Basic sights | Weapon list DayZ - ArmA 2 mod Guide

Depending on the settings of the server you're playing on, you will be able to use the sight in the middle of the screen or just the sight on your weapon. In-game sights can be seen in both first and third-person perspective, while weapon sights require you to switch (at least temporarily) into first-person perspective.

Sight visible while using small arms.	A sight imitating the foresight and backsight of a rifle.

Sights in DayZ differ from the standard crosshairs in most FPP games on the market. Their shape imitates the sight of a given weapon, as can be seen in the above screens. They're dynamic, meaning that the space between the side "wings" and the position of the middle line indicate how accurate the shot will be. The closer these elements are to each other, the more accuracy you will get. Accuracy falls when you move, especially in an upright position. Unlike most games, regaining 100% accuracy doesn't only require going into a prone position. In DayZ your character will get tired from running, which has an enormous impact on your shooting. Fatigue is represented by increasingly loud breathing. When you stop after a long sprint, you should note that the wings of the sight are placed very widely and the line is flying between them. You will note the same when using a real weapon sight - the weapon will keep on trembling in your hands, making it harder to aim.

Basically, using the weapon sight is always better than relying on the in-game one, as even a rested character still breathes, therefore shaking the weapon which isn't displayed on the in-game sights. In order to somehow minimize this effect, you can hold your breath by holding down [PPM] for a couple seconds. However if you hold down your breath for too long, your accuracy will fall down again.