How to Sight in a New Bow Sight
Installing new equipment can be an exciting time for an archer. One of the most important pieces of equipment for accurate shooting is a bow sight. Each new sight follows the same basic process of installation and sighting in. Sights typically use one, three, five or seven fiber optic pins to mark the holding points for different distances. The pins can be adjusted for windage and elevation to increase accuracy. Sighting in a new bow sight will take multiple trips to the archery range before the sight is ready for competition or hunting.
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Instructions
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Use the Allen wrench to attach the sight to the bow with the included screws. Tighten the screws securely to prevent the screws from coming loose during shooting. Most new sights will come with the pins positioned at the top or bottom of the sight window. Move the pins by adjusting the set screws on each pin to the middle of the housing.
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Adjust the position of the entire housing until it is in view while at full draw. To test the position of the housing, draw the bow, anchor to your holding point and look through the peep sight on the bowstring. Ideally, you will see the entire sight housing through the peep. Adjust the housing up or down, as needed.
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Test the sight's level. Most new bow sights will come with an attached sight level. The level is used to maintain consistent shooting mechanics and to prevent canting of the bow that can lead to inaccurate arrows. Hold the bow upright as it rests on a table. Take a level and place it vertically next to the bow's limbs. Move the bow and level until the level reads plum. At that point, read the level on the sight and adjust the set screw on the sight until it is level.
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Place a target at 10 yards. Shoot a group of arrows--three to five--using the top pin. Pay attention to the general arrow flight and the point of impact (POI) in relationship to the intended target. Shoot a total of three groups before making any changes to the sight pins.
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Move the pins by adjusting the screws with the Allen wrench. You may need to make windage and elevation changes. Windage refers to the distance right or left from the target and elevation refers to the distance up or down from the target. Adjust the pins in the direction of the POI. For example, if the arrows are hitting to the right of the target, move the pins to the right. After making an adjustment, shoot an additional two to three groups and continue to make adjustments as necessary. Make small adjustments to the pins during this process.
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Continue the process by moving the target back to 20 yards, 30 yards and so on. Use the next pin as you move the target back to a new distance. Shoot several groups at each distance and adjust the pins for windage and elevation.
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Tips & Warnings
Take your time between arrows to prevent shooter's fatigue.
Use good mechanics for consistency.
Consult a local archery pro shop to answer detailed questions.
Never shoot in the direction of a house or person.
References
- Photo Credit archery. image by SYLVIE FOURGEOT from Fotolia.com
