Never had this happen before on the range

[Eric Johanen]

Two incidents on the range in the last month really surprised me. My friend Dave asked me to shoot one of my AR's and we went to the range with one that has a scope on it, Figured it would be easier than iron sights to get him on target. He had fired the early model back in service in the 60's, both M14 and M16. I explained to him the sight process with a scope and we spent 20 minutes getting him able to use a scope. He could not see through it and I was almost at a loss as to what the problem was as it's a simple concept. Finally he moved his head back a bit further and could see the full circle view through it and was able to shoot. He had no concept dealing with eye placement using a scope and I'd never come across this before. Once he got it he did very well and had a great time. 2'nd surprise was with a old friend using a iron sighted rifle. With the barrel mounted sights he just could not understand what I was telling him about the sight picture and placement on the target. Front blade position in the rear notch and placement on the bull. He has not used irons before, only a scope and just does not seem to be able to adapt. Drawing sight pictures did not help. He could not explain what he was seeing with sight picture and target. I was prepared to file in the sights based upon a accurate load he has been using at 100 yards. Put that on hold until we can communicate and he understands what I/m trying to tell him. I do hope a deer is in close for him this season as he's very likely to miss or wound if there is any distance involved. I've been trying to get him to shoot more but it's a problem. I was surprised as I have never run across these problems before. First one we got resolved, but the second one is going to take some time and a lot mire shooting,