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

Richardheinie 2
Richardheinie 2

Richard Heinie: USPSA Original, 1911 Single Stack Maestro Still Building at 83

Richard Heinie, USPSA charter member and premier 1911 gunsmith, co-founded the Single Stack Classic and still builds custom pistols at 83.

New: Staccato HD P4X

Staccato’s new HD P4X is a full-size, steel-frame duty pistol with an integral compensator, 18-round capacity and Glock-pattern magazine compatibility.

2026 NRA National Pistol Championship Team Results

USAMU Blue posted the week’s top team aggregate while Zero Lapua defended its open club title at the 2026 NRA Pistol Nationals.

Jon Shue Wins Fourth Consecutive NRA National Pistol Title

Jon Shue claims his fourth consecutive NRA Precision Pistol national title with a 2659-156X Grand Aggregate at the Cardinal Shooting Center.

Vintage USPSA Scoring Overlays Reveal A Forgotten Rule

These vintage USPSA/NROI scoring overlays lack a .40-cal. gauge and feature mysterious “eyebrow” markings tied to a long-retired scoring rule.

Wilson Combat Marks 250 Years of American Independence with Limited Edition 1911 Series

Wilson Combat’s America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series celebrates the Semiquincentennial with commemorative engraving, including 25 pistols hand-engraved by Wayne D’Angelo.

Interests



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