Distinguish between sight alignment and sight picture, and explain how to achieve both simultaneously.

• A. Sight alignment is the relationship of front and rear sights line up; sight picture is where the sights appear on the target; achieve both by aligning the sights in the crisp notch with the target in the center of the sight picture.
• B. Sight alignment and sight picture are the same concept.
• C. Sight picture is the mechanical alignment of sights; sight alignment is aiming.
• D. Sight alignment is irrelevant for iron sights.

Answer: (A)

The difference you’re looking at is two parts of aiming: sight alignment and sight picture. Sight alignment is how the front and rear sights line up with each other—the front sight sitting centered in the rear sight notch, with the tops and shoulders of the sights in the same plane. Sight picture is what you see of the target through those aligned sights—the target should appear centered in the sight picture.

To achieve both at the same time, bring the pistol up and get the two sights aligned first: the front sight should be crisp and centered in the rear sight notch, with the sights level. Then place the target so it sits in the center of the sight picture, meaning the target is aligned with the front sight and the aligned sights frame the target. When you maintain proper sight alignment while keeping the target centered in the sight picture, you’re aiming correctly and increasing hit probability.