How to Determine Your Dominant Eye

by
posted on April 9, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
qa_ah2015_fs.jpg (23)

undefinedQ: What is the best way to determine your dominant eye for shooting?

A: Determining which eye is dominant is simple. This is one of several methods:

Extend both arms in front of your body and cup them together to form a small opening by crossing the thumbs and forefingers.  Choose a small object about 15-20 feet away from you. With both eyes open, focus on the object as you look through the small hole between your hands. While continuing to look at the object, pull both hands toward you until they touch your face. Close one eye and then the other. When you close one eye, the object will be stationary. When you close the other eye, the object should disappear from the hole or jump to one side. The opening between your hands should be positioned in front of your dominant eye.

Repeat the test few times just to make sure you identified your dominant eye. If you have a hard time identifying your dominant eye, do not fret. It is possible that both of your eyes are dominant. Also keep in mind that if you are right handed it doesn’t mean that your right eye will be the dominant one. Some people are cross-dominant.

Latest

W H2026 08 Firstlight Beretta Italy Factory 1880
W H2026 08 Firstlight Beretta Italy Factory 1880

Beretta’s 500th Birthday Bash

Beretta has operated in the village of Gardone since 1526. By the 1880s it was the heart of the Val Trompia.

Moultrie Updates Metal Feeder Lineup for 2026

Moultrie has introduced its all-new lineup of heavy-duty metal feeders, available exclusively at Bass Pro Shops. The new lineup includes the 350-Pound Sled, 300-Pound Broadcast and 600-Pound Broadcast metal feeders, all engineered to put bucks on a daytime feeding pattern.

IEDs Found in the Carson National Forest

Between April 2, and May 8, 2026, multiple suspected destructive devices were recovered in Carson National Forest, near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station in Tres Piedras, N.M. On Aug. 10, 2026, an additional device was turned into the Canjilon Ranger Station in Canjilon, N.M. by a citizen who found it.

Black Bear Hunt: A Second Chance Down East

After striking out on a bait hunt for black bears in Maine, the author returns to strike paydirt with the same Ruger Super Blackhawk he used decades earlier to take his first bear.

Kent Cartridge Reintroduces Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026

Kent Cartridge is bringing back one of its most requested waterfowl loads with the return of Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026.

Head to Head: .17 HMR vs. .17 Hornet

Is the centerfire worthwhile? Or does rimfire take the gold? Find out in this installment of Head to Head.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.