Most gun owners use their guns for security purposes and recreational activities like hunting. A common debate amongst the community of gun owners is whether to focus on the target or the front sight when shooting. To help you decide on what to do the next time you're aiming a handgun, we would assess both sides of the coin.

What Is the Front Sight Focus?

When aiming a handgun, the front sight is the small pole at the end of your slide (a fixed part on the gun's exterior where recoiling moves). The moment you aim a handgun; several elements come into play. These are your vision, the rear and front views of the gun, and the target; this may make your target appear blurry.

You can only focus on one thing at a time, so you must know your “dominant eye.” About 70% of the world's seeing population is right-eye dominant, with 29% being left-eye dominant. The 1% are believed to have both eyes dominant. So, regardless of which eye is sharper, you should be able to focus only with that vision to get a clear shot. The front sight focus is said to be the key to an accurate shot but is not ideal for defensive shooting.

What is Target Shooting?

Also known as point shooting, this method involves aiming a handgun without using the front sight. Although it seems effortless, target shooting requires skills in handling guns. In specific instances, it is the only logical thing to do when your assailant is about ten yards away from you. It may appear as though you're looking at the front sight and the gun, instead, you're focused on the target. 

Target shooting requires the user to extend their index finger to the side of the gun (to provide steadiness) while using the middle finger to pull the trigger. Without enough experience, it can be tricky, especially when using a Model 1191 pistol. With these firearms, the slide lock (or stop pin) juts out on the pistol's right side. Therefore, unlike a South-paw, a right-handed shooter using the target method may inadvertently depress the stop pin and cause a jam.

Which Situations Demand Either One or Both?

You can become an expert in front sight focus and target shooting only after mastering the five fundamentals. These are the grip, stance, sight picture, trigger pull, and follow-through. In weapon handling, a combination of all these and your ability to move swiftly from one fundamental to the other, are critical. For example, some situations may require a series of continuous shots, but without mastery, you will lose focus, resulting in harm. 

Front sight focus is perfect for long-range shots like hunting game, because of its accuracy. Some shooters believe front sight focus is an unnecessary complication, especially when you’re dealing with a moving threat. There is some truth to this argument because of our natural tendency to shift focus in real life-threatening situations. Also, since this requires keeping an eye closed, it is dangerous in an active scenario.

On the other hand, target shooting appears to be a favorite among handgun users. Shooting experts recommend using this method when your attacker is actively pursuing you. It is the most preferred shooting method during a heated exchange of gunshots.

It is essential to consider the scenario you’re in to determine which method would be suitable to get the right grip of your gun and accurate shot.