In today’s tip, Aimpoint’s Director of Training Duane “Buck” Buckner explores the difference between confirmation and aiming when using a red dot sight, for rifles or pistols.

A common mistake is approaching red dot sights in the same way as traditional iron sights, where the focus is on aiming the red dot itself. However, this method engages the mechanical thinking part of our brain and draws attention back to the weapon, rather than on the potential threat or downrange decisions.

Confirmation, on the other hand, involves aligning the weapon with the target, and the red dot serves as confirmation that the solution is accurate and ready for the trigger press. This approach ensures that all decisions are made downrange rather than directing attention back to the gun. A shooter utilizing confirmation remains fluid throughout the process, never losing sight of the target. In contrast, those who engage in "checklist shooting" may encounter issues such as anticipation, as they navigate through threat, optic, and trigger checks sequentially.

For effective shooting with a red dot sight, adopting a confirmation-based approach is crucial. Visit aimpoint.us for further details on optimizing your shooting technique with a red dot.