Finding a modern hunting rifle without a scope is rare. Once considered a luxury, advances in technology and decreases in cost have resulted in scopes becoming the norm. Even specialty scopes for muzzleloaders or shotguns can now be purchased over the counter rather than custom made. Regardless of what you shoot or why you are shooting it, chances are you can buy a quality, affordable scope to help you do it more accurately. But there is a downside to the increased use of scopes, and that is the decreased ability by sportsmen to use open sights.
Open sights, or iron sights, are the most fundamental of sighting systems and their use should be part of every shooter’s skill set. However, many current gun owners not only do not know how to use open sights they do not even have them available on their firearms. An increasing number of firearms are sold without open sights installed, due in part to the manufacturers knowing they are likely to be removed. Let me explain, as a hunter and firearms instructor, why this is a mistake.
Using open sights is a fundamental shooting skill that sets the foundation for the most proficient use of any firearm, including one with a scope installed. While having a scope can help new shooters become more accurate with less practice it also means that a shooter never learns the real importance of such skills as sight alignment and sight picture. They can just point and shoot, almost like a video game. By learning the basics, such as open sight shooting, before moving into more advanced techniques, a shooter can increase their ability, increase their confidence and become a better overall marksman.
Open sights also offer a critical real-world application, a backup system for when the scope cannot be used. There are many situations during which a shooter will not being able to use a scope, not the least of which is a malfunction. Like any mechanical device, scopes are prone to damage or needing adjustment. A slip on a wet rock or fall down a steep bank can quickly loosen a scope mount or knock prism out of alignment. Even being transported in a poorly designed case can cause the best scope to become less accurate. Without open sights and the ability to use them a hunter might as well guess where his or her shots will go. There are also times when conditions make a scope impractical, such as close quarter shots or during heavy rain & snow. This is why almost every big game guide will ensure their backup gun, the one they use when the wounded game turns on the client, is equipped with open sights.
So, if you are looking to purchase a new firearm make sure it is equipped like the professionals – with open sights. If not, I recommend making this your first addition; it only cost a fraction of the other bling you will be tempted to buy and is well worth the investment.
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