A lot of traditional double rifles still of course use open sights.

Handguns are also pretty much standard with open sights.

Shotguns still have a front head.

If optics are so essential, why don't most shotguns have a red dot sight?

One thing I like about the BGRC competitions is the use of open sights. Optics are penalised when permitted, in most but a few competitions. There is an argument currently that there is a need to attract younger members and competitors, and scopes shouldn't be penalised else those with youthful better eyes won't compete? I think it possibly changes the BGRC into a club originally designed to celebrate vintage rifles, into another ho hum paper target shooting comps. A lot won't have a scope 3x power or less anyway. A 16x variable is needed nowadays!

Having said that, unless I get in more practice I was thinking next time I'll use my scopes. Getting a score penalty is better than missing the longer range - 100 yards - targets completely too many times. More proactive, ammo I've used before, and enough rounds, might be a bigger improvement though.

I like the fact open sights are required. Not sure just adding a scope will attract youthful shooters.i think more of the "dangerous game" adhoc shoots, especially "practical" action shoots, and charging, and running targets would be far more attractive. These are any sights already. \

All of my double rifles have open sights. Except the Tikka/Valmet U/O with its near useless tiny flip up rear sight. Even the combination barrels have a low powered scope. My military bolt actions all gave open sights. My Martinis. A Lithgow .22 RF single shot. The safecquerns never used.

I think it should be mandatory for any new shooter to learn using open sights, not start with optics. IMO. Of course lesser eyesight forces some to for go open sights.

When younger I could shoot very well with my open sights. With good eyesight it merely a skill to learn.

No doubt the smartphone glued Creedmoor obsessed generation disagrees.