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

9 Smallbore Relay 2026 Ncaarifle Champ Preview Feb25
9 Smallbore Relay 2026 Ncaarifle Champ Preview Feb25

Previewing the 2026 NCAA Rifle Championship

A season of perfect air rifle scores and razor-thin margins sets the stage for the 2026 NCAA Rifle Championship, where any of the top seeds could take the title in March.

Best Of SHOT Show 2026: Top Gear and Accessories

Ten standout gear and accessory picks from SHOT Show 2026, featuring products from Garmin, Streamlight, Mantis, Caldwell, Magna Lens and more.

2026 NCAA Rifle Championship Field Is Set: Eight Teams Heading to Columbus

Eight teams and individual qualifiers in smallbore and air rifle will compete at the 2026 NCAA Rifle Championship hosted by Ohio State on March 13-14.

Results: 2026 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Rifle State Championships

Everett High School wins both smallbore and air rifle at 2026 Pennsylvania Sate Championships, setting a new smallbore team record of 2293-97X.

Collegiate Rifle: Akron Zips Soar to Season-Best Air Rifle Score in Home Finale

Akron rifle fired a season-best 2371 air rifle score in their 2026 NCAA qualifier, jumping from No. 16 to No. 12 in national rankings.

Best Of SHOT Show 2026: Top Ammunition

Ten new ammunition products from SHOT Show 2026, including loads from Winchester, Federal, Hornady, Remington, Sierra, Fiocchi and CCI.



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