How Bow Sights Work

HOW BOW SIGHTS WORK

Attaching to the Bow

  Every bow sight is engineered to attach securely to the side of the bow. The bow sight will attach to the bow in the two holes on the outside of the bow next to the rest. Some sights offer options for attaching it to the bow. These holes allow you to move the sight farther away or closer to the bow based on personal preference. Use an archer's Allen wrench to securely tighten the two screws that are included with the bow sight.

The Pins

  Bow sights are available with pin options depending on the intended purpose. The number of pins can range from one, three, five or seven. Each pin, which is typically made from fiber optics to absorb light, is used to line up the arrow flight with the intended target based on the yardage. The pins are stacked vertically with the top pin intended for close-range targets and the bottom pins for targets farther away. As the pins go down, it causes the bow to rise up so the pin can line up with the intended target. This results in a bigger arc from the arrow allowing it to travel a longer distance.

Adjusting the Pins

  Adjust the accuracy by moving the pins in the direction the arrow is hitting. For example, if the arrow is hitting to the left of the intended target, move the pin to the left. Use the Allen wrench to adjust the screws that hold the pin. Loosen the screw and adjust the pin slightly. This will cause the bow and arrow to move to the right and hit the target. Most sights will have two types of adjustments--micro-adjustments and housing adjustments. The micro-adjustments are for moving the pins in small segments. The housing adjustments involve moving the entire sights by unscrewing it from the bow. This is typically used to line up the sight with the sight peep.

TIPS ON CHOOSING A BOW SIGHT

  Precision archery requires specialized equipment for consistently shooting accurate groups, and one of the most important pieces of equipment is the sight. Available in a variety of types, styles and sizes, bow sights help to determine the exact aiming point on a target at various distances. Whether you are a hunter, competitive target shooter or recreational shooter, choosing a bow sight can improve your success as an archer, but requires reviewing the overall features of the sight to find the one that matches your shooting style.

Step 1

  Count the pins in the sight housing. Most bow sights will feature an odd number of pins including 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin or 7-pin configurations. As the number of pins increases, it's easier to determine a wide-range of distances but it can be difficult to acquire the target. Most target or recreational shooters will choose a 1-pin or 3-pin design, while hunters will choose a multi-pin design for shooting game at a wide range of distances.

Step 2

 Mount the sights on the bow. Use the Allen wrenches to attach the included screws to the bow and shoot several arrows with various brands of sights. Review the ability to see the pins and acquire the target as you shoot. The sight pins are commonly available in three sizes: .019-inch, .029-inch and .040-inch. Small sight pins are ideal for precision shooting but can be difficult to see in low-light hunting conditions. Large sight pins are easy to see but can be difficult to use when shooting at a small target.

Step 3

  Move the pins. Easy adjustments on the sight allow you to quickly make adjustments in the field or on the range. Some sights will feature dial adjustments while others require Allen wrenches to adjust the pins. Sights also might feature gang adjustments that allow you to move all of the pins for wind or elevation adjustments.

Step 4

  Test the durability of the materials and construction. Plastic sights might be lightweight and feature a low price, but they aren't as durable as machined aluminum designs. Hunting in rugged country requires durable sights and fiber optic pins that can withstand the harsh conditions.

Step 5

  Consult with local hunting regulations. Some sights will feature laser, holographic and red dot sights. These features can be restricted in certain areas or states for hunting game.

ADJUSTING COMPOUND BOW SIGHTS ON THE RANGE

  Traditional archery used simplified bows and arrows to instinctively shoot at the target. But archery was revolutionized in 1970 when compound bows and release aids were introduced. Sights consisting of one or more pins made from fiber optics are attached to the bow's riser to help you aim at targets at different distances. After setting up the compound bow and performing initial tuning, heading to the archery range is the final step for adjusting the compound bow sights.

Step 1

  Shoot a group of three arrows at 10 yards or closer. This initial group is used to gain a relative location to where the arrows will be hitting. Use the Allen wrenches to adjust the pins for elevation--up or down--based on the point of impact. Always "follow the arrow" when moving the pins. For example, if the arrows are hitting above the intended target, move the pins up. This makes you hold the bow lower, resulting in a lower point of impact.

Step 2

  Hang a plum bob on the target and shoot three arrows at 20 yards. Most sights will multiple pins will use the top pin as the 20-yard pin. Use the Allen wrenches to move the sight pin until the arrows hit the target. Move back to 30 yards---or the distance for your second pin---and shoot another three arrows at the same target used at 20 yards. The arrows will hit low, and adjust the sight pin according to the relationship to the plum bob. Move the sight pin to the right if the arrows are hitting right of the target or left if they are hitting left of the target.

Step 3

  Continue shooting at various distances that relate to your pins. For example, a 3-pin compound bow sight might have pins designated for 20 yards, 30 yards and 40 yards. Adjust the final pin until you consistently hit the 40 yard target.

Step 4

  Secure all screws and adjustment dials on the sight after shooting. Use a permanent marker or tape to mark the location of the sight in case it gets bumped or moved. Repeat any steps for adjusting the compound bow sight as needed if you change anything on the bow.

Tips and Warnings

Focus on proper shooting technique for every shot and use the built-in bubble level for consistent shots.

Things You'll Need

·                     Release aid

·                     Arrows

·                     Target

·                     Plum bob

·                     Allen wrenches

·                     Permanent marker

FIVE TOP BOW SIGHTS

Spot-Hogg Real Deal

  According to David Dukat, owner of Dukat's Journal of Hunting, the Spot-Hogg Real Deal sight has the features and durability to make it one of the best bow sights. Made with 6061 aircraft aluminum and square precision mounting, the Real Deal securely mounts to the bow for accurate shooting. When you need to adjust the pin locations, gang adjustments and micro adjustments can easily be moved with two set screws. During low-light shooting conditions the .019 inches fiber optic pins and the optional Hogg-Wrap system gather light for bright pins. A built-in level and vertical alignment wire can be used for consistent shooting.

G5 Optix XR

  Bow hunters looking for versatility and long-range accuracy without too many pins can use the G5 Optix XR. David Long, editor of "Eastman's Bowhunting Journal," says that this is one of the best sights for a hardcore backcountry hunter due to the lightweight, durable design. The Optix XR features three fixed pins for close range targets and an adjustable fourth pin for long range shots. Most hunters will use the first three pins for 20, 30 and 40 yards with the adjustable pin set for 50, 60 and beyond. The adjustable pin can easily and quickly be changed in the field by turning the dial knob.

Sure-Loc QC

  Sure-Loc sights are available for target shooters and bow hunters, and the Sure-Loc QC is one of the best for consistent accuracy. Bill Epeards, professional hunter, says the QC is a sight that bow hunters can rely on in extreme hunting conditions and target shooters can quickly change the pin modules for easy changes. Pin sizes are available in .010 inches, .019 inches and .029 inches to customize to the demands of the shooter.

Extreme Outdoor Products Eliminator Pro

  The Extreme Outdoor Products Eliminator Pro bow sight eliminates the need for a peep sight on the bow string allowing bow hunters to accurately shoot in low-light conditions when it's difficult to see through the peep according to Petersen's Bowhunting. Constructed of aircraft aluminum, the Eliminator Pro is lightweight and durable for years of use. You have several choices for features including camouflage pattern and number of pins to match your bow and individual shooting style.

ARCHERY EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

  Archery started thousands of years ago using simple bows made from animal parts. Today, however, archery bows have been advanced with technology through lightweight materials and new designs. As a result, equipment, accessories and tools are required to properly tune the bow and achieve the maximum amount of precision, accuracy and performance.

Function

  Archery bows are technical pieces of equipment, and have several accessories and tools that can be used to improve the overall performance of the bow. Accessory equipment placed on the bow or used while shooting the bow function to improve accuracy while tuning tools are used to tune the bow, making sure it matches the manufacturer standards. The overall function of the equipment and tools is to work together to improve accuracy, consistency and performance.

 Accessories

  Accessories placed on the bow include equipment such as the stabilizer, sight, arrow rest, quiver and peep sight while additional equipment such as the release, arrows and arrow tips can also be attached to the bow. Each piece of equipment has a critical role in the overall performance of the bow. For example, the stabilizer works to counterbalance the weight of the bow along with dampen vibration while the peep sight and sight work together for aiming and accuracy. The quiver functions to hold additional arrows and is available in models for hunting that mount to the bow or backpack along with hip quivers used for target shooting.

Tuning

  Tuning tools are used to regain the manufacturer specifications and to set the proper draw weight and draw length. Necessary tools include a bow press/vise, tape measure, knocking pliers, Allen wrenches, level and a bow square. The bow press is the most technical tool and allows you to change bow strings or make cam adjustments. The bow square and level are used to ensure proper alignment of the accessories, bow string and arrows.

Considerations

  Using the archery equipment and tools requires a systematic approach and knowledge for proper setup and tuning. Consulting a local archery pro shop can provide advice and tips for how to properly use the equipment and tools. A few basic tips include choosing the proper arrow based on the arrow selection chart, setting the proper draw length and draw weight, proper timing of the cams, adjusting the nock position, setting the center shot of the arrow rest and shooting arrows through a paper tuning machine.

HOW TO READ SIGHTS ON A COMPOUND BOW

  Shooting a compound bow accurately requires practice, preparation and the knowledge of how to read the bow sight. Bow sights, first introduced in 1937, are designed to give the shooter a point of reference while shooting targets at various distances. Nearly 33 years later, the compound bow made its debut to revolutionize the archery industry. Installing a bow sight on a compound bow can be used for target shooting or bow hunting, but knowing how to read the sights is crucial for consistent accuracy.

Step 1

  Set the aperture with the front sight housing and the peep sight on the bow string. After drawing the bow, obtain an anchor point and look through the peep sight to align the sight housing--the outer ring surrounding the individual pins--in the peep sight. If the aperture isn't set correctly, the arrows can miss the intended target.

Step 2

  Move the built-in bubble level. Most sights for compound bows will have an integrated bubble level that helps keeps the bow perfectly level while shooting to prevent canting the bow. When the bubble is off to the right, for instance, the arrow will miss to the right.

Step 3

  Measure or calculate the distance. On target ranges, the distance might be posted or you can use a laser rangefinder to quickly and accurately determine the distance.

Step 4

  Hold the appropriate pin on the intended target. Most sights will feature a one-pin, three-pin or five-pin configuration. Each pin is made from fiber optics and relates to a specific distance. The top pin is for the closest distance with each corresponding pin for a longer distance.

Step 5

Release the arrow. After shooting the arrow, maintain a "clean" follow-through by keeping the sight on the target.

Tips and Warnings

  Maintain proper shooting form and focus on every shot. Visit an archery pro shop for any detailed questions about a bow sight. Focus on the target instead of the actual pin. Most three-pin sights will be set for 20, 30 and 40 yards. Adjust the distances based on your individual bow.

Always be aware of your surroundings while shooting a compound bow.

HOW TO COMPARE BOW SIGHTS

  When the sport of archery began, archers aimed as best they could at the target. The development of archery technology bought bow-mounted sights to help the aiming process. Bow sights feature one or more pins used to aim at the target. As more features are added to the sight, the price will typically go up.

Step 1

  Purchase a fixed-pin sight for hunting to indicate distance, or a moveable-pin sight to use one pin for multiple distances. Use a pendulum sight--commonly called a treestand sight---for aiming from treestands, because it automatically compensates for elevation on downhill shots.

Step 2

  Attach each sight to the bow and shoot several arrows. Look at the sight pins during each shot to determine how easy it is to recognize the target. Select a .019-inch fiber optic sight pin for fine shot placement. Select a .029-in. or .040-in. pin for use in low-light conditions.

Step 3

  Move the sight and make small adjustments to the fiber optic pins, checking for durability of the frame and fiber optics. Adjust the sight for windage, or left and right alignment, and elevation: up and down. Use gang adjustments to move all of the pins at once or individual pin adjustments.

Step 4

  Review the features of the sight, which may include a built-in bubble level, vibration dampeners, graduated windage and elevation scales, lightweight materials, pin lights and third-axis adjustments.

Step 5

  Make your purchase based on obtaining the most features for your money. Entry-level basic sights can cost $50, while advanced sights with lightweight designs can cost more than $200.

Tips and Warnings

  Consult a local archery pro shop for advice on a bow sight that meets your shooting requirements. Sights are available that combine fixed-pin and moveable-pin designs.