The scope became necessary with failing eyesight. Without my specs on I could see the target but the sights were a blur and with the specs on I could see the sights and not the target. The fun of getting old.
Hi Rebs - I know exactly what you are on about when it comes to failing eyesight. My family and I were all "Western Action" regular competion shooters - all with class 'H' licences.
I was in the same boat as you - specs on and could see the target but not the sights, and specs off the sites were ok but the target was a blur. My opto suggested that I find another sport! I also had problems with specs behind goggles inside a motocross helmet - not comfortable at all.
Then I discovered that I was suitable for laser eye surgery. They fixed my left eye for the long distance that was lacking. The right eye was left alone and i've never needed reading glasses. The proceedure is called 'Monovision' and in essence I have a long eye and a short eye. Took the brain about 3 months to figure out the two different eyes but all is fine now.
I shoot with both eyes open - sighting throught the right eye and can see the target clear with the left eye.
BTW - I'm 63 and can read the bottom line on the eye chart without any glasses.
Without straying from the thread - among my rifles is a Slazenger repeater - great accurate .22 that I have had since 1966 - when I got it second hand.