OK. Looking for some opinions on a somewhat controversial topic. I took a shooting lesson once when I first started shooting clays. The first thing the instructor did was check eye dominance. I was diagnosed as centrally dominant. He had me occlude my left eye since I'm right handed. I shot fairly well but thought this would be way too annoying in a hunting situation. It was. So I with both eyes open and I've found that as long as I focus on the clay or bird I can hit just fine. I practice gun mount quite a bit and I'm convinced that with a consistent mount and a hard focus on the target it doesn't really matter if you're cross/centrally dominant. Any opinions?
Does Eye Dominance Really Matter?
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shotenfruede
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For me growing up I was shooting guns at a very young age. I've done all the different types of dominant tests and they all come back the same. My eye doctor confirmed the center when I was 16. I would say the only advantage is my lead pictures are the same for targets come from the left or right side. Plus I can shoot with either hand and two pistols at the same time.
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Well, regardless of which shoulder I shoot from I always see a double image of the barrel in my periphery. No scientific testing, just a standard eye dominance test from a well qualified coach.holdpoint said:
yep. PITA. Do you also have problems using binoculars? I have to close one eye when using them.shotenfruede said:
I use the scotch tape on left lens. it helps. takes some time to get used to but it helps. takes even longer to get used to in hunting situations but worth it. way better than closing one eye.
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That's most unusual and I don't think people with central vision usually have problems with binoculars, just guns.gdluck said:
shoten,
"Well, regardless of which shoulder I shoot from I always see a double image of the barrel in my periphery. No scientific testing, just a standard eye dominance test from a well qualified coach."
The double barrel vision has nothing to do with eye dominance. Tell the same thing to your coach.
You are or not cross eye dominant after you mount the gun you will see two barrels all the time.
I shoot both eyes open but I work on ignoring the " ghost" barrel image.
Don't let people to tape you because of that.
"Well, regardless of which shoulder I shoot from I always see a double image of the barrel in my periphery. No scientific testing, just a standard eye dominance test from a well qualified coach."
The double barrel vision has nothing to do with eye dominance. Tell the same thing to your coach.
You are or not cross eye dominant after you mount the gun you will see two barrels all the time.
I shoot both eyes open but I work on ignoring the " ghost" barrel image.
Don't let people to tape you because of that.
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Actually seeing a two barrel image has everything to do with eye dominance. For instance a right handed shooter with total right eye dominance will not see a double image. The double image is caused by central vision, with both eyes attempting to align the gun with the target.holdpoint said:
This prevents any consistency, but if you're happy with a hit or miss approach to your shooting then just ignore it. But if you want to shoot as well as possible (for you) then you need to overcome the effect of the off eye either by closing it, dimming it or using an occlusion device on your glasses.
Sky, mount the gun on both sides and you will notice that on each instance you see two barrels but in different position.
The double barrel image is because the gun is too close to our eyes and the focus point
where both eyes meet to form a single image is way out.
The double barrel image is because the gun is too close to our eyes and the focus point
where both eyes meet to form a single image is way out.
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That may be what you see but not what I see, nor is it what any iso-dominant shooter sees. I am, and always have been, totally right eye dominant and shoot from the right shoulder. When I mount the gun right handed my view is straight over the rib, no double image. If I mount left handed then my view is straight down the right side of the barrels, but again no double image. What you're describing is the view experienced by someone who has centre vision.holdpoint said:
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You're right, I'm not an exception. No iso-dominant shooter sees two sets of barrels, that would make two eyed shooting a very difficult proposition. If you see two sets of barrels you're not iso-dominant, you've got central vision and need to compensate for it or accept poor shooting results.holdpoint said:
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I have a weak right dominant eye(Has had 2 major surgeries) Result is that left eye tries to dominate when I shoot with both eyes . I end up sort of cringing or half closing my left eye so as to allow the dominant right eye do its job. Very seldom can I complete my shot with both eyes open. Front of the barrel moves sideways to the left if I do not Cring or half close left eye. Anyone having same problem, let me know your solution.
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For me, eye dominance is definitely an issue. I am one of the few out there who have truly co-dominant eyes. I have to do a lot of work and exercises to make my right eye dominant, especially when I put a gun in front of it. Every once in a while, mid swing, my left eye will take over. When this happens, the result is always the same. “Lost”
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I think it’s largely overblown……. Until/unless you get to this point.
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You might want to click on my blog page below and listen to the podcast with I did with Bayne Horne, one of the very top NSCA shooters in the country. Like some of the kids I have trained, Bayne is strongly cross-dominant. He says eye-dominance has no effect on your shooting whatsoever once you are shooting the right way. That is the same thing I have found training cross-dom kids.
The only issue is, are you willing to learn to shoot the right way?
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It’s as much of an issue as you make of it. I’ve always “tested” left eye dom, shoot from R shoulder so shot for years with tape or closing left eye (hunting). Switched to 2 eyes almost 2 years ago and I would not (could not) go back. It’s a learning process tho and takes time, especially if you’ve been a cyclops for a long time 🙂
Embrace the fact your left eye is in control….you are advantaged being crossed up. Listen to coach super x, he has more understanding here on site than others who only try to be relevant on this topic. They will only detract from your understanding of whats going on. Don’t ever switch shoulders go with what God gave you!
This is a sticky subject you will soon see. Listen to coaches podcast it covers well. PM if I can help!
Bayne
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Some believe there to be one best birddog for that particular journey and it's destination....those silly, self-absorbed younkers.
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I like the results I see with #1 a lot better, if they can stick with it. It is really nice if you can start them out shooting the right way on Day One. Do that and they will never dream of switching to #2.
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