How to Use the Sites to Aim a Compound Bow

Compound bow sights are available in several different styles, with pin sights being the most common. The sights are a valuable tool that create precision shooting when properly used. Using the sights is not a complex matter, but the initial period of adjustments and "sighting in" the bow is important. The process creates accuracy at a specific distance for each of the pins. It allows the archer to make adjustments based on the practiced and pre-measured distances.

Things You'll Need

  • Target
  • Backstop
  • Bow
  • Arrows
  • Spray paint
  • Hex wrench
  • Pin sights
  • Range finder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a block or animal shaped target against a backstop. Use hay bails, brick walls or large rocks as backstops to contain stray arrows. Numerous targets are available with layered foam models being ideal for stopping the high velocity arrows.

    • 2

      Count the number of pins on your sight and use spray paint or tape to mark a 10-yard increment for each pin. Sights with four or more pins are common but many archers choose to use only three pins for a simplified distance gauging process. The choice is voluntary.

    • 3

      Stand on the 10-yard marker and fire three arrows, using the top pin to aim at the center of the target. Examine the placement of the arrows and use a hex wrench to loosen and adjust the pin position. Move the pin down for high shooting, up for low shooting, in for shots to the left and out for shots to the right. Shoot three more arrows and make additional adjustments until you are striking the point of aim with consistency.

    • 4

      Move to the 20-yard line and repeat the sighting process for the second pin down. Continue moving back in 10-yard increments until all of the pins are set for accuracy.

    • 5

      Use a rangefinder while hunting to determine the distance of an animal. Align the pin closest to the distance and take the shot.