"draw a clear bead"

Posted by MichaelFR on April 06, 2004

Out of a novel by Elmore Leonard (Maximum Bob):
"He had to push her aside to slide the glass door open enough to draw a clear bead on the gator, Jesus Christ, a big one he estimated to run ten or twelve feet."
What's the exact meaning of "draw a clear bead". I understand it, but I prefer get wise advice. Besides, could this be also related somehow to shooting a weapon (the guy sliding the door open is holding a gun)?
I ask this because E. Leonard is quite good (and often) using double meaning words or idioms. Thanks.

• "Draw a clear bead" ESC 06/April/04
  • "Draw a clear bead" MichaelFR 06/April/04
    • "Double meaning" Rube 07/April/04
    • "Draw a clear bead" Bob 07/April/04
      • "Draw a clear bead" MichaelFR 07/April/04