Learning how to sight in a crossbow with a pin sight can take time. However, with patience and practice, you can make this part of your archery accomplishments.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional crossbow shooter, you would find that sighting in a crossbow with a pin sight isn’t easy. However, you must get it right if you want to have any success with your crossbow on your hunting adventure. There is a lot of discussion on the subject of sighting in a crossbow with mixed comments from professionals. So, how should you approach it? We will guide you through the whole process in the most straightforward manner. Read on if you want to learn how to sight in a crossbow with a pin sight.
Getting Familiar with the Basics
First, you must learn about the various components of a crossbow, including dots, reticles, elevation, and windage, because they are crucial for crossbow sighting. You can move on to learn how to sight in a crossbow once you have understood the different components of a crossbow.
Dots and Reticles
Look through the scope of your crossbow, and you will see some patterns, dots, or crosses. These markings are used by archers for measuring the distance from the target, aiming and pointing the arrow. These are called dots and reticles. Crossbow scopes are available in two different categories – optical or reticle scopes and red dot or dots scopes. Most of the red dot scopes come in two variations – single red dot and triple red dot. On the other hand, optical scopes come in traditional and modern models for shooters and hunters. These include basic reticle, focal plane reticle, BDC reticle, and duplex/triplex scope.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Look at the scope of your crossbow. You would see adjustment knobs covered with plastic caps. Remove these caps and find the knobs that are used to adjust elevation and windage. You would find the knob for adjusting the windage on the sides. You can use this knob to adjust the arrow’s point-of-impact in either the left or right direction. At the top of your scope, you would find the knob for adjusting elevation. This is used to adjust the arrow’s point-of-impact in the up or down direction.
How to Adjust Windage and Elevation
To adjust windage and elevation, uncap the knobs and turn them. You would hear a click when you turn the knobs. A single click means an adjustment for 1/4-inch at a distance of 100 yards. In some pin sights, variable data is used during each click. If you have that kind of scope, check out the instruction manual to get an idea about click adjustment.
How to Sight in a Crossbow with a Pin Sight
● Adjust the Scope
You should try to shoot arrows that land close to one another. It is best to shoot at least 50 arrows before you actually sight in a crossbow with a pin sight. Once you have shot some arrows, prepare the scope. To prepare your scope, clean it, and make sure that the mounting system properly fits your crossbow. Moreover, the scope rings should be compatible with your crossbow.
Once you have adjusted the scope or pin sight, mount it onto your crossbow. Make sure that it is properly secured and doesn’t move. Tighten the scope’s top rings, but make sure that they are loose enough to be moved when required. Once you have determined that your sight is in an ideal position, tighten the screws of the scope’s rings.
● Move Away from the Target and Take Some Shots
Move 20 yards away from the target and stand there. Now cock your crossbow. You can cock it with bare hands or using a rope cocking device. You can find a lot of information on the internet on how to cock a crossbow, which is why we are not going to discuss it here. Once you have cocked your crossbow, place an arrow on it. Align the red dot or reticle with the bullseye. Squeeze the trigger of the bow using the fingertip of your index finger. Don’t move; otherwise, you would lose accuracy.
● Approach the Target
Estimate the gap required for your arrows to reach and hit the bullseye accurately. Find the adjustment knobs to adjust the elevation and windage as required. Using a screwdriver, turn elevation knob in the clockwise direction until you hear 20 clicks, which will mean 1-inch. Next, turn the windage knob until you hear 40 clicks to make an adjustment by 2 inches.
● Repeat the Steps
Now take a few shots while standing 20 yards away from the bullseye. Alight the dot or reticle with the bullseye and fire the arrows to see how you do. You should be shooting the arrows with greater accuracy now.
A Few Cautions
- You can make adjustments to elevation and windage to suit your personal needs and situation.
- Once you have removed the protective caps, keep them safe in your bag. You don’t want to lose them.
Final Thoughts
We have shown you how to sight in a crossbow with a pin sight. Now go out there and start practicing shooting with a crossbow. The more you practice, the better you will get. It will take time before you master shooting with a crossbow, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to hit at the center of the bullseye and even use your crossbow for hunting. In case anything is unclear or if you have any questions about sighting in a crossbow with a pin sight, feel free to write us a query. We will be more than happy to help you out.