WATCH: Bullseye Pistol Aiming with Brian Zins

by
posted on October 14, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

With over 30 NRA National Records to his credit, 12-time NRA National Pistol Champion Brian Zins knows a thing or two about bullseye pistol shooting. In his latest video with Shooting Sports USA, Zins reviews one of the top fundamentals for bullseye pistol shooters—aiming. You can watch the video above. (If you missed the first video in Zins’ new training series, see it here.)

Brian Zins


Bullseye pistol aiming with iron sights can be daunting. Luckily, Zins is able to break down this complex subject into easily digestible portions.

Starting with iron sights, Zins describes his way of aiming, including sight alignment. Zins says that focusing on the front sight is best when using irons. He suggests doing whatever you have to do to force yourself to focus on the front sight blade.

“With iron sights, you’ve got to have something on that front sight to make sure you are focused on it,” says Zins. “Hard focus on the front sight is necessary.”

Brian Zins iron sights


Regarding the red dot, Zins explains simply enough, “It’s a one-point aiming device. Look at the target … it’s the way the dot was designed to be used.”

Zins also suggests finding the red dot that works for you best, as well as adjusting the intensity settings to have the actual dot itself to your liking.

“Figure out which dot works best for you, what size, which intensity level, etc,” says Zins.

Brian Zins red dot


Similar to iron sights, with the red dot it’s critical to pick something to focus on. The best method, obviously, is to focus on the target. However, if you can’t see the target clearly, focus on the dot. Zins stresses this point.

“With a dot, try to focus on the target. If you can’t focus on the target, make sure you stay focused on the dot.”

This video is the second installment in a 13-part series with Brian Zins. For information about his training classes, please visit his Facebook page here.

Latest

2025 Ariz 3Pairrifle 2
2025 Ariz 3Pairrifle 2

Arizona Youth Marksmen Shine at 2025 NRA Youth Air Rifle 3-P State Championship

Arizona’s top JROTC air rifle cadets delivered standout performances at the 2025–2026 NRA Youth Air Rifle 3-P State Championship.

Real Avid Bundles Pistol Maintenance Into Four Comprehensive Master Collections

Real Avid’s Master Pistol Collections combine cleaning supplies and specialized tools into four kits aimed at simplifying handgun maintenance across platforms.

New: Banish 556 Suppressor

A new 5.56 mm NATO/.223 Rem. suppressor pairs 3D-printed Inconel with helical gas flow to reduce back pressure on AR-pattern rifles.

New: TAG Precision FiberLok SG Pro Shotgun Sight

TAG Precision introduces the FiberLok SG Pro shotgun sight, a steel, fiber-optic front sight built to stay put under recoil and keep a clear sight picture.

Review: Leapers UTG Pro P.O.I. Service Rifle Mount

Field Editor Art Merrill’s review of UTG’s new 34 mm Service Rifle mount, highlighting its locking-bar design and confidence-inspiring rigidity.

Camdyn Powers Shines in a Breakout 2025 Precision Shooting Season

Camdyn Powers crushed 2025, claiming seven first-place finishes, a national finale berth and the IPRF Rimfire World Championship for Team USA.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.