Introduction to Sights

A sight is a device used to line up the muzzle with the shooter’s eye so that he or she can hit the target. Sights are more critical on a firearm that fires a single projectile (rifle and handgun) than on a firearm that shoots a pattern of shot (shotgun). Shotguns usually have a simple pointing bead. Rifles typically have an open, aperture (peep), or telescopic sight. Most rifles come with open sights and have the ability to add aftermarket optics. Most handguns have an iron (open) sight, although some specialized handguns have a dot, a laser, or a telescopic sight.