Types of Bow Sights

Archers use bow sights to increase shooting accuracy. Some bow sights are built directly into bows, such as compound hunting bows, while other bow sights can be purchased as an after-market add-on. There are several different types of bow sights available to archers; the type needed varies based on the archer's skill, the type of bow and the style of shooting.

  1. Pin

    • Pin bow sights are the most common sights used in archery, and are composed of three or more user-adjustable metal pins. Each pin represents a distance that is calibrated by the archer. The pins are calibrated via a trial-and-error method of stabilizing the bow, shooting the arrow and then adjusting the pin to match the location of the arrow at a preset distance. This process is repeated with the next two to four pins so that each pin is calibrated in 10-yard intervals, allowing the archer to shoot accurately in distances from 10 yards to 50 yards.

    Pendulum

    • The pendulum bow sight utilizes a single metal pin that is fastened to a pendulum in the bow sight's body. This pendulum has an adjustable vertical angle to compensate for a change in the overall angle of the bow. If an archer aims his bow downward to hit a target, the pendulum pin will rise to compensate for this change in angle, showing the actual area the arrow will strike while compensating for gravity. This type of sight is not as accurate as a pin sight due to its limited ability to be calibrated for specific distances. The pendulum pin bow sight is ideal for archers who shoot at an angle or from a tree stand.

    Laser

    • A laser bow sight is similar to firearm laser sights, and is only available as an after-market add-on. Laser bow sights are mounted to either the side of the palm rest or the front of the bow's upper limb. Unlike multi-pin sights, a laser sight can only be calibrated to one distance at a time; archers must recalibrate the laser for difference distances by altering its angle or placement on the bow. Laser bow sights increase accuracy in low-light and nighttime hunting.

    Competition

    • A competition bow sight is a high-quality pin sight with additional features. Unlike a standard pin sight, a competition pin sight can also compensate for gravity over distance and wind speed. A competition pin sight is heavy and expensive, with low-end prices starting at $200. Competition pin sights are not acceptable for hunting due to the amount of time it takes to properly calibrate them.