Aiming is essential for being able to shoot a consistently small group of shots in the same location on the target.
The aiming process has the target centred in the front sight, and the front sight centred in the rear sight as depicted in the image below.
The front aperture size is dependent on the athletes skill level, vision, and light on the range.
The front aperture should be adjusted so that the target does not touch the black of the aperture when the athlete is holding and aiming at the target.
A beginner athlete should start with the front aperture being 1.5 times the size of the target.
Centring the Tunnel
Head Position
The sights should be between 3 to 5 centimetres from the eye.
The sights should not touch the athlete as it puts a force on the rifle, creating unwanted movement when the shot is released.
The cheek piece should be adjusted in each position so that the athlete naturally looks through the centre of the rear sight for every shot.
The cheek rests in the same spot on the cheek piece for each shot.
If an athlete indicates that they are farsighted or see an oval-shaped target, have them consult an optometrist.
If a prescription is required, the athlete should use shooting glasses.
The centre of the lens of a shooters glasses must sit straight behind the rear sight to ensure a clear sight picture.
Use of A Blinder
A blinder allows the athlete to keep both eyes open and relax the muscles of their face when looking through the sights.
The blinder allows the pupil of the aiming eye to enlarge and let in more light.
Tips
You can ask the athlete to draw the sight picture that they see and have a discussion with them about their vision.
Aperture size in the standing position tends to be larger because the holding patter is larger.