shooting Iron sights.

[dhagerty40]

Iron sight shooting seems to be a dying art. this was shot by me at our last benchrest match.
This match consisted of 50 rds of scoped rifle on an IBS target and 40 rds of Iron sights on NRA target. all shots at 50 yards. The winds varied from 4-8 MPH from 8 o'clock.

The rifle is a factory stock Savage-Anschutz 64 match rifle made in 1968. only thing added was the bag adaptor.
The ammo was Eley semi-auto benchrest precision.

I am now going to admit, I do not shoot scopes well. Eye Fatigue sets in too quickly when using a scope especially over 24 power with me.

And a hint, if you have an Anschutz that does not group well, Change the firing pin spring! it did wonders on this rifle along with an Abschutz 64P pistol.

 

[1Merlin]

If you get eye fatigue using a scope you need to get a better scope or get help on properly adjusting one. That should Not happen.

 

[dutch14]

My vision blurrs on about the 3rd shot if I lay on the trigger. From what I've read sais it's lack of oxygen in the eye or surface of my eye dries out.

 

[Downhill]

I wish I could still see a front sight. Always loved shooting iron sights ( separates skill from equipment). However spending 30 plus years looking at a pretty blue light through a 2x4 inch window seems to have accelerated some vision issues. Great shooting on your part.

 

[PNW Skipper]

Good shooting... especially that 4th bull on the first target! My 10 shot iron sight "wallet" group photo was shot last year with my early '70's Tanner with diopter sights. Not bad for a 50+ year old rifle and a 70+ year old shooter!

 

[rr2030]

If you get eye fatigue using a scope you need to get a better scope or get help on properly adjusting one. That should Not happen.

In most cases, acquiring a new scope isn't the solution. As I aged, I transitioned from having one rifle with a scope to equipping most of my rifles with one. However, I encountered the challenge of experiencing blurred images in my high-magnification scopes during shooting.

Seeking answers, I consulted my ophthalmologist and received valuable insights. He explained that as we age, our eyes struggle to retain moisture, and the focusing muscles easily tire. His recommendation was to abandon regular eye drops, as they can exacerbate the condition, and instead opt for lubricating eye drops like Systane. Furthermore, he advised applying warm, moist compresses to my eyes before engaging in prolonged shooting at long distances. Following this advice has significantly reduced the occurrence of blurring.

 

[topclass2017]

My vision blurrs on about the 3rd shot if I lay on the trigger. From what I've read sais it's lack of oxygen in the eye or surface of my eye dries out.

when I was shooting competitively regardless of the discipline (handgun or rifle), I used lubricating eye drops before and during the match. Was also schooled by a high master pistol shooter about breathing to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the eyes.

 

[jelenko]

My vision blurrs on about the 3rd shot if I lay on the trigger. From what I've read sais it's lack of oxygen in the eye or surface of my eye dries out.

Ah!!
Thanks!

 

[BigBolt]

At 69 with 20/20 shot 75 yards free hand 15 rounds with skinner peeps with a .500 S&W carbine loaded with 350 grain berrys and 46 grains of H110.

 

[dhagerty40]

A lot of what you guys posted I have already known but some of you have given me some tips that are good to know.

The one thing I have found when Eye Fatigue starts, I have a tendency to shoot low or Left.

I live in a desert and staying Hydrated in the summer is a Chore. Right Now has been fine but I started to develop Floaters. After I found out I was not drinking enough water and drinking WAY too much Coffee, I switched that and now my floaters are gone. I know that others things will cause floaters, But luckily it was just dehydration for me!

For info, My scoped rifle has a Weaver T36 on it. As mentioned, I am going to try the Systane eye drops and see if it helps. Might go back to my Sightron SIII 6-24x50 also.

For info, my 398-20x was only good for 3rd place.

 

[K22]

One of the most enjoyable experiences I ever had in the shooting sports was shooting 3 position rimfire indoors with open sights. But that was about 50 years ago.

When I competed in NRA Precision Pistol, I shot open sights the entire time, some 30 years and managed to qualify Distinguished Expert (285x300).

Now approaching 77 years of age, I still shoot open sights with a pistol, but the front sight is no longer clear and crisp. But I still can shoot in the mid 80's, slow fire pistol at 25 yards on a B16 target and on a good day, shoot in the 90's.