Getting your bow to hit exactly where you aim is all about proper sight adjustment. If your arrows are grouping consistently but not on target, learning how to adjust bow sights is the essential next step. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the basics to making fine-tuning corrections at the range. With a little patience and these steps, you’ll be shooting tighter groups in no time.
How to Adjust Bow Sights
Before you start turning knobs, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental principle of sight adjustment. Remember this simple rule: “Follow your arrow.” This means you move your sight in the direction you want your arrow group to move. If your arrows are hitting left of the bullseye, you move your sight left. If they are hitting high, you move the sight pin up.
Understanding Your Bow Sight’s Components
Most modern bow sights share common parts. Knowing these helps you make adjustments correctly.
- Sight Housing: The main body that attaches to your bow’s riser.
- Sight Bar: The vertical arm that holds the sight pins or scope.
- Windage Knob: Typically on the side, this adjusts the sight left and right.
- Elevation Knob: Typically on top or bottom, this adjusts the sight up and down.
- Sight Pins or Scope: The actual aiming points, often fiber-optic pins for different distances.
- Micro-Adjustment Features: Many sights allow for very precise, click-based adjustments.
Tools and Setup You’ll Need
Gather these items before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.
- Your bow and arrows
- Allen wrenches (usually provided with your sight)
- A large, safe backstop or archery range
- A target face with a clear bullseye
- A bow stand or a safe place to rest your bow (optional but helpful)
- A notebook to record your settings
Step-by-Step: The Initial Sight-In Process
Start at a close distance to establish a baseline. This saves time and arrows.
Step 1: Set a Close Starting Point
Begin at 10 yards. Shoot a group of three or four arrows aiming at the bullseye. Focus on your form to ensure the group is tight, even if it’s not centered. Don’t adjust for a single stray arrow; always adjust based on the group’s center.
Step 2: Adjust Windage (Left/Right)
Look at the center of your arrow group. Is it left or right of the target? Now, follow your arrow. To move the group to the left, loosen the locking screw on the windage knob and physically slide the sight housing to the left. On many compound bows, you turn the windage knob: turn it clockwise to move the pin left (and the arrow impact right), or counter-clockwise to move the pin right. Check your sight’s manual to be sure.
Step 3: Adjust Elevation (Up/Down)
Next, check if the group is high or low. To move the group down, you need to raise your sight pin. This often means turning the elevation knob counter-clockwise. Again, the “follow your arrow” rule applies: move the pin toward the arrow impact.
Step 4: Confirm and Move Back
After making adjustments, shoot another group at 10 yards. Once you’re hitting the bullseye consistently, move back to 20 yards. You will likely need to adjust again, primarily your elevation. Use your top pin for 20 yards. Repeat the process of shooting a group and adjusting until you’re centered.
Setting Multiple Pins for Different Distances
Most hunters and target archers use multiple pins. Here’s how to set them efficiently.
- Anchor Your Top Pin: Perfect your 20-yard pin first. This is your most critical pin for many situations.
- Move to 30 Yards: Using your second pin, aim at the bullseye and shoot a group. Do not bend or move your body to compensate. Instead, loosen the pin’s locking screw and slide the pin itself up or down until it aligns with where your arrows are grouping. Tighten the screw.
- Repeat for Further Distances: Continue this process for 40, 50, and 60 yards with your subsequent pins. Always use a fresh, consistent aim with the pin you are setting.
Fine-Tuning with Micro-Adjustments
Modern sights use a click system. Each audible “click” moves the point of impact a specific distance (e.g., 1/4 inch at 100 yards). This allows for incredible precision.
- Know your click value. It’s in your sight manual.
- If you’re 4 inches right at 40 yards, calculate the needed clicks. If each click is 1/4″ at 100 yards, it’s roughly 1/4″ at 40 yards too, so you’d need about 16 clicks left.
- Make the adjustments, shoot a confirm group, and record your settings.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are common issues and fixes.
Inconsistent Groups
If you can’t get a tight arrow group, the problem is likely not your sight. Stop adjusting. Check your form, your release, your grip, and your arrow rest. A sight can only correct for consistent inaccuracies.
Pins Seem to “Drift”
If your zero changes between sessions, ensure all locking screws on the sight and sight pins are tight. Vibration can loosen them over time. Also, check that your sight bracket is firmly attached to the bow riser.
Adjustments Seem Backwards
Double-check your sight’s manual. Some manufacturers use reverse threads, or the direction might be labeled on the knob itself. Remember the core “follow your arrow” rule—it always holds true for the physical arrow impact.
Maintaining Your Sight Settings
Once you have everything dialed in, you want to keep it that way.
- Use a permanent marker to make a small reference mark on sight tapes or knobs.
- Write down your pin settings or click counts in a notebook or your phone.
- Periodically check that all screws are snug, but avoid overtightening, which can strip threads.
- Store your bow in a case to prevent accidental bumps that could knock your sight out of alignment.
Advanced Considerations: Peep Sight Alignment and Level
Your bow sight doesn’t work alone. It’s part of a system.
- Peep Sight: Your peep sight must align consistently with your sight housing. If it’s twisted or out of place, your aim will be off. Ensure your peep is tied in securely and rotates to the correct position at full draw every time.
- Sight Level: Many sights have a built-in bubble level. This ensures you are not canting (tilting) the bow during the shot, which causes horizontal errors. Practice drawing and aligning the level until it becomes second nature.
- Arrow Rest Clearance: Visually check that your fletchings are clearing the sight housing and cables. Any contact will ruin accuracy and is a safety hazard.
Final Practice and Confirmation
After all adjustments, put it all together with a practice session.
- Start at 20 yards and shoot a three-arrow group with your top pin.
- Without adjusting, switch to your 30-yard pin and shoot at a 30-yard target.
- Continue through your pins. This confirms each is set correctly for its intended distance.
- Finally, shoot a few arrows from awkward positions (kneeling, uphill lie) to understand how your sight performs in real-world scenarios.
Mastering how to adjust bow sights is a fundamental skill for any serious archer. It requires methodical patience, but the reward is confidence in your equipment. When you know your bow will hit where you aim, you can focus entirely on the shot. Remember to check your setup at the begining of each season and before important events, as strings can stretch and components can shift. With this knowledge, you’re well equipped to keep your shooting on target.
FAQ: Bow Sight Adjustment
Which way do I turn my sight if my arrows are hitting left?
You need to move your sight to the left. On most compound bows, this means turning the windage knob clockwise. Remember the phrase “follow your arrow” to move your sight toward the arrow group.
How often should I adjust my bow sights?
You should check your zero at the start of each shooting session and whenever you change a major component (like arrows or rest). Fine-tuning adjustments are common when first sighting in, but once set, a good sight should hold zero for a long time with proper maintenance.
Why are my arrows grouping but not where I’m aiming?
This is exactly when you adjust your sights. A tight group in the wrong place means your form is consistent, but your sight isn’t aligned to where your arrows are actually going. This is the ideal scenario for making sight corrections.
Can I adjust my own bow sight?
Absolutely. With basic tools and by following the step-by-step process outlined above, most archers can and should learn to adjust their own sights. It’s a key part of understanding your equipment. If you’re ever unsure, consult a pro shop for guidance.
What’s the difference between windage and elevation?
Windage controls the left and right movement of your sight. Elevation controls the up and down movement. They are adjusted separately, usually with two different knobs on the sight housing.
My pins are set, but my shots are still inconsistent. What’s wrong?
If your pins are properly set but arrows are scattering, the issue is likely not the sight. Re-examine your shooting form, release aid, grip pressure, and stance. Also, ensure your arrows are the correct spine and length for your bow’s draw weight and length.