Windage adjustments on a bow sight are relatively straightforward, while horizontal adjustments require only minor tweaking to get right. Most sights provide easy methods for you to loosen a bolt, make adjustments and then tighten them back down for tightness adjustments.
Most bow shooters own an Allen wrench set that they can use to make adjustments as necessary, or the pro shop at their local archery store may provide assistance with them.
Vertical
When your bow shoots low it may be due to an improperly set up bow sight. To correct the problem, first loosen any screws holding down its vertical adjustment so it can move freely, and adjust up or down until your arrows group where you aim. Some bow sights have multiple vertical adjustments while others only one; check with your owners manual for details.
Once your bow has been set for vertical movement, it is crucial that it is tested at different distances to ensure its tuning is optimal. A good practice would be starting at 10 yards and working your way closer; doing this reduces human error when shooting from closer distances.
One approach that can assist with this process is performing paper tunes at each distance. This will allow you to determine whether your bowstring matches up well with what’s being used on your bow and which distance your arrows need to travel before reaching their intended targets. A paper tune also gives an indication of the distance they need to travel before stopping where you expect them.
At each paper tune, use proper form and remove any torque on the bow to help resolve any erratic arrow flight issues. Make adjustments gradually so as not to overshoot your intended results.
If your arrows hit high or left of center while aiming at the bull’s eye, you must move your pin higher or move it left depending on where your arrows hit. As a general guideline, move your pin in the same direction your arrows are hitting.
Once your vertical and horizontal adjustments are in place, it’s time to address the third axis of your bow: its inclination. Torquing your bow or altering its nocking point can change its angle; easily correct this by loosening the hex screw on a football-shaped mount that allows for adjustment, then rotating until level. After setting this inclination it is recommended that three arrows be shot and recorded at random locations on a target before shooting more.
Horizontal
As daunting as the task may be, adjusting your bow sight is necessary in order to improve accuracy. Whether you have acquired a new bow, have serious form issues or simply wish to advance your game further, there’s always room for improvement. In addition to correcting form issues, ensure your arrow rest, nocking point and bowstring are in line with each other – the easiest way is performing a paper tune by shooting multiple arrows against a target and then analyzing their results.
Before using your sight, first ensure it is correctly leveled on its first axis. A level can be used to do this or you could loosen two screws on its football-shaped mount on one side and rotate them until they’re even. After doing this you can tighten them back up again.
After making these adjustments, move onto horizontal axis adjustments. From 10 yards, shoot a bulls-eye target or other large target and observe where your arrows impact relative to the top pin on your sight; from there adjust accordingly by moving either up or down depending on where they hit.
After making these adjustments, you should take another shot from 20 yards at a target to assess where your arrows hit in relation to the bottom pin on your sight. Adjustments may need to be made accordingly by shifting left or right depending on where they land.
Most sights allow for some form of vertical adjustment as well, although this varies between manufacturers. You will typically require Allen wrenches for these adjustments (depending on which sight it is). Some sights may even allow adjustments without tools needed (check with manufacturer for specifics).
Once you’ve made these adjustments, you should begin to notice improvements in your groupings. Remember to chase your arrows; if they’re landing high up the pin should move up; otherwise if they hit low move it down.
Top Pin
If your bow is shooting low on targets or having difficulty hitting its target, bow sight adjustments might be in order. Luckily, bow sight adjustments are relatively easy to implement; most problems can be solved using just basic tools and some knowledge of bowsight adjustments.
First, adjust the vertical adjustment. This can be accomplished by loosening the screw that allows you to move the sight housing up or down. Next, shoot several arrows at different distances and verify that your top pin is accurate in each of those settings. Upon doing so, make a mark with a pencil at each red pointer on your multi-pin sight yardage tape bar with its red pointer red pointer red pointer red pointer then compare that mark against preprinted yardage tapes; in an ideal world this should allow 20 yard marks with both 30 yard marks.
At this point, adjust the bottom pin. As it’s used for longer ranges, this process will require more work than with the top pin. Apply the same approach, starting from your closest distance until your group of shots forms well.
Once your two most essential pins are aligned, it’s time to fine-tune. Unfortunately, this is where bottoming-out issues often surface; most bow sights offer plenty of adjustment room to help achieve dead-on accuracy; but if your shooting too low or high it may be difficult finding your mark.
When making horizontal and vertical adjustments, follow your arrows when making adjustments. If they are impacting left of center, shift the pin right; if they hit right of center shift it down; this way you can be certain your arrow is hitting its intended spot every time! With some practice you should have no trouble setting up your bow sight just the way you like it!
Bottom Pin
A good bow sight offers plenty of horizontal adjustment leeway. To optimize its use, loosen any screws holding down its horizontal adjustment bolt or arrow rest wing and make adjustments until your arrow strikes its target in an ideal spot. Do this gradually to see how your shots change as time goes on.
Your arrows should land in the center of the target when shot on level ground, but if they don’t, this could indicate various issues: you may be torquing your bow at full draw, or your third axis may be off. To identify these potential issues, take your bow to a range and shoot uphill and downhill shots; if your groups remain centered while moving left and right during downhill shots, this indicates an issue with your third axis.
Your bow sight’s third axis runs along the center of its pin housing and can be used to compensate for extreme angles. As opposed to rifle sights which follow bullet impact, bow sight pins follow arrow impact; therefore if your arrows are hitting low on target you must adjust your bottom pin in order to correct this problem.
Adjusting the vertical axis of your bow requires loosening the screw that secures its pin, then moving it up or down until your arrows hit their target accurately. Make sure to tighten up after every adjustment!
After practicing, your arrows should consistently land in the middle of your target from all distances. If they don’t, check all screws on your bow and sight to make sure they’re tightened correctly, or consider consulting with a coach who can examine your form to identify where problems exist and provide recommendations.
Sighting in a bow may be challenging, but it’s essential for making accurate shots. While this process might involve some trial and error, with minor adjustments you’ll soon have your bow accurately aligned.