How to Use Gun Sights for Target Shooting

Target shooting is both a pastime and sport. Learning how to use the sights of the weapon to hit what you are aiming at is a necessity. There is a forward and a rear sight on most weapons. Many rifles and pistols have a scope mounted to the barrel. Hitting what you want is more than just pointing and pulling the trigger.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate the sights on the gun you will be shooting. Each weapon can have a slightly different configuration of the sights and it's important to be familiar with the ones on your weapon. Normally the sights are located at the tip of the barrel and just above the chamber of the gun.
2. Look down the barrel of the gun and line up the front and rear sights. The rear sight is typically either a notch or a V-groove. The front sight is just a bead or post with a flat top surface.
3. Line up the front sight in the V-groove in the rear. Center the front sight in the V-groove of the rear sight and ensure that the top of the front sight is level with the top surface of the rear sight. This should yield a hit at the point you are aiming at. If the sights are off, then so will be the shot.
4. Make allowance for the wind direction and speed. Many variables come into play when target shooting. The distance of the target and weight of the bullet will require adjustments when sighting in on the target.
5. Pull the trigger without moving the gun. The best rule of thumb is to take a breath and let it halfway out before pulling the trigger. A flinch or movement made after sighting in the target will cause a miss.