VIDEO: Understanding Eye Dominance for Better Accuracy & Speed

When it comes to proper shooting technique, a too-little talked about fact makes a monumental impact upon how we all shoot. We’re talking about eye dominance and how it stands as the major factor in where you identify information before relaying to your brain.

Understanding Eye Dominance

While it comes completely natural for many, all shooters should first identify their dominant eye before getting behind the trigger. You might be surprised just how many folks don’t match dominant eye with dominant hand. And that’s where things can get a bit tricky.

So we checked in with one of our resident trainers–Frank Melloni of Renaissance Firearms Instruction. First, Melloni covers just how to identify your dominant eye. Then Frank gives us a deep dive explaining why it remains so important to attain the skill to shoot with both eyes open. He also covers how to aim and shoot with your non-dominant eye as well. And he hit some major firearm types as part of this handy bit of instruction.

Live Fire Demo Guns:

Smith & Wesson M&P 22
CMMG MK4 .22LR. w/ EOTech HWS 512 optic
Ruger 10/22 w/ Tech Sights Aperture sights
Christensen Arms Ranger 22 w/ Bushnell 5-25 Match Pro optic
Maverick 88 w/ XS Sights Big Dot

“It’s pretty simple–anything that you have two of, one is going to be stronger than the other,” Melloni explained. “In the case of your vision, one of those eyes is going to take over the primary sighting of everything that you do, and also see less refraction, and to some degree, be a little bit stronger.”

Remember, we’re talking about skills here that can really make a difference. It applies to all types of shooting, from competition to hunting. And in the case of self-defense, understanding eye dominance can mean the difference in winning the fight and staying alive.