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Why do my front sight look sharper with narrow gaps?

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:35 pm
by fkw
I don't know if my eyes are seeing this correctly.

As I narrow the rear sight width down to a slit against the front sight, the image of front sight becomes sharper.

Am I seeing this correctly? Is there a scientific explanation for this? Or am I just imagining this sharper front sight?

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:53 pm
by orionshooter
Could it be that by making the front sight more difficult to see (by narrowing the rear gap) you are forcing yourself to focus much harder on the front sight??

Re: Why do my front sight look sharper with narrow gaps?

Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:00 pm
by Spencer
fkw wrote:...Am I seeing this correctly?
- Yes, and no. If the front sight is sharpening up it might be that your natural focal length is not at the front sight distance.
fkw wrote:...Is there a scientific explanation for this?
- Yes - the rear sight is working as a (partial) aperture
fkw wrote:...Or am I just imagining this sharper front sight?
- No

Is there an advantage in using this effect?
- unless you have a hold that approaches the steadiness of a machine rest, NO.

Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:49 am
by David M
Also, see what it looks like after an hour or so of shooting, chances are that your eye will give up, be watery, very sore and blurry.