Definition

Noun: 1. A type of rear gunsight: An open sight is a simple, non-magnifying aiming device on a firearm, typically consisting of a notch (a U- or V-shaped groove) at the rear. The shooter aligns this notch with a front sight post and the target to aim. It is characterized by its open, unobstructed design, as opposed to a peep sight (which has a small hole) or a telescopic sight.

Examples of Usage

Advanced Usage

• "Iron sights": This is a common broader term that includes both open sights and peep (aperture) sights. Open sights are a classic type of iron sight.
  • The pistol's primary aiming system was its iron sights, specifically a blade front sight and an open rear sight.

Variants and Related Words

• Peep sight / Aperture sight (noun): A rear sight with a small circular hole to look through, offering potentially greater precision than an open sight.
• Telescopic sight / Scope (noun): An optical sight that uses magnification.
• Front sight (noun): The aiming post or blade at the muzzle end of the firearm, used in conjunction with the rear sight.

Synonyms

• Iron sight (general category)
• Notch sight

Related Phrases

• To use/open sights: To aim using non-optical sights.
  • The competition required participants to use open sights only, no scopes allowed.

Noun

1. rear gunsight having an open notch instead of a peephole or telescope