An open sight or an iron sight is the default sight you receive when you purchase your rifle. This is a basic sighting instrument where the rear sight is a flat piece of metal with a U- or V-shaped groove cut into the center, while the front sight is a post. While this sighting method has fallen out of favor, it can be an incredibly accurate method for shooting targets medium to close range.
How to adjust open sights on a rifle
The first step to adjusting your open sight is to understand how to use it. The open sight is two parts, with a rear sight and a front sight. The front sight is a post at the end of the barrel of the gun. The rear sight is on the other end, and it is a flat piece of metal with a U- or V-shaped groove cut out.
The goal is for the front sight to be aligned in the middle of the rear groove with the top of the front sight post level with the top of the rear sight. Once the sights are aligned correctly, the bullet should hit the target wherever the front sight post is directed.
While open sights are typically installed by the gun’s manufacturer, they still sometimes need adjusting. For most rifles, adjusting the open sight is a universal process. Because your front sight is stationary, you’re only dealing with the rear sight. Some rear sights are finger adjustable, while for others, you may need a tool to turn the screw. For the rear site, you are adjusting for windage and elevation. You will adjust left and right for the windage, and you will adjust up and down for elevation.
Once you have tweaked your rear sight, take a few test shots to see if you are hitting the bull’s-eye correctly, and if not, readjust accordingly.