When it comes to accuracy in archery, it is about repeating the same shot repeatedly. Other factors such as the sight leveling also play a part. A right bow sight level provides an easy way to improve accuracy and shooting technique. An inclined or tilted bow produces shoots that hit slightly too right or left. The bow sights help a lot in hitting the bull’s eye with great precision. Many compounds bow also come with bow sight levelers that help keep the bow straight.
While using the bow sight levels, look at the Level after reaching the full draw length to ensure that the bubble is inside the center. Many any required changes or corrections and then proceed with the shot. This highly adds to the perfection achieved in field archery. It further increases the chances of success in the correct sight level, which can be achieved following simple steps. This guide below teaches you how to adjust your bow sight in simple steps and why it is necessary.
What is Archery Sight Level?
After learning how to install a bow sight, the next step is often how to adjust it for maximum accuracy. An archer cannot expect a sight to provide accurate results after installing it. Like any other procedure, sight leveling holds some protocols requiring the archer to accomplish one step after another. The main elements we target during bow sight level are the three-axis and the bow level itself.
This can be done at home using the tools, or you can take help from a professional. If you could install your sight on your own, there are higher chances that you can manage to level it too. The sight levels proceed from adjusting sight bar, then sight Level, and finally leveling the sight for shooting uphill or downhill. There are many ways to go about it, and personal preference in most cases governs the selection. Below we have discussed what many people have found easy based on anecdotal research.
What is the Importance of Adjusting the Bow Sight Level?
Following are some tools you may need to carry out the sight leveling venture independently.
- Large carpenters’ Level; 12” to 36” (depends on your bow)
- Plumb bob; string and some weight
- Allen wrench (set)
- Bow vice /level wall
- String level and small washers (optional)
Steps to Level the Bow Sight
Here is a detailed guide on how to adjust sight level and how to use a sight level:
Start by Leveling the Bow
The first part of adjusting the sight level is situating the bow on the bow vice and laying a long (12” to 24”) on any vertical service along with the bow. The next part is to adjust it until the bow riser is leveled. You may need a more extended level for the bows that may not be very large to level off the riser. To achieve a more extended level, you need to press the Level against limb pockets. What if there is no bow vice? There are a number of alternatives to bow vice that may include using the dining table as the support and clamps to secure the bow in place. Otherwise, think of other DIYs that may serve equally well.
Adjusting the First Axis
The next step is to adjust the first axis. While this may be considered the least important of all, it levels the sight to prevent left and right misses. This feature, though, is only available in sliding or adjustable sights. First of all, locate the first axis screws using the user manual and use a flat surface on the slider for a leveling plane. Adjust as required until the moving portion of the slider is vertical.
Adjusting the Second Axis
Most archers adjust the first axis by taking off the head because that allows them to add more weight to the portion of sight they are trying to adjust. If you are one of those, you need to recap the head for adjusting the second axis. Now recheck the Level on the bow. Next, locate the second axis adjusting screws using the user manual to make the necessary adjustments. Hold the deck against your bow and rotate the screws until the bubble on sight matches the bubble on the Level.
Adjusting the Third Axis
Suppose the first and second axis is accurately leveled. In that case, the pins should match the string, and the bubble should read the Level while aiming at a 90-degree level to the floor with pins along the string in a perfectly vertical fashion. Finally, after you are done with the second axis, you can move to the third axis. To adjust the third axis, locate the adjustment screws using the user manual see the proper directions for rotation. After that, draw the bow to an angle of 45 degrees and adjust, keeping your bubble entirely leveled throughout this process. You can add shims in front or behind for bows that do not feature a third axis.
Conclusion
If you follow all the sight level adjustments mentioned above, you will have a bow with accurately leveled sight ready for hunting. However, it is suggested to practice shots and try your new adjustments before taking the bow on the field. For accurately assessing the third axis, try some challenging shots and see if your hit milestones of accuracy and consistency. Adjusting and leveling the three axes will significantly increase the chances of your shots taking the targets. It is, however, not recommended to change your sight settings too often. This can lead to the loosening of the screws and affect the condition of your bow.
