2.14 Sights

Sights are used to aim rifles and handguns. There are three types of sights used on firearms.

Open Sight: Open sights are common on rifles and handguns. There are a rear sight and a front sight which must be lined up. The first drawing on the left shows an open sight.

Aperture (Peep) Sight: Peep sights are usually found on target rifles, although some hunters use them, too. There are a rear sight and a front sight which must be lined up. The drawing below shows how to use a peep sight.

Telescopic Sight (Scope): Telescopic sights are very popular with hunters. They are generally easier to use than open or peep sights. The scope is a tube which the shooter looks through toward the target. The pictures below show different telescopic sights. Telescopic sights normally make the target look closer or bigger, making it easier to aim.

Safety tip

Never use a telescopic sight to identify your target! Use binoculars first, and then use your riflescope. Never point a firearm at another human or livestock!

Sight Alignment


With an open sight, you line up the target with the blade or bead of the front sight within the notch of the rear sight.	With an aperture sight, you line up the target so that the front sight is within the rear peephole.	With a telescopic sight with a crosshair reticle, you line up the target with the crosshairs of the sight.	With a telescopic sight with a dot reticle, you line up the target with the dot of the sight. The dot must be centered.

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Washington Hunting
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Official hunting safety course for Washington hunters last modified: August 27, 2009
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