I can see plenty good at the range. Are younger eyes really better? Yes, in one important aspect- depth of field. When we’re young our eyes can focus on both the front and rear sights, as well as on our target. As we age, we lose much of that ability. In anything less than bright sunlight, our pupils open up, and we lose depth of field. Photographers know this well. A lens set at f16 has almost everything from lens to subject in focus. Set the same lens wide open at f1.8 and only a razor thin slice is in focus.
As we age, we notice looking down the sights of a rifle at a target that we have to choose what to focus on. But that’s fine. In fact “ghost ring” aperture sights are designed to take advantage of that. Look at the front sight, and hold it on target. The rear aperture “ghosts” and the brain automatically centers the front sight in the rear ring.
Shooting a handgun with black target sights is easy, even with “old eyes.” All that’s necessary is to be able to see your target. Use a 6 o’clock hold and line up the front and rear sights on the “6”. You don’t need to “see” the sights. Just be able to tell they’re just touching the bottom point of the target, and not covering it.
The two best shooters at the range where I shoot are both older than I am- one is in his 80’s- and they both do this. Neither of them ever complains about their eyes. They both shoot with scopes some times, but at 100 yards, they can also shoot really well with irons.
So, I guess the bottom line is yes, use scopes and red dots. But you don’t “need” to use them to shoot well. If you can pass the eye test to drive, you can see plenty well enough to shoot. If you don’t learn to shoot well with irons you’re missing out.
Oh, and a big credit goes to North Country Gal who somehow got through my thick skull awhile back and allowed me to see the light on how to shoot well with irons. Six o’clock.
