Sight Alignment

As explained in Unit Two, there are three types of sights: open sights, aperture/peep sights, and telescopic sights. Sight alignment is the process of lining up the rear and front sights.

Open Sight: Many modern muzzleloaders are equipped with an adjustable open sight. When you aim, line up the bead or post front sight in the notch of the rear sight. The target then should sit at the top of the front sight.

Aperture/Peep Sight: These are more accurate than open sights. As with open sights, the front sight is a bead or post. The rear sight is a round disk with a tiny peephole. You look through this tiny hole, not at it. To aim, line up the target with the front sight within the rear peephole. Peep sights are considerably easier for many older shooters to use, as the optical sharpening effect of the aperture compensates somewhat for the limitations of aging eyes.

Telescopic Sight (Scope): These are probably the easiest to use. They enlarge the picture of the target and are easy to aim. The aiming point inside the telescopic sight, called the reticle, is centered on the target. There is no need to line up front and rear sights. Many states do not allow scopes during “muzzleloader only” hunting.