When it comes to shooting accuracy, sight alignment is one of the most fundamental skills every shooter must master. Whether you’re using a handgun or a rifle, learning how to properly align your iron sights determines how accurately your bullet will hit the target. At JD Sporting, our NRA-certified instructors — with over 40 years of combined law enforcement and training experience — teach students how to build consistent, confident aiming techniques from the ground up.

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What Is Sight Alignment?

Sight alignment refers to how your front and rear sights line up in relation to each other and the target. When using iron sights, the top of the front sight post should be perfectly level with the top of the rear sight. The front sight should also be centered evenly in the rear sight notch — with equal space (or light) on both sides.

✅ Correct Sight Alignment:

• Front sight is centered in the rear notch.

• Tops of both sights are even.

• Equal light on both sides of the front sight post.

When the sights are properly aligned and your front sight is placed on the desired point of impact, your shot will be on target.

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Common Sight Alignment Mistakes

Many new shooters tend to focus only on the target — not the sights. The key is to focus your eyes on the front sight, keeping the target and rear sight slightly blurred. Common mistakes include:

• Front sight too high (results in high shots)

• Front sight too low (causes low shots)

• Front sight off-center (shifts shots left or right)

At JD Sporting’s firearm training classes, we teach students how to correct these errors through live-fire drills that reinforce muscle memory and visual focus.

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Practice Makes Precision

Consistent practice builds accuracy. Start slowly, dry-fire at home (with proper safety procedures), and train your eyes to stay locked on that front sight. With time, proper sight alignment becomes second nature — improving both confidence and performance.

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