What is the difference between "sight alignment" and "sight picture"?

Sight alignment is a fundamental concept in marksmanship that refers specifically to the proper positioning of the front and rear sights of a firearm. Effective sight alignment ensures that the shooter has the sights lined up correctly, which is crucial for accurate shooting. The goal is to position the sights such that the front sight is centered in the rear sight and level with it.

On the other hand, sight picture goes a step further; it incorporates the alignment of the sights with the intended target. Once the shooter has achieved sight alignment, they will look through the sights to ensure that the target appears clearly in relation to this aligned sight setup. The sight picture combines both the aligned sights and the view of the target, which contextualizes the alignment in terms of where the shooter intends to hit.

Understanding the distinction between these two concepts is vital for effective marksmanship training and practice. It aids shooters in developing the necessary skills to maintain focus on the sights while simultaneously being aware of the target.