gunsights
Rifle aiming apparatus
Gunsights are the aiming devices on firearms—typically a front post and rear notch that align when properly aimed.
The term covers both simple iron sights and sophisticated optical or electronic systems: adjusting the gunsights, looking through the gunsights.
To have someone in your gunsights is to be targeting them, literally or figuratively.
Intersecting sighting lines
- reticleOptical sighting pattern
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- zeroingCalibrating to baseline
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
tracking · aimpoint · lead · elevation · windage · holdover · bead · notch
Calibrating to baseline
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- windageAir current interference
elevation · MOA · turret · cant · level · ballistics · trajectory · dope
Extent or range
- lensLight-focusing curved glass
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
- prismLight-splitting optical element
- reticleOptical sighting pattern
eyepiece · ocular · parallax · diopter · illumination · thermal · clarity · zoom
Exact center target
- leadingGuiding or pacing type
- stationaryNot in motion
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- holdoverRemainder from prior period
Instrument measuring observer-to-target distance
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- infantryGround combat troops
- marksmanPrecision shooter
- spotterSafety backup person
crosshairs
Intersecting sighting lines
acquisition · tracking · aimpoint · lead · elevation · windage · holdover · bead · notch · aperture
zeroing
Calibrating to baseline
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- adjustmentAlteration to improve fit
- accuracyDegree of correctness
windage · elevation · MOA · turret · cant · level · ballistics · trajectory · dope · benchrest
scope
Extent or range
- lensLight-focusing curved glass
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
- prismLight-splitting optical element
reticle · eyepiece · ocular · parallax · diopter · illumination · thermal · clarity · zoom
bullseye
Exact center target
- leadingGuiding or pacing type
- stationaryNot in motion
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
rangefinder
Instrument measuring observer-to-target distance
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- infantryGround combat troops
- marksmanPrecision shooter
gunsightsblind fire
Shooting without seeing targets
hip shooting · spray and pray · shooting from the hip · suppressive fire
gunsightsbody armor
Protective garment stopping bullets
shields · bulletproof vest · cover · protective gear · gun safety