The illustration of an aperture rear and post front sight shows the "pumpkin on a fence post" sight picture, which is by no means universal. Many pistol shooters and a number of rifle shooters use the "point of aim" or "Navy" hold, by which is meant that the top of the post is held in the center of the bullseye, so that no sight adjustment is made to allow for the size of the aiming point. The "Navy" hold requires the shooter to concentrate his focus on the front sight, which looks blacker than the target itself, always an important element of successful metallic sights aiming.

With a hunting rifle, shooting to the point of aim is of course essential.