Image Title: Bow
Alt Title: Bow sight
Image Description: Closeup image of the crossbow optical sight
Just like the bead found at the end of a shotgun, a bow sight is a device mounted on a bow’s riser. It helps an archer aim their arrow at a specific target. Even though it is possible to shoot at a target without the help of the bow sight, doing this is not easy. If you are shooting at longer ranges, it is specifically important that you have a bow sight mounted on your bow. In archery, precision and archery are very important. Also, if you have taken up archery for hunting, for example, it is essential that you hit the arrow where you aim – you obviously don’t want to hurt your prey and leave them in pain. Since ethical hunting preaches that you hit a vital organ of the prey so that it dies instantly, it is really important that you have a proper device to assist you in hitting where you aim.
Generally, when you buy a bow, your local archery shop owner will help you in adjusting the sight. However, it is still quite important that you learn the basics of setting up a bow sight as this will help you make sighting adjustments when needed.
Steps for Setting Up a Bow Sight
You have recently purchased a bow sight and are so excited to mount it on your bow. But, you have no idea where to start. In this article, we explain the steps of setting up a bow sight, so that you can easily mount it on your archery equipment.
The first step is to mount the bow sight onto your bow with the help of the screws that generally come with the sight. Once that’s done, set up your 2nd and 3rd axis to have better results.
In the next step, all you have to do is to line up the peep with the sight thought. Then, look through the peep at the housing and see what you see. Is it the entire sight housing or the pins? Ideally, when viewing at full draw, you’ll want the sight ring to line up inside your peep. Using different sight mount positions, you can move the housing farther away or closer to the riser.
Now, you’ll have to set up the top pin. You will place the pin in relation to the sight housing. Ideally, you should have the majority of the pins near the center to ensure accuracy. If you have 5 or more pins, ensure that you have sufficient space for accommodating all of the pins. You can ensure this by starting with your top pin closer to the 1/3rd of the housing. In case you have fewer pins, you can start with the tip pin closer to the center of the sight housing. This will leave enough space for the rest of the pins.
The next step is to zero out the sight for which you will have to move your slider and bring it to the spot where you can get to without looking at the tape. Now, without moving your pin, sight in your top pin. With your gang adjustment, move the housing up and down. For the sighting of your top pin, use the micro gang adjustment. The last step is to sight in the rest of the pins and get them into positions.
This is the easiest way to set up a bow sight. If you still encounter any problem, you should consult an expert – you can easily consult the salesman at the shop from where you bought the bow sight. They are experts in their fields and will guide you properly.
How Much Should I Spend on a Bow Sight?
People who understand the importance of having a bow sight mounted on the arrow often ask how much they should spend on a bow sight. Even though most compound bows come with an already-fitted bow sight, you still might need to buy one for your recurve bow or other traditional bows or for your compound bow if the existing sight gets damaged for whatever reason. If you’re looking for a bow sight for rugged field use, you would have to go with a mid-grade sight that comes with some premium features. If you’re still on the basic level of archery, it’s best that you go with a straightforward fiber-optic 3-pin composite sight.
For mid-grade bow sight, you shouldn’t splurge hundreds of dollars. A $30-60 investment would be sufficient for buying a fine-quality bow sight. If you want to take part in 3D archery competitions or if your hunting style requires you to get a more sophisticated bow sight, you can consider a more advanced model of the bow sight.
Different Types of Bow Sights
1. Fixed Pin Sights
The most commonly used bow sight, the fixed pin sight provides between three and five pins. For shooting at a close range, archers use the top pin when aiming. For longer distances, the bottom pin is used. Although the pins are fixed – as the name suggests, you can still move them and adjust them when you are out in the field.
2. Moveable Pin Sights
Advanced hunters can opt for moveable pin sights. Designed with one pin, the moveable pin sights can be adjusted easily by sliding the housing unit up and down. Use the white tape along the rear of the sight when adjusting the pin sight. Once you have marked what the distance is, you can use it whenever needed.
3. Treestand Sights
Hunters would know how shooting is not restricted to level ground. When you are out on a hunting trip, you have to be on uneven terrain or elevated areas and shoot at a target from there. For such tough downhill shots, treestand sights are brilliant as they increase the accuracy of these sights. For hunters who hunt in elevated positions, these sights are just the right choice.
The Final Word
The bow sight is a helpful device that can improve your accuracy skills. While this device is already mounted on the bow, in most cases. However, if you have to set up a bow sight on your own, we hope that this article can help you.