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.
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrenches
- Bow
- Target
- Release aid
- Arrows
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