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Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

Title:The Hunting Notesfile
Notice:Registry #7, For Sale #15, Success #270
Moderator:SALEM::PAPPALARDO
Created:Wed Sep 02 1987
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1561
Total number of notes:17784

1191.0. "QUESTION ON DOMINANT EYE" by ESOA11::OKEEFE () Tue Sep 08 1992 12:19

    I've got a question for all hunters who use scopes.
    
    
    	My dominant eye is my left, but I shoulder my rifle on my 
    right.  It takes me a few seconds to adjust to the scope (cost me a
    nice buck in Novie).  Is their a way to 'change' my dominant eye from
    left to right???
    
    
    Thanx in advance
    
    Jim
    
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1191.1Carmichel on mismatched master eyeDECALP::HOHWYJust another ProgrammerTue Sep 08 1992 12:5328
>    right.  It takes me a few seconds to adjust to the scope (cost me a
>    nice buck in Novie).  Is their a way to 'change' my dominant eye from
>    left to right???

    Jim, FWIW this is what Jim Carmichel (Book of the Rifle) has to
	say about your problem:

	"Fortunately the dominant eye usually matches the dominant hand.
	(well not for you, Jim :-) There are exceptions and they cause
	difficulty. When a right-handed shooter with a left master eye
	tries to aim a rifle or point a shotgun from his right shoulder,
	the left eye tries to do the sighting. Usually this causes double
	vision, and the gun appears to have two barrels. When the left eye 
	is closed, the double vision disappears, though it is usually
	difficult to keep the eye closed. The master eye still wants to
	take over. Shooters suffering from this problem, who have no
	shooting ambitions beyond becoming competent hunters and plinkers,
	can learn to close the dominant eye when shooting. Some try
	to learn to shoot from the other shoulder, but this may lead to 
	other problems and usually isn't worth the trouble. Target shooters
	with a mismatched master eye often wear a patch over the eye so
	that it can be left open. This is generally easier than trying
	to keep it closed for long periods. Another way is to have special,
	custom-made crossover sights fitted on the gun."

	So there, hope it is of any help.

							- Mike
1191.2WAHOO::LEVESQUELet us preyTue Sep 08 1992 14:253
 When I was a kid, I had a "lazy eye." They put a patch over the good eye to 
force the lazy eye to work harder. I wonder if this tactic would help you
switch dominant eyes...
1191.3I'll use buck-shotESOA12::OKEEFETue Sep 08 1992 18:439
    Thanks for the info. 
    
    I don't think I'll be buying any custom-made crossover sights though.
    
    
    Maybe I'll go for a baboon eye !!!!!
    
    Jim
    
1191.4the right scope can helpOASS::SOBCZYNSKI_LWed Sep 09 1992 09:2315
    
    JIM
    
    I have basically the same situation, left dominant and shoulder right
    for shooting.  This was the main reason for going to a scope.  After
    buying an off the shelf scope, inexpensive, found that it helped but
    still had problems.  After going from shop to shop and eyeing scopes
    with the weak eye, ended up buying one that suited me.  I found after a
    year of use that the eye became accustomed to the scope, and now can
    use the weak eye with the inexpensive scope.  There is a definite
    difference between the two scopes however the point here that the weak
    eye 'adapted' to scope use after a time.  
    
    Leonard
    
1191.5Call me HookESOA11::OKEEFEThu Sep 10 1992 12:1112
    RE .2
    
    Does anyone have any proof on the patch idea?????
    
    I'll go around with a patch on one eye if it will work.
    
    A small price to pay for not having to concentrate on winking the
    correct eye.
    
    
    Jim
    
1191.6stick-on patchesKNGBUD::LAFOSSEThu Sep 10 1992 13:539
    I'm not sure if that will work...  
    
    I have the same problem myself, what i've done to correct the situation 
    is to place a small (1/4-3/8") circle sticker (over the dominant eye)
    in the center of the lens on my shooting glasses.  what this does, is
    still allow peripheral vision but keeps the dominant eye from taking
    over...  works like a charm.  try it
    
    Fra
1191.7Cool dudeESOA11::OKEEFEThu Sep 10 1992 14:267
    Thanks Fra, I'll definately try that next time out.
    
    Don't know if I can hunt with shades on :^) 
    
    Jim
    
    
1191.8CSC32::SALZERFri Oct 02 1992 15:249
    I am right handed but left eyed also. Since childhood I've always
    held and shot rifles left handed so it's not even an issue for
    me.  There's only 2 problems with left handed action. You are
    somewhat limited in models and make that come in left hand bolt.
    Automatic and semiauto pieces most always eject cartridges and
    hot brass right across your face.  South paw does have it's
    disadvantages. 
    
    Bob