Patent Publication Number: US-7905044-B2

Title: Sighting system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 11/555,007, filed Oct. 31, 2006, entitled SIGHTING SYSTEM, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to sighting systems for precisely aligning a device, such as a firearm or telescope, with a target. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a firearm sighting system with proximal and distal sights that present a sight picture when viewed with complementally shaped surfaces. 
     2. Discussion of Prior Art 
     Metallic gun sights, also known as “iron sights,” are known in the art. Prior art metallic gun sights include peep sights and open sights. Both peep sights and open sights utilize a proximal or rear sight, i.e., nearest the user&#39;s eye, in cooperation with a distal or front sight, i.e., spaced along the firearm in a direction away from the user. Peep sights generally have an aperture in the rear sight and the front sight commonly includes a blade, a post and bead, a circle, or a circle and insert. The rear aperture is typically positioned close to the shooter&#39;s eye, which in the sight picture surrounds, and is larger than, the front sight. Open sights traditionally are post and notch, where the front sight is a post or blade and the rear sight includes a blade with a notch. The rear sight in open sights is typically viewed from a distance in operation. 
     All prior art metallic gun sights, including peep sights and open sights, are problematic and subject to several undesirable limitations. For example, open sights and peep sights lack precision for fine accuracy. The aiming references of open sights are limited to the two symmetrical blocks of light in the rear sight on either side of the front sight post, and the alignment of the top edges of the front blade with the rear sight. Peep sights include a rear sight with an aperture close to the shooter&#39;s eye, wherein the user looks through the aperture to view the front sight. Typically when viewed, the aperture provides a much larger sighting surface that encircles a relatively small sighting surface of the front sight. The substantial radial spacing between the sights when viewed provides an aiming reference that is imprecise. Furthermore, the centering of the front bead or blade inside the rear sight aperture provides the only aiming reference between the two sights. 
     Another limitation of prior art sights, including open sights and peep sights, is that they obscure the target during aiming. With respect to open sights, the user must cut the target, such as a black circle bulls eye, in half with the rear blade in order to aim at the center of the target. The solid rear blade necessarily obscures the user&#39;s view of at least half of the target when aiming perfectly at the center. The rear blade also obscures the target when the user has not yet acquired the target, e.g., where the target is spaced below the upper edge of the blade. The alternative method of aiming with an open sight is to float the entire target above the blade, which is an inherently imprecise way of aiming at the center of the target. Similarly, the rear sight of a peep sight commonly has large eye discs and relatively bulky metal close to the shooter&#39;s eye and face. During aiming, the rear sight substantially blocks the user&#39;s view of the target area except for the aperture. Thus, a rear sight obscures the target, particularly when the user has not yet acquired the target. 
     Yet another limitation of prior art sights is that the rear sight obscures the front sight. For example, the rear sight of an open sight necessarily obscures a large portion of the front sight when the sights are perfectly aligned. Prior to perfect alignment, the rear sight can easily entirely block the user&#39;s view of the front sight. Similarly, the rear sight of a peep sight can also obscure the front sight prior to alignment of the sights. 
     As mentioned, prior art rear sights, such as those of an open or peep sight, block a substantial part of the user&#39;s view. Consequently, prior art rear sights do not allow sufficient light to pass through to the user, particularly in low light conditions. 
     Thus, all prior art metallic gun sights continue to suffer from several basic problems: the sight picture to the shooter does not provide precise aiming references, prior art sights obscure the target and surrounding target areas, the rear sight obscures the front sight, and target acquisition is poor in low light. These limitations of prior art sights also tend to slow target acquisition. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved sighting system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a sighting assembly that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art gun sights set forth above. 
     A first aspect of the present invention concerns a firearm sighting assembly for facilitating aiming of a firearm at a target by a user. The firearm sighting assembly broadly includes proximal and distal sights configured for connection to the firearm to sight the target along a sighting direction. The proximal sight is connectable to the firearm closer to the user along the sighting direction than the distal sight. The distal sight presents a generally inward facing distal sighting surface that defines an opening. The proximal sight presents a generally outward facing proximal sighting surface. The proximal sighting surface is spaced within the opening when the target is viewed with the sights, such that the sighting surfaces present corresponding opposed sections when viewed. The proximal and distal sighting surfaces present respective radial dimensions measured relative to the sighting direction. The proximal sighting surface is radially smaller than the distal sighting surface along the corresponding opposed sections. 
     A second aspect of the present invention concerns a firearm assembly operable by a user to aim at a target. The firearm assembly broadly includes a firearm and a firearm sighting assembly. The firearm includes a muzzle end. The firearm sighting assembly facilitates aiming of the firearm at the target. The firearm sighting assembly includes proximal and distal sights connected to the firearm to sight the target along a sighting direction, with the distal sight being spaced closer to the muzzle end than the proximal sight. The distal sight presents a generally inward facing distal sighting surface that defines an opening. The proximal sight presents a generally outward facing proximal sighting surface. The proximal sighting surface is spaced within the opening when the target is viewed with the sights, such that the sighting surfaces present corresponding opposed sections when viewed. The proximal and distal sighting surfaces present respective radial dimensions measured relative to the sighting direction. The proximal sighting surface is radially smaller than the distal sighting surface along the corresponding opposed sections. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a revolver-type handgun with a proximal sight of the sighting assembly positioned for short range use; 
         FIG. 2  is side perspective view of the sighting assembly shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the sighting assembly mounted on the handgun and illustrating a staff of the proximal sight in an upright sighting position for long range use; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of the sighting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , showing the staff in a lowered position and illustrating a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown); 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the proximal sight of the sighting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , showing a shiftable sight element of the proximal sight slidably mounted on the staff; 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary side elevational view of the proximal sight shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , showing a threaded insert removed from the remainder of the proximal sight; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the sighting system taken substantially along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 , showing a windage platform and a sight base of the proximal sight being attached to one another by a windage screw; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a distal sight of the sighting assembly shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , showing a threaded insert removed from the remainder of the distal sight; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a semiautomatic handgun; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear elevational view of the sighting assembly shown in  FIG. 8 , showing a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown); 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on the barrel of a rifle (illustrated schematically); 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a handgun (shown in fragmentary) and illustrating a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown); 
         FIG. 12  is a rear elevational view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a handgun (shown in fragmentary) and illustrating a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown); 
         FIG. 13  is a rear elevational view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a handgun (shown in fragmentary) and illustrating a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown); 
         FIG. 14  is a rear elevational view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a handgun (shown in fragmentary) and illustrating a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown); 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevational view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a eighth embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a handgun (shown in fragmentary) and illustrating a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown); and 
         FIG. 16  is a rear elevational view of a sighting assembly constructed in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a handgun (shown in fragmentary) and illustrating a sight picture provided when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction in order to aim the handgun at a target (not shown). 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a sighting assembly  20  constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for mounting on a handgun H. As will be further detailed below, the illustrated sighting assembly  20  is particularly well suited for facilitating target acquisition in relatively long range applications where precise accuracy is valued. One such application is competitive long range target shooting, such as traditional bulls eyes at distances as far as one-thousand yards. Accordingly, the handgun H illustrated in  FIG. 1  is suitable for such applications, such as a large caliber handgun. However, the principles of the present invention are not limited to any particular type of firearm and would equally apply to any weapon where a metal sight is utilized, such as a civilian or military handgun, rifle, shotgun, crossbow and the like. Furthermore, while the principles of the present invention are well suited for metallic gun sight applications, they can be equally applied to any device that needs to be precisely aligned with a location, such as a telescope. 
     The illustrated handgun H is a conventional Smith and Wesson revolver-type handgun and broadly includes a frame F, a grip G, a barrel B coupled to the frame F, and hardware HW associated with the frame F for firing ammunition through the barrel B. The frame F, barrel B, and hardware HW comprise the traditional components of any conventional handgun and accordingly will not be described in detail herein with the understanding that these components could be variously configured in any manner well known in the art. The illustrated hardware HW includes a revolving, multiple-chamber cylinder C with a hammer and trigger firing mechanism. The handgun H also presents a distal end Ed (i.e., the muzzle end of the handgun H spaced distally from the user) and a proximal end Ep (i.e., the breech end of the handgun H spaced proximally to the user). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-7 , the inventive sighting assembly  20  is configured to provide superior accuracy, faster target acquisition, and improved low light capability for a shooter aiming the firearm H at a target and broadly includes a muzzle sight  22  and a breech sight  24 . Perhaps as best shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  7 , the illustrated muzzle sight  22  broadly includes a base  26 , a body  28  coupled to the base  26 , and an insert  30  removably coupled to the body  28 . The muzzle sight  22  is preferably comprised of SAE  4140  carbon steel. However, it is within the ambit of the present where the muzzle sight  22  is manufactured from other carbon steels, aluminum, stainless steel, or other suitable metallic or non-metallic materials. 
     In more detail, the base  26  is configured to mount on the handgun H atop the distal end Ed of the barrel B. In one manner well known in the art, the base  26  is attached to a ramp portion  32  of the barrel B and includes an inset portion  34  that is coupled to the ramp portion  32 . Each of the portions  32 , 34  include dovetail surfaces that are complementally shaped so as to be in interlocking engagement with one another. While the ramp portion  32  is preferably integrally formed with the barrel B, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the ramp portion  32  is otherwise affixed thereto, such as with screws, pins, weldment, or the like. The inset portion  34  interlocks with the ramp portion  32  and once interlocked, could be removably coupled thereto (e.g., by a press fit or pinned joint) or permanently coupled thereto (e.g., by a weldment). The illustrated inset  34  includes a stepped setoff  36  adjacent a proximate end of the inset portion  34 . The base  16  could be variously alternatively configured in any suitable manner known in the art. For example, the base  26  need not be a two-piece configuration. Additionally, the base  26  could be eliminated altogether, such as affixing the body  28  directly to the barrel B. However, if a base  26  is utilized, the base  26  is preferably coupled to the handgun H centered atop the barrel B adjacent the distal end Ed. 
     The body  28  is coupled to the base  26  and is configured to receive the insert  30  to cooperatively present proximal and distal open ends  38 , 40  of the muzzle sight  22  and internal and external sighting surfaces  42 , 44  that are preferably substantially coaxial between the ends  38 , 40 . As will be discussed, the surfaces  42 , 44  are configured for sighting a target. In more detail, the illustrated body  28  is preferably cylindrical and includes internal threads  46  adjacent the proximal end  38 . The insert  30  includes a cylindrical body  48  and presents a proximal end  50  and an externally threaded distal end  52 . While the bodies  28 , 48  are preferably cylindrical and, therefore, have a circular cross section, it is also within the ambit of the present invention where the bodies  28 , 48  have a cross section comprising other geometrical shapes, e.g., a semicircle, a polygon, or another suitable shape. Adjacent the end  50 , the insert  30  includes an outer circular element  54 , an inner circular element  56 , and cross hair portions  60  that are integrally formed with the body  48 . The inner element  56  is spaced within the outer circular element  54 , with cross hair portions  60  interconnecting the inner circular element  56  and the outer circular element  54 . 
     The inner circular element  56  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  62 , 64 , which are preferably coaxial. The cross hair portions  60  present sighting surfaces  66 . Similar to surfaces  42 , 44 , surfaces  62 , 64 , 66  are configured for sighting a target. As will be discussed in greater detail, surfaces  42 , 44 , 62 , 64 , 66  cooperate with surfaces of the breech sight  24  to define a sight picture of the sighting assembly  20 , i.e., a user&#39;s view of the silhouette formed by the sighting assembly  20  when aiming the handgun H at the target. 
     The insert  30  is threadably inserted within the body  28  so that the threaded distal end  52  is received by the internal threads  46 . The thickness of the outer circular element  54  is substantially the same as the thickness of the barrel-shaped body  28 . However, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable where the outer circular element  54  is thicker than the body  28  so as to present a correspondingly thicker circular silhouette form for the muzzle sight  22 . In this manner, the muzzle sight  22  is adjustable to accommodate several variables such as environmental conditions (e.g., lighting or terrain) and the user&#39;s visual acuity. 
     The illustrated breech sight  24  is a flip-up sight and is mounted adjacent the proximal end Ep. The breech sight  24  broadly includes an adjustable sight base  68 , a windage platform  70 , and a shiftable dual sight  72 . The sight base  68  is preferably comprised of spring steel and the remainder of the breech sight  24  is preferably comprised of SAE  4140  carbon steel. However, it is within the ambit of the present where the breech sight  24  is manufactured from other carbon steels, aluminum, stainless steel, or other suitable metallic or non-metallic materials. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4-7 , the sight base  68  includes an elongated bracket  74  with proximal and distal ends  76 , 78 . The bracket  74  includes an angled tab  80  adjacent the distal end  78 . Again, the bracket  74  is preferably made of spring steel and is, therefore, is elastically bendable. The bracket  74  further includes proximal and distal screws  82 , 84  received in corresponding holes (not shown) in the bracket  74  and which secure the bracket  74  to the handgun H. The distal screw  84  is threaded into the handgun H to position the angled tab  80  firmly against the handgun H. Preferably, the distal screw  84  is threaded fully into the handgun H. However, it is consistent with the principles of the present invention where the distal screw  84  is adjustably threaded into the handgun H. 
     The proximal screw  82  is preferably adjustable to position the proximal end  76  vertically relative to the handgun H. With the proximal screw  82  removed and the distal screw  84  installed, the proximal end  76  is spaced from an uppermost surface of the handgun H, due to the configuration of the angled tab  80 . The installation of proximal screw  82  permits the proximal end  76  to be vertically repositioned at a distance from the uppermost surface from about zero inches to about 3/16 inch. The construction of the bracket  74  with spring steel permits the bracket  74  to elastically bend as the proximal screw  82  is threaded into the handgun H. As will be discussed, vertical positioning of the screw  82  permits selective vertical positioning of the dual sight  72 . 
     The sight base  68  further includes a pedestal  86  integrally formed with the bracket  74  adjacent the distal end  78  and a catch  88  slidably attached to an uppermost surface of the pedestal  86  (see  FIG. 2 ). The sight base also includes bosses  90  adjacent the proximal end  60  (see  FIG. 6 ), with coaxial holes  92  therethrough, and a windage screw  94  rotatably received within the holes  92  and configured to position the windage platform  70 , as will be discussed. 
     The windage platform  70  includes a body  96  that presents a lower base  98  and connectors  100  projecting from the base  98 . The lower base  98  includes a threaded through-hole  102  for receiving the windage screw  94 , as will be discussed. Coaxial holes  104  extend through the connectors  100  to receive a pin  106 . The windage platform  70  further includes a spirit level  108  attached to and spaced within the body  96 . The spirit level  108  is similar to those known in the art and, in the usual manner, includes an outer shell preferably comprising a high-impact cast acrylic and contains a liquid and a gas bubble  110  floating in the liquid (see  FIG. 3 ). The spirit level  108  indicates orientation of the handgun H and is particularly suitable for repetitively positioning the handgun H prior to firing. It has been determined that such repeatability in firearm positioning is critical for maintaining accuracy in long range shooting applications, particularly with a handgun such as the illustrated handgun H. 
     The windage platform  70  is attached to the sight base  68  by extending the windage screw  94  through coaxial holes  92  and through-hole  102 . The windage screw  94  includes external threads that engage the internal threads of the through-hole  102 . Rotational movement of the windage screw  94  shifts the windage platform  70  relative to the sight base  68  laterally along the axis of the windage screw  94  and between the bosses  90 . 
     The dual sight  72  broadly includes a short-range sight  112  and a long-range sight  114  integrally attached to one another. The short-range sight  112  comprises a cylindrical body  116  similar to the body  28  and an insert  118 . The body  116  and insert  118  cooperatively present proximal and distal open ends  120 , 122  and internal and external sighting surfaces  124 , 126  that preferably substantially extend coaxially between the ends  120 , 122 . As will be discussed, the surfaces  124 , 126  are configured for sighting a target and present a substantially circular silhouette form that is configured to define part of the sight picture of the sighting assembly  20 . 
     The body  116  is cylindrical and includes internal threads  128  adjacent the proximal end  120 . The insert  118  is unitary and includes a circular element  130  and a threaded element  132 . The insert  118  is threadably inserted within the body  116 . In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the circular element  130  is substantially the same as the thickness of the cylindrical body  116 . However, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable where the circular element  130  is thicker than the body  116  so as to present a correspondingly thicker silhouette form for the breech sight  24 . In this manner, the breech sight  24  is adjustable to accommodate variable conditions as discussed previously with respect to the muzzle sight  22 . 
     The long-range sight  114  preferably includes a staff  134 , a shiftable sight  136 , and an elevation screw  138 . The staff  134  is a preferably unitary metallic plate and presents an opening  140 . The sight  136  is also preferably a unitary metallic plate and comprises a U-shaped frame  142  and a circular element  144  that is preferably fixed to and spaced within the frame  142 . The circular element  144  preferably includes internal and external sighting surfaces  146 , 148  that coaxially extend between proximal and distal ends  150 , 152  of the circular element (see  FIG. 2 ). Similar to surfaces  124 , 126 , surfaces  146 , 148  are also configured for sighting a target and present a substantially circular silhouette form that is configured to define part of the sight picture of the sighting assembly  20 . 
     In addition, the shiftable sight  136  and windage platform  70  present other sighting surfaces  154  (see  FIG. 6 ). However, the principles of the present invention are applicable where other portions of the sighting assembly  10  present sighting surfaces for sighting a target. 
     The sight  136  is preferably slidably mounted on the staff  134 . The elevation screw  138  includes a head  156  and a screw body  158  and is rotatably mounted on the staff  134 . The screw  138  also extends through a threaded bore (not shown) of the sight  136 . Thus, as the head  156  is rotated the sight  136  is shifted by the screw  138  in the corresponding direction along the staff  134 . 
     As previously mentioned, the short-range sight  112  is integrally fixed to the long-range sight  114 . In particular, the short-range sight  112  generally extends at a right angle to the long-range sight  114 , so that only one of the sights  112 , 114  is configured for use at a particular time. 
     The dual sight  72  is shiftably attached to the sight base  68  by the pin  106 . The dual sight  72  is shiftable relative to the sight base  68  about an axis of the pin  106  to position either the short-range sight  112  or the long-range sight  114  into an upright sighting position. When the short-range sight  112  is placed into the upright sighting position (see  FIG. 5 ), the long-range sight  114  is shifted into a lowered position and extends laterally along the bracket  74 , i.e., the short-range sighting configuration. Furthermore, the dual sight  72  is secured in this lowered position by shifting the catch  88  rearwardly into a staff engagement position (shown in  FIG. 5 ). To permit shifting of the short-range sight  112  out of the first sighting position, the catch  88  is configured to shift forwardly (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Subsequently, the dual sight  72  is rotatable about the pin  106  in a generally rearward direction until the short-range sight  112  contacts the windage platform  70  and the long-range sight  114  is placed into the upright sighting position, i.e., a long-range sighting configuration. In the long-range configuration, the dual sight  72  is preferably frictionally held in place. 
     For relative lateral shifting between the sights  22 , 24 , i.e., windage adjustment, the windage platform  70  and windage screw  94  cooperate to shift the dual sight  72  relative to the sight base  68 . Thus, as the windage screw  94  is rotated, the windage platform  70  shifts relative to the sight base  68  laterally along the axis of the windage screw  94 . Consequently, the dual sight  72  is shifted by the windage platform  70  along the lateral axis and relative to the muzzle sight  22 . 
     As previously discussed, the sight base  68  is vertically adjustable by adjustment of the proximal screw  82 . Thus, in order to adjust the vertical position of the short-range sight  112  relative to the muzzle sight  22 , the proximal screw  82  is repositioned accordingly while the screw  84  remains fully threaded in the handgun H. For example, in order to raise the short-range sight  112 , the proximal screw  82  is threaded out of the handgun H and the distal screw  84  remains threaded in the handgun H. 
     For vertical adjustment of the long-range sight  114 , the sight base  68  can be repositioned by adjustment of the screw  82  as discussed. In addition, the shiftable sight  136  can be vertically adjusted by rotating the elevation screw  138 . Thus, either of the sights  112 , 114  are adjustable both vertically and laterally relative to the muzzle sight  22 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the sights  22 , 24  cooperatively form the illustrated sight picture when viewing the sighting assembly along a sighting direction or sighting axis A. As discussed previously, various sighting surfaces  42 , 44 , 62 , 64 , 66 , 124 , 126 , 146 , 148 , 154  are configured for sighting a target by presenting a sight picture. The sighting surfaces  42 , 44 , 62 , 64 , 66 , 124 , 126 , 146 , 148 , 154  present various radial dimensions when measured from the sighting axis A. Preferably, at least some of the sighting surfaces  42 , 44 , 62 , 64 , 66 , 124 , 126 , 146 , 148 , 154  present corresponding opposed sections when the target is viewed along the sighting axis A with the sights  22 , 24 . More preferably, the opposed surface sections are preferably geometrically symmetrical with one another and are uniformly spaced apart. For example, arcuate sections of surfaces  42 , 126  that are adjacent to one another are both uniform circular arcs and are spaced from one another at a uniform radial distance measured from the sighting axis A. Most preferably, opposed surface sections are substantially coaxial to one another when viewed along the sighting axis A. 
     Preferably, surfaces  42 , 126  and surfaces  64 , 124  are also opposed to one another when a target is viewed along the sighting axis A with the short-range sight  112  in the upright sighting position. Surfaces  42 , 148  and surfaces  64 , 146  are also opposed to one another when a target is viewed along the sighting axis A with the long-range sight  114  in the sighting position. Again, the principles of the present invention are applicable where other portions of the sighting assembly  20  present sighting surfaces for sighting a target. 
     When a target is viewed along the sighting axis A with the short-range sight  112  in the upright sighting position, the sighting surfaces  42 , 66 , 126 , 154  preferably cooperatively form a plurality of outer aiming windows  160 , and sighting surfaces  64 , 66 , 124  preferably cooperatively form a plurality of inner aiming windows  162 . When the target is viewed along the sighting axis A with the long-range sight  114  in the upright sighting position, sighting surfaces  42 , 66 , 148 , 154  preferably cooperatively form the outer aiming windows  160 , and sighting surfaces  64 , 66 , 146  preferably cooperatively form the inner aiming windows  162 . Furthermore, a central aiming window  164  is defined by the internal sighting surface  50   b . The term aiming window, as used herein, refers to one or more sighting surfaces that entirely bound, i.e., that form a boundary around, a continuous viewing space as the sighting surface(s) are viewed along a sighting direction. Furthermore, aiming windows  160 , 162  are compound aiming windows. The term compound aiming window, as used herein, refers to two or more sighting surfaces that entirely bound and thereby define a continuous viewing space as the sighting surfaces are viewed along a sighting direction. While the illustrated embodiment preferably includes various aiming windows, it is also within the ambit of the present invention where other types of openings or apertures are formed by one or more of the above referenced sighting surfaces. 
     Thus, the sights  22 , 24  preferably present a sight picture or silhouette form comprising three (3) substantially concentric circles. Furthermore, the sight picture includes perpendicular cross hairs that extend from the outermost circle to the innermost circle. More preferably, the breech sight  24  provides the intermediate circle of the three circles. That is, the muzzle sight  22  presents the innermost and outermost circles with the breech sight  24  presenting a circle that is spaced within the outermost circle and itself encircles the innermost circle. This configuration of sighting surfaces between the sights  22 , 24  provides a highly animated sight picture, i.e, a sight picture that attracts the user&#39;s attention. While the illustrated embodiment preferably includes these coaxial geometric surfaces, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable where the sighting assembly  20  includes other forms and configurations of geometric surfaces. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, an upper pair of the aiming windows  160 , all of the aiming windows  162 , and central aiming window  164  each have an corresponding axis of symmetry about which the respective aiming window  160 , 162 , 164  is symmetrical. Also, the upper pair of aiming windows  160 , the lower pair of aiming windows  162 , as well as any pair of the aiming windows  162  are each symmetrical with respect to one another. The uniformity of the aiming windows  106 , 162 , 164  and the concentric arrangement of geometrical shapes permits a vivid sight picture while minimally visually obstructing the user&#39;s view of the intended target. In other words, the large number of aiming windows  160 , 162 , 164  and their proximity to one another effectively provide pixel-type blocks of light or segmented views of the target that a user can visually synthesize into a collective view of the target. While the illustrated embodiment preferably includes aiming windows  160 , 162 , 164  to create this vivid sight picture, the principles of the present invention are applicable where a large number of other types of apertures or openings are grouped together to provide a sight picture. 
     Furthermore, the use of concentric, closely-spaced sighting surfaces creates narrow aiming windows that precisely indicate any misalignment of the sights  22 , 24  to the user. For example, the aiming windows  160 , 162 , 164  present an unobstructed space for viewing a target with at least one window thickness dimension transverse to any axis of misalignment. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, window  160  presents a window length L and a window thickness T. Preferably, the thickness dimension T is shorter than the length dimension L of the window  160 , 162 , 164 , although the principles of the present invention are applicable where the thickness has the same or larger dimension than the length. For a compound aiming window, as discussed above, such a thickness dimension decreases in length as misalignment about the axis increases. As the thickness dimension of the aiming window during perfect alignment is made smaller, slight changes in the thickness dimension due to misalignment become more visually pronounced. Therefore, the illustrated sighting assembly  10  is preferably designed with narrow compound aiming windows that provide a noticeable visual indication of even slight misalignment between sights  22 , 24 . 
     While the sighting assembly  20  does not include optical magnification therein, the principles of the present invention are applicable where a magnification lens is included in one or both of the sights  22 , 24  either permanently, e.g., within the respective body  28 , 116 , 144  or selectively, e.g., as part of the corresponding insert  30 , 118 . 
     In operation, the handgun H is preferably held by a user so that the illustrated sighting assembly  20  is positioned from the user at a sight relief distance of about eighteen ( 18 ) inches. The sight relief distance is the distance from the user&#39;s eye to the most proximal sight, i.e., the breech sight  24 . The user can selectively shift the dual sight  72  into either a long-range or short-range configuration (i.e., with either the long-range sight  114  or the short-range sight  112  in the upright sighting position). The sights  22 , 24  are configured to be viewed so as to be coaxial with one another to define the sighting axis A and thereby provide a sight picture as discussed above. The spirit level  108  is operable to provide an indication of handgun orientation to the user. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8-16 , alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention are depicted. For the sake of brevity, the remaining description will focus primarily on the differences of these alternative embodiments from the preferred embodiment described above. 
     Initially turning to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an alternative sighting assembly  200  is constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated sighting assembly  200  is mounted onto a semiautomatic handgun SH. The illustrated handgun SH is a semiautomatic M1911 government model. It is also within the ambit of the present invention where the sighting assembly  200  is used on firearms other than the handgun SH. The handgun SH includes a grip G, frame F, barrel B, and slide S. The slide S presents a pair of dovetail grooves D that extend transversely to the length of the barrel B. 
     The sighting assembly  200  broadly includes an alternative muzzle sight  202  and an alternative breech sight  204 . The muzzle sight  202  includes a substantially unitary body  206 . The body  206  presents a dovetail-shaped base element  208  that interlocks with the complemental dovetail groove D. The body  206  also preferably includes an outer cylindrical element  210 , a cross hair element  212 , and an inner cylindrical element  214  that are integrally formed with one another and with the base element  208 . The outer cylindrical element  210  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  216 , 218 . The inner cylindrical element  214  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  220 , 222 . The cross hair element  212  presents sighting surface  224 . 
     The breech sight  204  includes a base  226 , a cylindrical body  228 , and a spirit level  230 . The base  226  comprises a platform portion  232 , a dovetail portion  234  that projects below the platform portion  232  and interlocks with the complemental dovetail groove D, and a stem portion  236  that supports the cylindrical body  228 . The cylindrical body  228  is unitary and presents internal and external sighting surfaces  238 , 240 . The base  226  presents sighting surfaces  242 . When a target is viewed along the sighting direction, the sighting surfaces  216 , 224 , 240 , 242  preferably cooperatively form a plurality of outer aiming windows  244  and sighting surfaces  222 , 224 , 238  preferably cooperatively form a plurality of inner aiming windows  246 . Muzzle sight  202  presents a central aiming window  248 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 10 , an alternative sighting assembly  300  is constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a rifle R includes a stock St and a barrel B. The sighting assembly  300  broadly includes distal and proximal sights  302 , 304 . The distal sight  302  includes abase  306  and a cylindrical body  308 . The proximal sight  304  includes a base  310  and a dual sight  312  shiftably mounted to the base  310 . The bases  306 , 310  are integrally formed with a bridging element  314  and are thereby fixed to one another. The bases  306 , 310  are attached to the barrel B with fasteners  316 . The illustrated sighting assembly  300  is mounted on the barrel B adjacent a distal end Ed. With a butt end of the stock St positioned against the user&#39;s shoulder and the sighting assembly  300  spaced adjacent the distal end Ed, the sight relief distance is preferably about 18 inches. However, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the sight relief distance is greater or lesser than 18 inches. 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , an alternative sighting assembly  400  is constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The sighting assembly  400  broadly includes distal and proximal sights  402 , 404 . The distal sight  402  includes a cylindrical body  406  with internal and external sighting surfaces  408 , 410 . The proximal sight  404  includes a base  412  and a sight  414  with a cylindrical body  416 . The cylindrical body  416  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  418 , 420  and the base  412  presents sighting surfaces  422 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sights  402 , 404  have central axes that are coaxial with a sighting axis A. When a target is viewed along the sighting axis A, the sighting surfaces  408 , 420 , 422  cooperatively define an outer aiming window  424 . Sighting surface  418  defines an inner aiming window  426 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 12 , an alternative sighting assembly  500  is constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The sighting assembly  500  broadly includes distal and proximal sights  502 , 504 . The distal sight  502  includes a cylindrical body  506  with an outer circular element  508  and an inner element  510 . The inner element  510  includes a transparent element  512  with a dot  514  centrally positioned thereon, such that the inner element  510  comprises a reticle. The circular element  508  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  516 , 518 . The proximal sight  504  includes a base  520  and a sight  522  with a cylindrical body  524 . The cylindrical body  524  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  526 , 528  and the base  520  presents sighting surfaces  530 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sights  502 , 504  have central axes that are coaxial with a sighting axis A. When a target is viewed along the sighting axis A, the sighting surfaces  516 , 528 , 530  cooperatively define an outer aiming window  532 , and sighting surface  526  and dot  514  cooperatively define an inner aiming window  534 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 13 , an alternative sighting assembly  600  is constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sighting assembly  600  broadly includes distal and proximal sights  602 , 604 . The distal sight  602  includes a body  606  including an outer semicylindrical element  608  and an inner element  610  with a semicylindrical portion  612  and a cross hair portion  614 . The outer semicylindrical element  608  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  616 , 618 . The semicylindrical portion  612  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  620 , 622 . The cross hair portion  614  presents sighting surfaces  624 . The proximal sight  604  includes a base  626  and a sight  628  with a semicylindrical body  630 . The semicylindrical body  630  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  632 , 634  and the base  626  presents sighting surfaces  636 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sights  602 , 604  have central axes that are coaxial with a sighting axis A. When a target is viewed along the sighting axis A, the sighting surfaces  616 , 624 , 634 , 636  cooperatively define outer aiming windows  638 , and sighting surfaces  622 , 624 , 632  cooperatively define inner aiming windows  640 . The internal sighting surface  620  defines a central opening  642 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 , an alternative sighting assembly  700  is constructed in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The sighting assembly  700  broadly includes distal and proximal sights  702 , 704 . The distal sight  702  includes a body  706  including an outer cylindrical element  708  and inner cross hair elements  710 . The outer cylindrical element  708  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  712 , 714 . The cross hair elements  710  present sighting surfaces  716 . The proximal sight  704  includes a base  718  and a sight  720  with a cylindrical body  722 . The cylindrical body  722  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  724 , 726  and the base  718  presents sighting surfaces  728 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sights  702 , 704  have central axes that are coaxial with a sighting axis A. When a target is viewed along the sighting axis A, the sighting surfaces  712 , 716 , 726 , 728  cooperatively define outer aiming windows  730 , and sighting surfaces  724 , 716  cooperatively define an inner aiming window  732 , with the cross hair elements  710  extending within the surface  724  but being spaced from the axis A. 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , an alternative sighting assembly  800  is constructed in accordance with a eighth embodiment of the present invention. The sighting assembly  800  broadly includes distal and proximal sights  802 , 804 . The distal sight  802  includes a body  806  including an outer cylindrical element  808  and interconnected inner cross hair elements  810 . The outer cylindrical element  808  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  812 , 814 . The cross hair elements  810  present sighting surfaces  816 . The proximal sight  804  includes a base  818  and a sight  820  with a cylindrical body  822 . The cylindrical body  822  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  824 , 826  and the base  818  presents sighting surfaces  828 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sights  802 , 804  have central axes that are coaxial with a sighting axis A. When a target is viewed along the sighting axis A, the sighting surfaces  812 , 816 , 826 , 828  cooperatively define outer aiming windows  830 , and sighting surfaces  824 , 816  cooperatively define inner aiming windows  832 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 16 , an alternative sighting assembly  900  is constructed in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The sighting assembly  900  broadly includes distal and proximal sights  902 , 904 . The distal sight  902  includes a body  906  including an outer cylindrical element  908 , inner cross hair elements  910 , and a triangular tube element  912  having a substantially triangular cross section. The outer cylindrical element  908  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  914 , 916 . The cross hair elements  910  present sighting surfaces  918 . The triangular tube element  912  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  920 , 922 . The proximal sight  904  includes a base  924  and a sight  926  with a triangular tube body  928  having a substantially triangular cross section. The triangular tube body  928  presents internal and external sighting surfaces  930 , 932  and the base  924  presents sighting surfaces  934 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sights  902 , 904  have central axes that are coaxial with a sighting axis A. When a target is viewed along the sighting axis A, the sighting surfaces  914 , 918 , 932 , 934  cooperatively define outer aiming windows  936 , and sighting surfaces  918 , 922 , 930  cooperatively define inner aiming windows  938 . Internal sighting surface  920  defines a central aiming window  940 . 
     The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.