How to Set Up Bow Arrow Sights
Do you want to achieve more accuracy and be able to group your arrows on the target without as much practice? Try mounting a bow sight on your bow. Once sighted for the proper ranges, the feel is like picking up a favorite rifle. All you do is run a few rounds through it at the beginning of the season and you are ready to go. With a bow sight it is the same--except you are shooting arrows instead of bullets.
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Things You'll Need
- Electric drill
- High-speed drill bits
- Bow sight (pin type or adjustable)
- Large screwdriver
- Double-stick adhesive tape
- Bow square or carpenter's square
Instructions
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1
Decide what type of bow sight fits your needs. Sights cost $40 to $300. Fixed-pin sights, adjustable sights and even swinging tree stand sights all mount in the same manner.
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2
After you choose the bow sight, make sure your knocking point is correct. If are new to bow shooting you will first have to mark and install a knocking point on the bowstring. To do this, you will need a bow square or carpenter's square. The knocking point should be marked at a spot perpendicular from the string to the arrow rest. A knock is a small V-shaped groove in the arrow.
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3
Choose the mounting location of the bow sight. If your bow is equipped with pre-drilled mounting screw locations determine the proper height by holding the bow in your hand as if you were ready to shoot. If the holes are in a comfortable location and you have a good sight window at your target , insert the two mounting screws and tighten. If their location is too high or low, use the double-stick tape to mount the sight at the height that suits you.
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4
After the bow sight is attacked with the tape, shoot a few arrows to see if the elevation adjustment works for you.
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5
If you are happy with the bow sight's location, drill and mount the sight permanently. Using the bow sight on the bow as your guide, mark the hole locations with a pencil. Using the mounting screws provided, determine the proper size drill bit (probably 1/8 or 3/16). Drill the holes, insert the self-tapping screws and tighten. If the screws provided are not self-tapping you will have to use a tap tool.
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Tighten the mounting screws to secure the bow sight.
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7
Place a target at a close range (15 to 20 yards), shoot a few arrows and adjust the close-range pin. Move the pin in or out for the horizontal adjustment, up and down for the vertical adjustment.
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Tips & Warnings
Sights can be mounted in various ways on compound bows, but most sights require only one or two mounting screws. Usually on compound bows the bow handle has been pre-drilled with mounting holes for accessories.
