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

Shells And Cutaways
Shells And Cutaways

Field Tested: BOSS Copper Shotshells

With bismuth and tungsten now being in short supply and extra-expensive, BOSS Shotshells switched to copper pellets for its waterfowl loads. What can you expect performance-wise from this new shot type? Read on.

Savings Aimed at Waterfowlers

Some of the industry’s finest are offering special promotions on shotshells designed for waterfowl season. Opening day arrives in a few short weeks, which makes the timing of these rebates ideal for hunters whose ammo inventory is a little light.

#SundayGunday: Real Avid Ratchet Rests

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Ratchet Rest adjustable-height shooting bags, from Real Avid. Available in three sizes, purchasable separately or together, Ratchet Rests are built to provide front and rear support for a rifle with easy elevation control, thanks to a unique ratcheting system. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Colorado Right to Hunt Amendment Makes the November Ballot

Colorado voters will decide this November whether there should be a constitutional right to hunt and fish in the state constitution. Initiative 302, officially titled the Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish, cleared its final procedural hurdle on August 20, 2026, when the Colorado Secretary of State’s Elections Division certified that proponents had gathered enough valid signatures.

In Memoriam: Randy Brooks: 1949-2026

Randy Brooks, creator of the famous Barnes X Bullet and the 2016 NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award winner, passed away peacefully on the morning of Aug. 27, 2026. He was 77.

Focus on the Conservation’s Future—Groundbreaking Lessons in Arkansas

True outdoor curriculum is being offered to thousands of students in Arkansas, thanks to rededicated efforts under the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s (AGFC) outdoor education partnership with the Arkansas Governor’s Office and Arkansas Department of Education.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.