Is it better to sight a gun with open sights so the target "sits" above the "bead" or have the bead in the middle of the target?

Thanks.

Depends what works for you. I try & put the center of the bull on top of my front sight.

Personal preference, but for me I prefer the six-o'clock hold with the bull/target above
the bead or blade so as not to obscure the target.

All my guns were factory with the bead in the middle of the target. That's what I'm used to, so that's what I like.

IMO, it is best to sight in so the bullet will strike right at the top of the front sight. If I had a 6 o'clock hold sight-in, I think I would start thinking about it too much on game - Am I aiming low enough/high enough?

Take as much thought out of it as you can. For me that means put the sight where you want the bullet to hit, squeeze.

bead goes on what I'm aiming at ....dead center.

Dead center. A bull target can visually shrink or become bigger depending on the position of the sun. Target shooters generally often opt for a 6 O'clock hold, but also go by the rule of thumb "sun high, sights high... sun low, sights low" to remember to make adjustments to the sights based on the sun's position.

Dead center is always dead center regardless of the size of the target or the position of the sun.

If you are using buckhorn sights with a bead front. Keep the top edge of the bead level with the top of the rear sight ans sight in so that the bullet impacts exactly where you aim with the top edge of the front sight. Keep your eyes focussed on the front sight, as there are three different objects in the same plane- rear, front, and target, you eyes can only focus on one at at time, and its critical that the front sight be focussed on.