Proper Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

This post will show new shotgunners how to use proper sight alignment and sight picture.

This info can be applied to shotguns when shooting slugs:

“Rifle Sight Alignment. Alignment of the rifle with the target is critical. It involves placing the tip of the front sight post in the center of the rear sight aperture. Any alignment error between the front and rear sights repeats itself for every 1/2 meter the bullet travels. For example, at the 25-meter line, any error in rifle alignment is multiplied 50 times. If the bullet is misaligned by 1/10 inch, it causes a target at 300 meters to be missed by 5 feet.” – Four Fundamentals of Marksmanship

Proper Shotgun Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

Proper Shotgun Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

Sight Alignment

Shooter needs to line up front and rear sight vertically and horizontally. Top of the front sight is level with the top of the rear sight, front sight should be centered in the rear sight notch. There should be an equal amount of space on either side of the front sight.

Focus

Focus must be one the front sight, not on the target, not on the rear sight but on the front sight. Target and rear sight are blurred.

Please note that when you are shooting at moving targets like birds or clays, focus is different, focus is on target, sights blurred.

Dry fire drills

Dry fire drills will help you to master the proper sight alignment and focus.