Using an occluder with a Dot

So I tried a white occluder that was lent to me shooting open sights and liked it.  I have recently mounted a Matchdot II on my M41PC.  I tried at first to shoot with both eyess open, but had some problems with focus.  I then tried the occluder and think it may have helped.  When I take it off, I catch my left eye trying to squint/shut which I know isn't optimal.

Do I need to just practice more with both eyes open?  Is using the occluder actually holding me back from another benefit of the RD? 
Thoughts?

I use a piece of matte-finish Scotch Removable tape on my left lens, works great!  When I put it on I run it past the bottom of the lens and fold it back on itself so I have a tab for easy removal if I need to replace it.
- Dave

Use the white occluded. Both eyes open. Why fight it..

I don't have a dominant eye, so if I don't use one I tend to get two groups on the paper, as I see 1 dot and two bulls... If it works, use it!

Dave

My favorite occluder is 3M Blenderm medical tape.  It is thicker than Scotch tape with good adhesion, has some slight give to it so it will conform to the lens easily, lasts forever, yet it peels off easily and cleanly.  Other thinner tapes can tear and leave a residue, especially after being on your glasses a long time.  

Cut an oversized piece off the roll, stick it on, and trim it with a razor/xacto blade. One strip about 5/8” wide on your glasses placed near your nose will allow you to see fairly normally for scoring and loading, but blocks the target when you turn sideways and sight down the lane in your shooting stance. You will still have good peripheral vision as well since only 25% of the lens is blocked.

I do not like the white occluders at all.  They are too bright, big, distracting, and the flip up ones are just something else you have to futz with or knock off.

To me, the sight picture is very natural and easy to shoot with both eyes open. When done right, you hardly even notice it.

One roll will last years and years.  You can get it at most any local chain pharmacy, but here is an Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/BLENDERM-Surgical-Airplane-Waterproof-Hypoallergenic/dp/B06X9YTN86/ref=sr_1_4?hvadid=177780649150&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9009828&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7664734197042020370&hvtargid=kwd-395630061&keywords=blenderm+tape&qid=1553599426&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I've been experimenting with a small piece of scotch tape on the glasses this year.  For 10 years before that, I used a white occluder but I clipped it to the bill of my cap.  That gave me more peripheral vision but still obscured the target for the non shooting eye.

I use an occluder. 

To the guys using tape - Do you have any issues scoring the target or seeing anything up close?

it's just a very small piece of tape that blocks the eye when in your shooting position. The entire lens is not taped.

Position the tape where you need it and you will still have plenty of room on either side to scope your shot.  The EyePal on the right lens helps keep the dot round and it also keeps my head in the same position.
- Dave

I like the occluder because then I can flip it up when I reload or check out my target.

Joel

+1

1joel1 wrote:I like the occluder because then I can flip it up when I reload or check out my target.

Joel

Whatever works but with the tape all I do is turn my head a little to scope or reload with perfect clarity.
- Dave

You can also use a small adhesive dot, talk to a trapshooter they'll show you how it's done...