How to Set Archery Sights

Setting the sights on your bow helps you get consisent results when shooting.

Bows used for both archery and bow hunting require frequent maintenance to ensure consistent performance. New bows require a break-in period to allow the string to stretch. Even after the break-in period, you might find your shots veering consistently while shooting. If this happens, you probably need to adjust your sights. Knowing how to do this from time to time with your bow will help give you more consistent success whether hitting a target in competition or getting a clean hit on a deer.

Instructions

1. Shoot a group of arrows about 10 yards from a target. Attempt to hit the bulls eye. Keep shooting until you consistently have your arrows grouped together.

2. Loosen the adjustment screws on the sight. Move the sight in the direction the group of arrows veer from the bulls eye. In other words, if your arrows are above the bulls eye, move your sight up. If they are to the right of the target, move your sight to the right.

3. Shoot another group of arrows and adjust the sight until the group consistently lands close to the bulls eye.

4. Step back to 15 yards and shoot again. Keep adjusting until a series of arrows shows little to no deviation from your sighting point.

5. Tighten the adjustment screws so the sight will not move. Shoot again to make sure the sight did not move when you tightened the screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Take lessons from an experienced shooter if you are just starting out in archery. They can help you understand the different parts of your bow, and how to maintain it properly.

References

• Bowhunting Basics: Bow Setup
• Young Bowhunters Club: Bow Tuning