New guy starting out... open sites, scope, dot?

OK, so Im just starting out. Im at the point where my shooting is changing from plinking/tossing lead, to realy doing some training for bullseye. I have two High Standard pistols. A 104 with open sites, and a 103 with a open site bbl and slide for 22 short, a Victor bbl with the rib, and open sites, and a bbl and slide with a scope. I also have a S&W 6" revolver that is open sited, but is drilled for a scope mount. [these are all .22] Right now I only have a 15 yard range to work with, but will plan on finding a 25, and 50ft range for some practice time as I improve. I understand that the pistol scopes are pretty much dead in the BE world at this time. Is that true? and advantage to them? At this time I have no Dot's. It would be a easy swap to mount them on the scope mounts though, so its not a deal killer. At this point I thought of working with open sites. Maybe Im wrong but I feel that will build up my skills better, and that will carry over if I do get a Dot in the future. Does that make sense? Should I just jump right into the Dot?? Keep the scopes? You all know MUCH more about this then I do on this matter, and im open to any advice!

Scopes are not normally used in Bullseye. Shooters usually use either open sights or a red dot. Ultradots are very popular. How are your eyes? Some people do just as well with open sights as a red dot. Even if they are not perfect it will be a while before open sights are holding you back.  I am sure you will get other opinions and have more questions but this a start. Are there any leagues shooting in your area?

My advice is to use a dot.  Dots can be used in any lighting condition without being affected and in my opinion, easier to master sustained fire.  
I do know one HM who shoots a scope on his guns but the vast majority do not.

My eyes? Well... being extremely right eye dominant, [VERY poor left eye sight... almost nothing] and near sighted...but also at a tick under 50 years old im getting that... "MAN I cant read that.." older eyesite... well you know the drill... I CAN see the front site VERY well! Realy that's at the sweetspot of my vision. So focusing on the front site, with a slightly blurry target is my normal shooting. granted I have not shot 50 yards yet...

The scopes are from my Dads days of bullseye shooting. Back in the 60's and early 70's. these were his Bullseye guns that were left to me.

The only downer on the old magnification scopes, the magnification makes your wobble look bigger.  Who wants that!

If your corrected vision makes it so you can see the targets clearly, the dot is the way to go, but you can probably shoot as well with the irons with practice.

Dear New Guy:

First off, that is awesome that you are using dad's guns, those high standards should be perfect for you as long as they are functioning good.  

The scope, unless it is a 1 power scope, it will not work good for you until you get a bit more experience.  Since I am a bit older and with similar eyesight, I cannot recommend a red dot enough for you.  either the 2MOA or the 4MOA, get the ultra dot with adjustable dot sizes.  

As for red dots, I have had the pleasure of mentoring quite a number of new shooters in the bullseye world.  I have had lots of newbies shoot a couple matches with irons and then show up the next match with a cheap red dot that they picked up without asking for advice.  Invariably the cheapie is not precision enough or they end up using Kentucky windage which does not work and they end up wasting money.  Get a tube sight from either ultra dot, C-more, or aimpoint.  They cost lots more then the $59.00 red dot but they will give you years of service.  You will see the ultra dots on about 90% of the bullseye guns out there.

for what its worth, the bullseye shooters use the tube red dots cause you can protect them from sun reflections with sunshades whereas the ipsic, idpa, and run and gunners prefer the reflex sights because they take up less of the sight picture. Try shooting a bullseye match in the evening with the sun over your shoulder with a reflex sight and getting blinded every time you raise the gun from the suns reflection!

If you have any questions or if I can  be of further assistance, shoot me a private message and we will get you on the right track!

Regards,
Cranky

Burris built some fine scopes made for Bullseye and sold through Gil Hebard.   Personally I shot irons exclusively for about 5 years ('78-'83) then shot a red dot for a year before going to the Gil Hebard Burris scope.    When Joe Pascarella was back to back national champion with red dots ( could have easily been more years had he not gone to prision) everyone thought that if they shot red dots they could be national champ too!  Bottom line is, barring vision issues, a red dot or scope will not make you a shooter.   Don't forget that Hershell Anderson set the standing record with iron sights back in the mid '70s.

When I started bullseye everyone shot iron sights. Even after red dots became popular, I stuck with irons until I made distinguished. I dabbled in International where irons are the only sights allowed. Just about everyone who shoots handguns, except for specialized sport shooters, uses iron sights. I think that sticking with irons is a good thing, as long as your eyes cooperate. When a 2700 puts too much strain on your eyes, it might be time to switch.

Open or red dot. No  3 power scope for me. Tried it back in the 1980's. Trying to make the shot break at the perfect time just didnt work for me. The scope was mounted on a Victor, after removing the rib. Used holes already there.

If you are just starting out your trigger control will benefit from using iron sights.  The learning curve can take longer but in the long run you will benefit from irons. Considering your eye sight is good for seeing the sights you should be good.

Ive been hitting the range and doing some training. It sure is a lot of work, but sure is fun!!!! i tryed my scoped setup and i realy dont like it, so ive been sticking with the sites. The best setup has been my 103 high standard with the victor bbl. I just have a 15 yd range to use now, but im keeping most within the 8 ring. a flyer once in a wile, but i have just started working towards my goal. I tell you.....it gets tiring, and that effects my shooting after about a hour.