Milestones in Gunsight Development

Since the adoption of firearms as a viable arm for use personal and military use, nations and individuals alike have sought means to improve on the weapon’s effectiveness and accuracy. These advances have come in many forms; from the use of metal bullets and their composition and shape, rifling, propellants, cased ammunition, repeating firearms, and, of course, sights and optics. While advances in the firearms themselves seem to steal the spotlight in many circles, nothing has contributed to these weapons’ accuracy and effectiveness more than sights and optics. Here we will take a look at several advances in this important feature and how it has affected the use of firearms throughout the years.

When discussing firearm sights and optics, it’s best to start at the beginning with the first primitive gunsights. The discovery that these new arms could give a common man on the battlefield a very effective means to face the feared armored knights of medieval Europe, by rendering their heavy plate armor obsolete, forever established the firearm as the great equalizer. Sights ensured these common men were able to put “accurate” shots on target; an important feature I imagine for someone facing down a charge of heavy armored cavalry. These early sights “consisted of a bead front sight and a notched standing rear sight.” (Gunsight, 1998) Variations of this early configuration continued to advance and are still in use today on many modern hunting rifles with the V or U notch open, iron sights. (Sparano, 1972, Pp. 63)

The introduction of telescopic optics opened up more options for the shooter. These scopes utilized a series of lenses that magnified the target. These fixed power optics offered magnification from “1X to 12X” or more and were especially beneficial in shooting accurately at longer ranges and for those “elderly hunters with failing eyesight.” (Sparano, 1972, Pp. 64-65) The crosshair, or scope reticle, used in these early scopes were actual strands of hair within the device. (Sonoran Desert Institute, 2021, Pp. 32) Over the years, these optics have evolved to be clearer and more durable with the inclusion of nitrogen-filled scopes, various types of reticles, and shock-absorbent material. 

Another progression in firearm optics technology was the introduction of night-vision optics. These devices were first introduced during World War Two and allowed the projection of images in “near total darkness.” (Night Vision Australia, 2022) In combination with infrared lights, these new optics introduced the practice of accurate shot placement to the night and stole away the shadowy concealment it offered. As with other forms of sights and optics, this technology has continued to progress and is currently in use around the world. 

These and other advancements in firearm targeting technology cannot be underestimated and is an important part of not only firearm development and effectiveness, but firearm history. These devices have opened up new paths to shooters. They have quietly played their part in the story of firearms and will continue to do so for many years to come. 

Bibliography

1. Gunsight. Encyclopedia Britannica. July 20th, 1998. https://www.britannica.com/technology/gunsight. 

2. Sparano, Vin T. Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia. 1972. Harper & Row. Pp. 62-69.

3. Sonoran Desert Institute. Sights, Optics, and Accuracy. 2021. SDI. Pp. 29-40.

4. Night Vision Australia. The History of Night Vision Technology. June 1st, 2022.