The question of how to choose the right sight for a hunting bow is one that has perplexed many a would-be hunter. That’s because these devices are not always one-size-fits all. There are many different types of hunting bow sights on the market today, from simple sights to elaborate guiding mechanisms with all the bells and whistles.
To help you sort out and make sense of all the available data on hunting bow sights, below we have outlined a few details to look for when selecting one of these easy-to-use devices, with a brief description of each detail. We have also provided a brief definition of the “hunting bow sight,” and highlighted the various types of sights on the market today.
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Last update on 2024-04-24 at 12:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Is a Hunting Bow Sight?
Before we discuss how to choose just the right sight for your hunting bow—also known as a crossbow or compound bow—let us first define what a hunting bow sight is and how it works.
A hunting bow sight is a simple, attachable (and sometimes detachable) and rather small round mechanism that enables a hunter to better scope out the surrounding hunting terrain—in general—and the intended target of the bow—in specific—with the target being the animal he or she plans to shoot. Not large in size, sights are typically mounted onto the very front of the bow, allowing the shooter to properly align the target. These small pieces of equipment also tend to be made from very durable materials. This not only protects them from the elements, but also from accidental breakage should the hunter drop the bow in pursuit of game, or should the sight become trapped under a pile of heavy gear.
Hunters who opt to use a hunting bow sight praise these devices for their ability to aid in their accuracy, both when hunting and competing in bow related events. Hunting bow sights can usually be attached and detached in just a matter of seconds. When looked through, these sights inform the shooter as to the relative distance of the target, helping him or her to decide whether the game is at an optimal position to shoot.
Although it is true that may crossbow hunters opt to use no bow sight whatsoever, studies have shown that these devices go a long way towards improving accuracy and judging distance. Why is this important? Depending on the strength of the bow, the arrows or projectiles that are shot from it may only be able to travel so far. Thus, a hunting bow sight lets the hunter know when he is range of a humane kill shot. Trying to merely guess at the distance may wind up causing an errant shot or, even worse, an indirect hit of the target, which merely wounds the animal—causing it undue pain and stress and forcing the hunter to track the animal so it can be humanely put down.
From so many yards away, a hunter’s God-given hunting bow sights—his eyes—can play tricks on him. A quality bow hunting sight can help confirm distance and positioning, leading to cleaner and more accurate results—whether hunting or competing in crossbow competitions.
What Are the Different Types of Hunting Bow Sights?
There are many different types of hunting bow sights currently available. They can be found at hunting-specific stores, sporting goods retailers, shooting ranges and all over the Worldwide Web. As we mentioned in the opening, some of these sights are very simple and basic in nature, while others tend to be more technical and advanced. Therefore, the sight system you ultimately select should be based on your current level of experience and how much you are willing to spend. Considering those factors, a good rule of thumb is to “start basic.” You can always upgrade at a later time when you become more experienced.
Before we discuss the different types of bow sights currently available for purchase, let us first discuss one of the most important components of a bow sight: the mounting bracket.
About the Bow Sight Mounting Bracket
A major factor to consider when selecting the right hunting bow sight is the mounting bracket. Many compound bows come complete with the mounting bracket already attached, but in some cases you may have to purchase this piece separately. It is usually affixed to the front of the bow using a few simple screws. Some brackets are manufactured to make it easy when attaching and detaching the hunting sight, while others have a more permanent makeup. For this reason, it is imperative you choose the mounting bracket style you want first—and then your bow sight.
There are two general categories when it comes to mounting brackets: fixed and dovetail. If you are a beginner just starting out, most experts recommend you go with a fixed mounting bracket, which “permanently” locks the hunting bow sight into place. Dovetail sights use a similar plate mechanism; only these brackets have a slot in which the hunting bow sight can be easily affixed and detached. If you plan to use your hunting bow sight for activities outside of hunting—such as competitions—in which you may need to regularly change out the type of sight you plan to use for each activity, the dovetail mounting bracket may be for you.
Below we take a look at the different types of hunting bow sights and how they work.
Fixed Pin Hunting Bow Sight
The Fixed Pin Hunting Bow sight is typically the best choice for novice hunters just starting out. In fact, they are the most common form of bow sight in use today. Not only are these sights very easy to mount, they also tend to be very accurate. Typically consisting of 3-5 multi-colored pins that can be arranged on the sight to represent different distances, these easy-to-use sights go a long way towards improving accuracy and helping hunters to judge different distances quickly.
The yardage you assign to each colorful pin on your hunting bow sight is completely up to you. For a three-pin model, for example, you may want to set the middle pin up to represent 20-25 yards. The other two pins can then be set to gauge distances that are little closer and further away, respectively. The pin setup should take into account your level of experience, specifically your experience when it comes to shooting at different distances.
Whether you choose a simple three pin setup, a four pin sight or the more elaborate 5-pin sight, you will still have to learn how to gauge for all the shots in between those pin placements—a skill that will come with experience.
Movable Pin Hunting Bow Sights
Although this pin-type of hunting bow sight works in much the same way as the fixed pin model, the biggest difference is that with these sights, you generally only have one pin, which you will then manually move from one slot to another to represent different distances.
The main disadvantage of the movable pin sight system is that in order to make a clean shot every time, you will have to adjust the pin accordingly. As you might guess, this can cause a major problem if the game you are hunting is constantly on the move, causing you to change and re-change the position of the pin as the game nears or grows more distant from you. Another thing to consider when using a moving pin sight is the constant “moving” you will have to do while adjusting the sight, which can scare off your prey. Thus, this particular type of pin-based sight system is recommended mostly for fixed-target competitions, and not hunting.
Pendulum Hunting Bow Sights
If you plan to be shooting from above your target—such as from a tree stand or high up on a bluff—a pendulum sight may be the way to go. Pendulum bow sights are very distinctive because they offer a second dimension to your standard pin sight system. With these types of sights, the pin is typically mounted to a pendulum inside the bracket of the sight, allowing the pin to move with the pendulum as the angle of the shot changes. This way, as the angle of the bow begins to drop—as it would in a tree stand—the pendulum then swings up to account for the angle, allowing the hunter to better line up the shot.
Although pendulum sights can be very useful from high places, they tend to suffer some accuracy when used on flat ground. Moreover, pendulum sights must be occasionally calibrated, and to do this, the hunter will need to be schooled in things like angles and arrow velocity—topics your average hunter would have difficulty with.
Target Hunting Bow Sights
Target sights, because of their larger, bulkier size, are typically not used by your average hunter—they are quite impractical. These sights also tend to be the most expensive category of bow sights. Very, very accurate in the hands of an experienced bow shooter, many of these large target sights are used at important shooting competitions. They range in price from expensive to astronomical, and can even include things like lasers that literally zero in on the target. Many target sights even have settings in which the user can manually account for wind and height to improve his/her accuracy.
Factors and Extras to Consider Before Buying
Now that you have a pretty good idea regarding the different types and styles of hunting bow sights that are currently available, let’s now take a look at some of the factors—and extras—you should consider before making your final purchase.
How Many Pins Do I Need?
The most popular type of hunting bow sight—the fixed pin sight—can be equipped with 3, 4 or 5 pins. If you recall, you can set these pins up on your sight to represent different distances (25, 30, 50 yards, etc.). But how may pins do you really need?
Although 5-pin hunting bow sights may give you greater flexibility in terms of assigning distances, they can also be distracting to some shooters. Typically, most compound bow hunters require no more than 3-4 pins, with the final pin arranged for the maximum distance one feels comfortable shooting.
Five-pin sights are usually the best bet for shooters who plan to use their fixed-pin sight in shooting competitions, where objects are placed at different distances.
Keep in mind that a 3-pin sight is what’s typically recommended for most novice bow hunters, not just for its simplicity and ease of use, but also for its affordability in comparison to some of the more elaborate 4 and 5 pin sights.
Could I Benefit from a Level?
Many of today’s hunting bow sights include a bubble-level to ensure the bow is on an even level with the intended prey. Although it may look as if you have the perfect shot, as we mentioned earlier, sometimes the eyes can play tricks on a hunter, especially when he or she is lining up a target from a hillside or tree stand, slightly or measurably above the target. A level within the bracketing of the bow sight can help take the guesswork out of figuring out the bow level and lead to more accurate and confident shots.
Do I Need Fiber Optics?
When we speak of fiber optic hunting bow sights we are basically talking about fixed pin sights with a little illumination. These sights typically consist of a few inches of fiber optic cable, wrapped around the housing of the bow sight to make the pins seem brighter and clearer. These sight styles also boast housings and clear acrylic covers that allow light in, but protect the fragile fiber optic mechanism.
Of course, one of the biggest drawbacks of using a fiber optic-based fixed pin sight is the fragility of the pins themselves—pins that can easily become broken if one is not careful. This can perhaps be remedied through the use of (much more expensive) stainless steel pins, but there is still no guarantee. Fiber optic cables that are too strong can also create a halo effect, making it harder to see the target.
If you want to try using a fiber optic sight system, we suggest you only switch to such as sight after you have mastered the standard fix-pin sight system.
Do I Need a Light?
For most type of game—game that is usually hunted with a compound bow—there are certain restrictions as to when they can be taken. Most game is available only in season, and only between first and last night. In most states, hunting at night with a crossbow is illegal—and some states even go so far as to prohibit bow sights with any type of light or lighting system affixed.
Regardless, there will come a time when a light may come in handy—such as sitting in a darkened tree stand. If you do opt to affix a light—one bright enough to allow you to see the pins, yet not too bright to scare off the prey—be sure to check with your local authorities so as not to risk a hefty fine.
And Finally…
There is little doubt that a hunting bow sight can give you a major advantage over shooters who opt to eyeball it only. After all, the ability to judge distance and range as well as properly line up your shot, are two skills that are paramount to the hunting discipline. However, when choosing a new sight system for your bow, try to start with a small (and rather inexpensive) alternative. Remember that most of these sights are very close in terms of the way they work, so you might as well shell out the least amount of money initially as you learn to master your new sight. Keep in mind that you can always upgrade to more bells and whistles later as you become more proficient.
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Last update on 2024-04-24 at 12:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
More resources:
- Best bow sight, Archery Talk
- Bow Sights???, Hunt Talk Forums
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