Experienced archers often have to sight in a compound bow for better accuracy and shooting experience. Since they do it frequently, they may find it easier to follow the tutorials. For beginners, it can get a little challenging. But for them, too, simple tutorials teaching them how to sight a bow in simple steps can be life-saving.
Various newbie archers often think they can point the bow and arrow in the target’s general direction and hit the mark. To an observer, it may appear like this, but you must understand there is a technique behind every shot as an archer. An accurate shot is an amalgamation of suitable equipment, the right aim, and the right configuration of the bow parts, such as the sight.
This step-wise guide will find everything you need to know about sighting a compound bow.
Before You Sight in a Compound Bow, Make Sure To:
Buy the Right Sight
Before you begin, make sure to buy a compatible sight. Archery sights come in various styles, sizes, and designs. Still, an archer should select the most suitable sights after testing one or more. You can easily find them at sports stores or archery outlets. Hunters can opt for simple sights that may cost them around 40 bucks. You may need to buy advanced or upgraded versions for more accuracy in competitions.
Attach The Sight to The Bow Properly
After buying the most suitable sight, the next step is to mount it properly. You can find instructions for mounting in the sight manuals or ask the retailer to help you with this part. Mostly you will have to attach your sights to the riser with the help of screws.
Gather the Tools You Need
The final preparatory step is to gather all the tools you may need for bow sighting. The basic tools you may need here are, of course, your bow and sight. In addition to them, you may need some arrows, an Allen wrench, a target, and a range finder.
Steps to Sight in a Compound Bow
Following are the bow sighting tips you need to follow for sighting a bow:
Move All Sight Pins to the Middle
The first and foremost step is to adjust all the pins to the middle point. It gives maximum room for further adjustments. For this step, you will be using the Allen wrench. Various up-to-date sights pins, however, already come with this setting.
Mark Your Ranges by Adjusting the Target
Set the target so that you have at least 40 yards between you and your target with no obstacles in the way. In this step, a range finder will help you a lot. It is also better to mark every 10 yards. Your target should be strong enough to carry several arrows.
Give Your Arrows, Bow, and Sight a Check
At this point, it is suggestive of checking your equipment, especially your arrow rest, string, and sight. Look for any fractures or loosen screws. Give the bow a gentle wiggle, and check for any tightening of the loose spots if necessary.
Pay Attention to Your Stance and Anchor Point
Your stance and anchor point should be consistent. Pay Special Attention to which standing posture you feel the most comfortable and avoid shifting between it during shots. Also, be comfortable with your grip on the bow and arrows.
Set the First Pin
To set the first pin, move closer to the target, ideally 10 yards from it. Stand 90 degrees facing the target and release a shot at the target by looking within the first pin of the sight. If the arrow hits the target’s right, move your pin to the right and vice versa. If your arrows hit the top of the target, move your pin above and vice versa. Keep shooting and adjusting until the arrow hits the target.
Set the Second Pin
To set the second pin, move to 30 yards from the target and repeat the same process of drawing and releasing arrows. But this time, sight in through the second pin. Make adjustments accordingly in the second pin, as explained above. It is noteworthy that move the entire sight bow when adjusting at this point.
Set the Third Pin
Move to the 40 yards distance to set the third pin and repeat the same step by sighting through the third pin. At this point, don’t move the entire box but just the pin itself.
Recheck the Second/ Anchor Pin
Once you have adjusted your third pin move back to 20 yards and recheck your second pin. At this point, don’t move the entire box but only the sight pin when adjusting.
Make Necessary Adjustments for Extra Pins
Several sights come with additional pins. If that is the case with your sight, you may have to keep your target at around 50 yards away. To make other adjustments move to approximately 50 yards from the target and repeat the above steps.
Conclusion
This is all you need to know about sighting in a compound bow. Wasn’t it easy? You can quickly master sighting in a compound bow with practice and perseverance. You may have to give many tries until the pins are accurately adjusted, so don’t give up if you don’t get them in the first go. In addition to that, it is always better to make many but gradual adjustments than more extensive adjustments.
