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

2025 Nov Nebraska Is Top Ranked 1 1
2025 Nov Nebraska Is Top Ranked 1 1

Collegiate Rifle: Nebraska Takes Over No. 1 Spot in CRCA Rankings; TCU, Navy Surge into Top Three

Nebraska claims the top CRCA rifle ranking, TCU surges to No. 2 with a big win and Navy jumps to No. 3.

Marksmanship Milestones: 1985 National Matches

The 1985 National Matches featured record scores, historic wins and major facility upgrades at Camp Perry.

Inside the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

Nils Jonasson claims top title at multi-discipline 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship, held at Camp Atterbury in October.

White Flyer, Winchester Boost South Dakota’s New Shooting Sports Complex with Massive Target Donation

Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer Targets fuel the debut of South Dakota’s new shooting sports complex with a major donation and focus on community growth.

Collegiate Rifle: Underdog Akron Stuns Top-Ranked Rivals, Wins Four-Team Tournament

Akron rifle stuns top-ranked teams in Columbus as senior Natalia Siek breaks multiple records, leading the No. 17 Zips to victory.

CMP Names Decorated Marksman Hank Gray as New Training and Education Manager

Veteran shooter and Team USA coach Hank Gray joins CMP to lead training and education, fueling the next generation of marksmanship excellence.

Interests



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