Sights and Safeties
Rifle Sights
Sights on firearms allow the shooter to correctly align the barrel on the target so accurate shot placement can be consistently achieved. Sights come in a variety of styles.
Open sights, often called “iron sights,” are very useful when shots are made at shorter ranges and in heavy cover. The front sight at the end of the barrel is aligned with rear sight, located to rear of the barrel or above the action.
Fiber optic inserts on open sights can be very helpful to quickly align front and rear sights, especially in low light situations.
Telescopic sights, often called “scopes,” are small telescopes mounted on top of the firearm. These magnify the target so accurate shots can be taken at longer ranges.
Some telescopic scopes have a variable power feature that allows the magnification to be changed. This allows greater flexibility when shooting at different distances, targets and light conditions. A solid rest is required when higher magnifications are selected since a slight vibration to the firearm can move the sight off target.
Reticles
Inside the telescopic sight are reticles, also called “crosshairs” which are lines that intersect in the center of the sight picture.
Some sight systems are non-magnifying but provide an alternative sight picture. Some use a red light-emitting diode to provide the point of aim, others use a glass optical window with a superimposed reticle image. Both require battery power.
Sight pictures on Game
Whichever style is used, the hunter must correctly align the sights on the vital areas of the game animal.
Open Sight
Telescopic sight
Safeties
These are mechanical devices designed to block the action to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm. They should never to be relied on as an alternative to safe firearm handing or storage.