appropriate twin bead target acquisition

[3006novice]

Hello,

Please excuse this basic question.

What is the appropriate method to acquire a target with a shotgun that has one fiber-optic bead on the end of the muzzle, and a much smaller metallic one placed approximatively half-way down the barrel on the fin?

Does one align both on the target?

Does one keep both eyes open?

In relation to an open site rifle, would my open eye be the rear site, or would the middle bead be it? I was reading the wikipedia entry on iron sites, and I would like some clarification from the experts.

Thanks in advance

 

[Claybuster]

A shotgun bead isn't like a rifle sight. With a rifle sight you focus on the front site. With a shotgun however your visual focus should be on the target and the beads should be in your peripheral vision. Your eye is the "rear sight" not the mid-bead.

Generally it is better to keep both eyes open providing your dominant eye is the same as your shotgun which is the case for most people.

Determining the best bead alignment is done by patterning the gun. The mid-bead will inform you that your eyes are in the right position relative to the pattern when you mount the gun but when you are shooting you should look only at the intended target. Looking back at the beads and trying to align them like a rifle will likely result in shooting behind the target.

 

[pacobillie]

A shotgun is pointed, not aimed like a rifle.

The beads are there to help you with determining whether the shotgun fits properly and to help in practicing your gun mount, i.e. mount your gun with your eyes closed, and then verify whether the two beads are aligned and just on top of one another. If not, get fitted (assuming your technique is proper).

The fiber optic is there to make it easier to locate the direction of the muzzle, relative to the target when you swing. As claybuster said, it should be in your peripheral vision. Your eyes should be focused on the target at all times.

Once it is time to actually shoot, do not even look at the beads. Keep your eye on the target. Lead as appropriate and pull that trigger once you have the proper target picture. Do not forget that because of the sloping rib, most shotguns will shoot a little higher than the line of sight. This allows you to keep the target slightly above the line of sight. So, if it is a "going away target", it should be just above your bead, as opposed to covering it with the gun.

 

[dilly]

Some people also "stack" the beads so the mid bead is under the front bead (like an upsidedown snowman). This makes the pattern go slightly high for rising targets like in trap shooting. Only do this when you premount and call for the target...then focus on your target like the others said.