Abstract: The invention provides compositions and kits including at least one nucleic acid or polypeptide molecule encoding for a mutant CoChop protein. Methods of the invention include administering a composition comprising a mutant CoChop to a subject to preserve, improve, or restore phototransduction. Preferably, the compositions and methods of the invention are provided to a subject having impaired vision, thereby restoring vision to normal levels.

Abstract: A firearm such as a pistol, which uses “iron sights”. The forward sight element is secured to a forward portion of the pistol and has a generally rectangular cross section. The rear sight has a left element and a right element, both of which are secured to the pistol at a rearward portion of the firearm. To assist the user in sighting when the forward sight may appear larger than the gap between the rear sight elements, the rear sight elements each have a profile in which they are narrower at a base near the pistol than at the sighting gap distal from the pistol.