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 a common component of all firearms, and on most shotguns, a sight is very simply a bead at the end of the barrel. This bead is used as a general aiming device since a shotgun shoots a pattern of shot and not a single bullet. Shotguns usually have a simple pointing bead. Rifles typically have an open, aperture (peep), or telescopic sight. Most handguns have an iron (open) sight, although some specialized handguns have a dot, a laser, or a telescopic sight.