Best Bow Sights for Hunting, Archery & Target Shooting – 2022 Reviews and Buying Guide

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Every bowhunter and archer knows the right equipment can make the difference between a good shot and a miss.  This includes having the best bow sight — and we reviewed the top brands to help you get the one that is right for you. And in case you have questions, we have also included a buyer’s guide, which includes some useful videos we found during our research, to help you out.

“The history of the bow and arrow is the history of mankind.”

- Fred Bear -

Experienced bowhunters and archers understand that having the right equipment and set up is important and can make the difference between a good shot and a miss. 

This means making sure you have the right bow sight for your particular hunting or shooting environment. Also called bow scopes, archery sights, or peeps for short, bow sights are tools typically fastened on the bow riser to enable you to aim your shot better. 

Do I really need a bow sight? You may ask.

Well, unless you have that unreal, intuitive aim like the one and only Oliver Queen, or master archers Robin Hood and Katniss Everdeen have — or real-life pro bowhunters Fred Eichler, Levi and Samantha Morgan, Eva Shockey or the legendary Fred Bear — then you definitely need this gadget.

Shopping for binoculars too? We reviewed some of the best brands of binoculars — all priced at less then $100!

Quick Links - Choosing a Bow Sight FAQS

In this article we hope to answer the most frequently asked questions about finding the best bow sight for the money. Want to go directly to a question? Click the link.

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Top 10 Bow Sights of 2022 — Our Picks

Before we get to our reviews, which include links to retailers who carry the products, here's a quick preview of which ones we chose based on quality, overall customer satisfaction and value for the money, along with the our rating.

NOTE: We also have 3 more good bow sights that made our Honorable Mention list — and they were all under $50 when we last checked!

Best Bow Sights — Current Amazon Prices

Table shows products in order from high to low at the time of our research. Since prices frequently change, the order may not be exact when you view it.

Please Note:  Links in this chart go to Amazon. To see our reviews, continue reading.

HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra 1 Pin Bow Sight

$242.55

Trophy Ridge React® One Pro™ 1 Pin Bow Sight

$214.36

Apex Covert™ Pro PWR•DOT™ 1 Pin Sight

$186.99

Black Gold Widow Maker™ 5 Pin Bow Sight

$159.95

IQ® Pro XT 5-Pin Sight with Retina Lock™ (Left)

$87.16

Trophy Ridge React® H5™ 5-Pin Bow Sight

$119.90

HHA Sports Optimizer Lite 1 Pin Bow Sight

$125.85

TRUGLO RANGE-ROVER™ 1 Pin Moving Bow Sight

$108.99

IQ® 5-Pin Micro Bowsight with Retina Lock™ (Left)

$89.88

IQ® 5-Pin Micro Bowsight with Retina Lock™ (Right)

$149.99

Trophy Ridge Pursuit™ Vertical 1 Pin Bow Sight

$70.04
Amazon.com prices as of 5/14/2020, 8:54:09 AM - details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com or other relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Let's get on to the reviews, so you can learn more about these great sights!

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Best Bow Sights 2022 Reviews

Deciding on which bow sight to buy can be very overwhelming. We have compiled a list of 10 of the best bow sights covering all the possible types and styles to help you make an informed buying decision.

When it comes to brands, we found that the best options came from Trophy Ridge, HHA, Apex Gear, IQ® Bowsights, Black Gold , TRUGLO and Toppoint Archery.

We chose a mixture of sites, in different price ranges. It's important to note that price alone may or may not be an indicator whether it's the "best". Although in general, the more features a bow sight has, the more it will cost.

For the less expensive models on our Top 10 list, we only chose sights that meet our criteria of good quality and value.

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Trophy Ridge React® One Pro™ 1 Pin Bow Sight Review

Trophy Ridge React One Pro 1 Pin Bow Sight

With its React® Technology, coupled with all the features that come with a premium target sight, the Trophy Ridge React® One Pro™ bow sight will change your mind about what a single pin sight can do.

This gadget is faster and more accurate compared to other adjustable sights. You will surely enjoy hunt after hunt, year after year. By utilizing the React Technology, your sight pins react to each other, which means they sight themselves in.

This way, all pins automatically adjust to the highest location as per the mathematical calculation of the arch. You only need to accurately sight-in two yardage marks, and all of your benchmarks out to 100 yards will be set.

The React One Pro is made of 100% engineered-aluminum construction with strong stainless-steel hardware to give you durability you can depend on.

This sight is designed for both right and left-handed use.

This gadget’s react technology is impressive (330-265 fps), and the package comes with fiber optic yardage indicators to help you achieve the desired precision. The dovetail mounting bracket provides quick and easy detachment from the bow and enables you to set up the sight away from the bow riser. The advanced tool-less micro-link windage makes it easy to make corrections and elevation adjustments. 

The React One Pro offers you ultimate accuracy —  Trophy Ridge boasts that it's the "fastest sight set up on the market."

The .019” medium fiber optic yardage signals are visible regardless of the various environmental conditions. You can regulate brightness to suit dawn, dusk, or any other lighting using the rheostat light. You can also enhance accuracy at acute angles over longer distances using third-axis leveling.

This device accepts a 1-5/8 lens size;  and, as a bonus, you get a lens retainer ring and 10 custom sight tapes.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Third axis adjustment to enhance accuracy at acute angles
  • Can positions pins far away from the shooter to provide increased accuracy
  • Has a master adjustment screw for sighting in all pins
  • Comes with 10 custom sight tapes

Cons

  • Heavier compared to most single pin sights
  • High-end bow sight with numerous features means a higher price tag

Trophy Ridge React One Pro 1 Pin Bow Sight

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HHA Sports Optimizer Lite Ultra Bow Sight Single Pin Review

HHA Optimizer Light Ultra bow sight review

HHA Sports transformed the single pin bow sight world with the Optimizer Ultra — winning the Bowhunting World’s Reader’s Choice Award for the best movable sight of the year for 14 years in a row!

The precision, gear driven wheel, and preprinted sight tapes brought yard accuracy that had never been seen before on a hunting sight. You get 20-80 yard accuracy with just a quick and easy turn of the wheel — with 1-yard increments.

HHA offers several different options for the Optimizer Ultra, all of which have the same amazing quality — we chose to feature one of the right-handed models with a 1 5/8" scope housing and a .019” pin (DS-5519 RH).

Just like its name suggests, the Ultra Lite is lightweight.  Weighing just a little over 10 ounces, this sight doesn’t add unwanted weight to your already balanced bow. The machined aluminum pin carrier provides unrivaled fiber protection. You also get tool-less windage and elevation adjustments and leveling bubble.

This device comes with a mechanical rheostat feature that controls optic brightness in just a few seconds. Its ruggedness, coupled with water-resistant yardage tapes, make it withstand years of abuse on the range and in the field; not just that, this gadget is accurate enough to win a 3D contest.

Available in right and left hand models, indeed the Ultra-Lite is the king when it comes to single pin sights.

Tutorial: HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra Bow Sight Instructions | Courtesy of HHA Sports

The machined brass gear system on this sight is very smooth, you simply need to turn the dial, and the pin housing will move up or down in a crispy and quick manner. Also, the sight dial has a lock-down knob that allows you to hold the sight in a particular position. 

To give you peace of mind, this model comes with a 100% lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Award-winning movable, single pin bow scope
  • Water-resistant yardage tapes
  • Lightweight and user-friendly
  • 100% lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Doesn’t have an extension bar option - but does have two mounting positions
  • Some reports that mounting bolts not in packaging but this may have been due to seller issues - HHA support sends replacements

HHA Sports Optimizer-Lite Ultra

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Apex Gear Covert™ Pro Green PWR•DOT™ Bow Sight Review

Apex Gear AG2301GB 1 Dot Covert Pro Sight, Right Hand/Left Hand, Black

Apex Gear advanced their single pin sights by introducing the Covert™ ProIts modern PWR•DOT™ illuminated Center Dot technology provides a modifiable green LED center dot that has 11 brightness settings to give you exceptional long-distance accuracy.

The Covert™ line of bow sights also includes multi-pin models, as well as different arrow options. Or you can choose to purchase the aperture by itself.

This patent-pending bow sight is good for both right and left-handed archers.

With a very smooth gear-drive elevation dial, the Covert Pro can be easily adjusted with one hand. You just need to loosen the locking knob and then turn the dial. The locking knob is at the front side of the yardage tape.

This gadget comes with 1.8" aperture housing that allows for easy and quick vertical and horizontal tilt modification for fine-tuning purposes. The GRAVITY LINE™ rotational technology of this sight aligns pins movement automatically with gravity.

It has micro-adjustable windage, and its rear-facing sight tape has an adjustable indicator pin. You also get 2nd and 3rd axis illuminated adjustments as well as a glow-in-the-dark shooter’s ring. The sight comes with over 120 pre-marked yardage tapes to make set up simple, even for beginners.

With all these wonderful features, you would think that the Covert Pro would be very heavy, but it’s not. This sight is made from machined aluminum, which makes it ultra-strong yet super lightweight.

As a bonus, the sight comes with an idle auto-off feature to conserve battery life as well as a neoprene lens cover.

Our Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros

  • Easy one-hand adjustment
  • Illuminated center dot technology
  • Automatic gravity pin alignment
  • Micro-adjustable windage

Cons

  • Some reports of cheap hardware but all Apex Gear products are covered by their guarantee it to be free from defect for 90 days from purchase — so if you have a problem, they will fix it

Apex Gear Covert Pro Green PWR-Dot Sight

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IQ® Bowsights Micro Multi-Pin Sight with Retina Lock Review

IQ Bowsights 5-Pin Micro Bowsight with Retina Lock Technology,Right Hand

The IQ® Bowsights Micro is one of the best multi-pin bow sights on the market — and comes with a moderate price tag, which is a good value for the money. 

Its quality is superb and the Retina Lock™ Alignment Technology is a real game changer. This technology offers instant feedback that will give you even the most remote torque or anchor point of change. 

The IQ Bowsights Micro comes in your choice of 3, 5, or 7 pins, as well as right or left-handed models (we've pictured the 5 pin). These .019” fiber optic pins are stack tight and have built-in sight level with 2nd axis adjustment that ensures it is functioning properly. 

Made from aluminum, this sight is sturdy, durable, and lightweight (weighs 7.0 oz). 

It has micro-adjust knobs that allow simple and quick modification of the elevation and its windage to precise positions. This is done by using the adjustment markings found on the knob. The tool-less locking knobs ensure your windage and elevation are locked in place. And, the dual position mounting enables you to set up your sight to your preferred shooting style.

Indeed, this bow was designed with serious bow users in mind!

It is good to note that this sight has a rheostat sight light that is sold separately and is powered by batteries. The IQ Bowsights Micro can already enable you to see in the dark, but you can still install the rheostat sight light if you need more illumination.

Reminder: This model is available in both left and right hand versions, so you need to make sure to choose the one that fits your needs.

Our Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros

  • Durable and lightweight
  • Retina centering technology offers better shooting accuracy at longer yardages
  • Great for beginner and advanced shooters alike
  • Precise windage measurements

Cons

  • Multiple pins may confuse some users
  • This updated pin housings are thicker around the fiber optic than older style — which is not a con, but owners of older models may need to get used to the change

IQ Micro Retina Multi-Pin Compound Bow Archery Sight

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Trophy Ridge React® H5™ 5-Pin Bow Sight Review

Trophy Ridge React H5 Sight – Right Hand – Black

The React® H5™ from Trophy Ridge gives you the accuracy and precision you need to become a better shooter. With its innovative React® Technology, you will have the extra edge you really need to ensure your performance is unrivaled.

Sighting in is faster and easy, and it is mathematically impossible to be incorrect with this model. You just need to adjust two pins, and the others will automatically fall into place. With its pins made from extra-bright fiber optics, this 5 pin bow sight glows in the dark, giving you an advantage over your prey in the same conditions.

And, as a bonus, you will get a free rheostat light with this purchase. You will be able to adjust your brightness as you see fit. 

The React H5 is available in two versions: left hand and right hand, so make sure to select the correct model for your needs.

Since it’s already fairly priced, it feels good not to spend more on accessories such as this one — and you can choose either black or Realtree XTRA® Green Camo design!

Its .019" pins enable you to increase your accuracy tremendously. Making corrections on this sight is easy and tool-free; you will not need extra tools to customize the elevation and the windage.  The dual-axis adjustment help boost accuracy over longer distances.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • 5 pin configurations give you different adjustments
  • Comes with free rheostat light to enable you to work in various conditions
  • Dual-axis adjustment ensures you can shoot at longer distances
  • Ability to make easy tool-less corrections

Cons

  • Some reports that the bonus rheostat light is of sub-par quality
  • Some users report doesn't work as well for bows with low draw weights

Trophy Ridge React H5 5-Pin Bow Sight

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Black Gold Widow Maker™ 5 Pin Bow Sight Review

Black Gold Widow Maker Archery Bow Sight Black 5 Pin review

Made in USA, the Widow Maker™ from Montana Black Gold is packed with everything that should be found in a high-performance bow sight for hunting and target shooting.

This device comes with Black Gold’s renowned pin brightness and reliability in a lightweight design devised for today’s hard-core archer. With its horizontal and vertical inch wheel adjustability, this sight allows you to modify your adjustments for precise accuracy.

This 5 pin bow sight features high-performance PhotoChromatic Technology™ that naturally becomes dark in brilliant light conditions to dull pins and stops pin halo. The revolutionary SkyCoil™, on the other hand, collects light from above to provide unmatched pin brightness when needed.

Independent tests revealed that Black Gold pins are 20% brighter than even the brightest competitor bow sight; and according to Black Gold, the pins are up to 30 times stronger than imported, cast, turned or tube style pins

The level head sight ring on the Widow Maker comes with a pre-installed level that is quite easy to modify and is a bit more stable. The level head can be adjusted to fit into the top of the sight ring. With its machined aluminum 2" guard you are assured of maximum durability and protection and years of good performance.

This sight is lightweight (only 6.8 ounces) and features interchangeable fluorescent guard rings, direct mount sculpted bottom with monster clamping dovetail, and 019" “BombProof”, MicroGroove pins that are all-metal.

While we are featuring the 5 pin model, the Widow Maker is also available with 4 pins.

And hey, both come with an unconditional lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.

Our Rating: 5 out of 5

Pros

  • Legendary Black Gold® technology
  • Machined aluminum guard for maximum protection
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • You will have to deal with the clutter that comes with using a multiple pin sight

Black Gold Widow Maker Archery Bow Sight 5 Pin

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HHA Sports Optimizer Lite Single Pin Bow Sight Review

HHA Optimizer Sight 5519 1 Pin review

Another award-winner from HHA, the Optimizer Lite holds the record for being the top-selling single pin movable sight on the market. HHS Optimizer sights have been voted the best in its category by Bowhunting World for a cool 14 years, and this model is indeed loaded with features that separate it from the competition.

You also have your choice of .01", .019" or .029" pins (and believe it our not, you can also get it with 3 pins if you get the 2" scope).

Like the Ultra, both sights use the same scope or head, but the Optimizer Lite features a slider sight that moves up and down, similar to a lever (adjustments can be made in 5-yard increments). In contrast, the Ultra features a wheel style dial to move the head in 1-yard increments.

The Optimizer Lite is also less expensive than the Optimizer Lite Ultra.

The precise, water-resistant sight tapes combine with the extra smooth elevation arm pairs to provide unmatched performance to both hunters and 3D shooters.  It also features a leveling bubble and tool free windage and elevation adjustments.

This device comes with numerous water-resistant yardage tapes that will conform to your bow and style of shooting. Just perform a few practice shots at 20 yards and 60 yards to ascertain which of the yardage tapes works for your set up.

Tutorial: Optimizer Lite Bow Sight Instructions | Courtesy of HHA Sports

Once sighted in, you will enjoy a full range of between 20 and 80 yards.

The machined aluminum pin carrier provides unrivaled fiber protection, as the mechanical rheostat provides fiber optic brightness control. With its rock-solid construction, tool-less adjustments, and fully protected fiber optics, the Optimizer Lite is indeed one of the toughest and most dependable single pin bow sight available out there.

It is made in the USA and comes with to 100% lifetime warranty.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Mechanical rheostat offers adjustable pin brightness
  • Accurate 20 to 80 yards
  • Made from durable machined aluminum
  • Easy to set up and use

Cons

  • Not good for dim light conditions
  • No extension bar

HHA Optimizer Lite Bow Sight 1 Pin

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IQ® Bowsights IQ Pro XT 5-Pin Sight with Retina Lock™ Review

IQ PRO XT 5-Pin Bowsight (Right Hand Model)

Even though this is an older model, the IQ Pro XT is still one of the better peep sights around. This sight comes with a 6” extension bar that enables you to easily adjust the scope housing for precise alignment.

With its 50% smaller retina lock, this device offers twice the sensitivity and improved downrange accuracy.

This sight is available in two versions: right hand and left hand — and also comes in 7 pin version. It weighs 10.1 ounces which makes it lightweight.

The Retina Lock™ Technology offers instant feedback that will help identify even the remotest torque or anchor point changes. 

This technology controls form and consistency and muscle memory, enabling you to strike longer distances even with tighter groups. The micro-adjust knobs allow simple and quick modification of the windage and elevation to accurate positions, while the tool-less locking knob ensures your windage and elevation are locked in place.

This sight is designed with a 6” extension bar to make it easy for you to size the scope housing to your peep for precise alignment.

The IQ Pro XT has .019" fiber optic pins to give you varying shooting lengths, 5 stack tight pins, adjustable 2nd axis, and a built-in sight level. Its dual position mount enables you to set up your sight to your preferred shooting style. 

It is good to note that the rheostat sight light for this sight is sold separately. 

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Retina Lock™ Technology offers instant feedback and provides downrange accuracy
  • Built-in sight level
  • Micro-adjust knobs allow for quick modification
  • Designed with a 6” extension bar

Cons

  • Rheostat sight light sold separately
  • You will have to deal with the confusion that sometimes comes with using multiple pins

IQ PRO XT 5-Pin Bowsight with Retina Lock

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TRUGLO RANGE-ROVER™ Single-Pin Moving Bow Sight Review

TRUGLO RANGE-ROVER Series Single-Pin Moving Bow Sight, Black, Right-Handed, .019" Pin, Toolless Micro-Adjustable Windage

The Range-Rover™ series from TRUGLO has always been synonymous with superior one-pin bow sights. When it comes to adjustment styles, you have three models to choose from — Standard Adjustment Ultra-Fine Adjustment or ZERO–IN™ Adjustment — we chose to feature the ZERO–IN™ model.

All the options come in your choice of left-handed and right-handed to allow you to choose according to your preference.

This sight comes with an innovative zero-in modification dial that provides ultra-smooth, exceptionally accurate micro-adjustable elevation tuning that gives hunters an upper hand in difficult conditions.

The zero-in adjustment dial allows for quick and quiet range adjustments, while the ultra-smooth bracket offers easy and quick one-hand adjustment.

This device has a tool-free yardage lock, an extra-long completely protected wrapped fiber, clean, circular sight picture pin that is all-metal, more than 40 pre-marked yardage tapes for simple set up, and laser marks for both elevation and windage adjustments. 

The Range-Rover is one of the brightest single pin archery sights — though packed with excellent features, this sight is simple to use and set up.

Tutorial: TRUGLO Range Rover -- Sight-In Process | Courtesy of TRUGLO

You are able to mount the quiver directly to the bracket for faster reloading, and the good news is that the adjustable quiver mount is included.

This sight’s housing accepts a scope lens of 1.87 inches, which is sold separately. The adjustable end-of-travel stop boosts the maximum yardage setting.

As a bonus, it has a 700-hour battery life and also includes a removable rheostat light.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Extremely bright, allowing easy sight acquisition
  • The zero-in technology allows quick and quiet range adjustments
  • Over 40 pre-marked yardage tapes
  • Laser engraved reference markings

Cons

  • Some reports of loose quivers on some models
  • Scope lens sold separately

TRUGLO Range Rover AC Wheel Bow Sight with Moving Pin

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Trophy Ridge Pursuit™ Vertical Single Pin Bow Sight Review

Trophy Ridge Pursuit Vertical Pin Bow Sight (Right Hand)

Our last sight on our list comes once again from Trophy Ridge — experience endless shooting with the Pursuit™ bow sightIts adjustable vertical indicator pin makes it possible to dial-in the specific yardage needed for different environmental conditions, both quietly and smoothly.

It has an aluminum construction that makes it take all the abuse from different shooting conditions. The Delrin bushings produce smooth, quiet movement without any metal-to-metal contact.

Fairy-priced (at about $80 when we did our research) and perfect for beginners, this single pin bow sight is available in two styles: right and left-handed.

You get ultimate visibility with an extra-bright, medium-sized (019”) vertical fiber optic pin, and the glow indicator pins help you maintain accuracy through dim and changing light.

As with the other models we featured from Trophy Ridge™ this sight has a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The mounting bracket of the Pursuit seems to be quite solid and should be able to fit most compound bow sights with standardly tapped risers. The screws and spacers for mounting a quiver are included.

This sight also has 3rd axis adjustability and a rheostat sight light that helps light up fibers in dim-light situations.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Easy to mount and inexpensive
  • Designed to provide quiet and smooth operation
  • Easy to adjust fiber optic
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Lacks pre-marked tape options
  • Not as many features as other models but that is to be expected with the under 50 dollar price tag

Trophy Ridge Pursuit Vertical Pin Bow Sight

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Best Bow Sights Under $50 - Honorable Mention

When we did our research, we came across a few more bow sights, that while we didn't write up a full review for, we did think they were worth mentioning. Especially if you are on a tighter budget!

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How to Choose the Best Bow Sight for the Money — 2022 Buying Guide

best bow sights guide

Just like the sights utilized in rifles and shotguns, bow sights help hunters have more control over where they intend to aim their arrow.

The mechanism behind it enables the hunter to have an excellent view of where the arrow is pointing. Since most people want to be as precise as possible when shooting a bow, the hunter is counting on getting a clean kill, and so he (or she) has to maximize accurate shooting from varying distances.

The same holds if you are simply shooting targets for fun or engaging in competitive archery.

In order to help you in select the right archer sight for your particular needs, we have compiled information about the different types and the features you need to look for.

“You wanna totally escape stress? Get a bow and arrow and go sit in a tree. Cleanse your soul.”

- Ted Nugent -

What Are the Benefits of Using a Bow Sight?

Yes, some old school archers successfully use compound bows without ever thinking of mounting a sight on it. Shooting bare bow also has its own rewards and challenges — intelligent guesswork, instinctive aiming, and experience always got the job done.

But, we must admit that even an excellent guess is likely to have human error. This is where a bow sight comes in. 

Using a Bow Sight for Hunting and Target Shooting will:

  • Reduce human error
  • Improve aim
  • Boost focus on a target
  • Improve accuracy
  • Allow for extended hunting in dim light conditions
  • Estimate trajectory at known distances
Video: Tips for Sighting in Your Bow [Pro Outsdoorsman AJ Gall]

Tutorial: The Best Way to Sight in Your Bow | Courtesy of Legendary Whitetails

Which is the Right Kind of Bow Sight to Use?

The answer to the question of which is the best sight for your bow ultimately comes down to a matter of personal preference and level of experience, as well as how you will be using your bow. 

The first decision you will have to make is what type of sight. Will it be a fixed, multi-pin sight or an adjustable single pin sight? Or, are you ready for a more advanced pendulum or competition 3D bow sight?

Let's look at the differences between these four types of sights.

Types of Bow Sights

Multi-Pin Bow Sights (Fixed Pin Sight)

Considered the most common among bowhunters, fixed pin bow sights come as add-ons for most compound bows. If you are keen, you’ve probably seen some at your local hunting club or archery. Fixed pin sights generally come with 3, 4, 5, or 6 pins in the sight, and they can be arranged to enable you to aim at the target at varying distances.


The topmost pin is used when aiming at a target at close range, say 10 yards away. The bottom is utilized when shooting longer distances, say 30 yards away. Unless you understand how to set them up in the shortest time possible, we recommend that you set each pin before heading out to the field


When setting up each pin, ensure you create three to five distances that are easy to remember. You can do this by using particular increments, though this will highly depend on the kind of hunting you are undertaking.


Even though they are fastened by tightening each pin, fixed pin sights can still be rearranged. In fact, there are instances where you will find yourself readjusting your pins in the field. This should be a simple process, especially if you are good at estimating unknown distances. 


Many archers choose multi-pin sights because they have an advantage with moving targets and/or for more close-range shooting. Because there is no adjusting needed during use, they are also allow you to "move around" less while on the hunt.

 

On the down side, many users dislike the "cluttered" field of view with multiple pins — especially for beginners.

Movable Pin Bow Sights (Single Pin Sight)

Single pin bow sights, also called movable or adjustable pin sights, or are recommended for intermediate and advanced bow hunters. Unlike the fixed pin sights, which provide 3 to 6 distance sets, single pin sights come with one pin. To arrange the pin for your shot, the whole housing unit will either move up or down.


You can adjust a movable pin sight in seconds. You just need to use the white tape across the end of the sight. This way, you will be able to mark the distance and use it when needed.

If you are just getting started, we recommend you make larger marks (like those found on a ruler) for normal distances of 5 or 10-yard increments. After that, you can create smaller marks for other distances (such as 8 yards, 14 yards, etc.).


There is no guessing with these sights — simply set it to the exact distance, aim, and then shoot. Plus you get an unobstructed field of view because there is only one pin to deal with.


On the downside, the fact that you will need to make adjustments for different distances, there may be a slower reaction time for quickly moving targets. And, with practice, you will learn to make those adjustments quiety so as not to spook your target.

Pendulum Sights (Tree Stand Bow Sights)

Every archer understands that there is a difference between shooting on a flat surface, elevated areas, and uneven terrain. Most bowhunters shoot at their targets from elevated areas, for instance, when perched on a hunting tower or tree stand. This kind of shooting requires a different kind of sight to compensate for the tough downhill shots.

Shooting from above gives you an upper hand as you can hover through the bushes and spot possible targets from a distance. You can also remove yourself from your prey’s line of sight. The problem, however, is that focusing and shooting downhill from odd angles can prove very difficult.


This is where pendulum sights come in.

Using pendulum sights in these kinds of situations will help you become more accurate almost immediately. However, you might have to make several trial shots to understand how these sights work completely. This is because pendulum sights sway backward or forward to compensate for the uneven angle. But, there’s a good side to this — since the sight sways, it readjusts itself to allow you to keep your aim on the target.

Note that pendulum sights are different from single and fixed sights, so take your time to understand them before using one. These are not recommended for beginners.

3D Target Sights (Competition Bow Sights)

The 3D target or competition sights are known to be the most accurate sights on the market, though their design is not for hunting, and they do not come cheap.


This elaborate device has some similarities with the movable-pin sights, though it also comes with a complex system of windage and elevation adjustments. These sights provide some of the most precise target shooting, but this is mainly because they are outright huge compared to others

You are not likely to see the target sights in the field as their high cost and size make them non-practical for the intermediate hunter. These sights are devised for use with other shooting devices (such as single pins or lasers) that can be attached to them for extreme accuracy. 

Things to Consider When Buying a Bow Sight

Though personal preference plays a major role in deciding which bow sight to buy, other factors will affect your buying decision. Here are some of them:

Budget

It's important to consider budget product deals every time you are out shopping, without compromising on the quality. Bow sights can be both expensive and inexpensive gadgets depending on which model you choose. Expert shooters are likely to spend more on the competition sights, while novices and intermediate shooters can get a fairly priced sight that still gets the work done.

You will pay more for well-known brands with high-quality materials and more bells and whistles. Also, consider the use of the bow, and how often you will be using it.

Usage

Whether you are into competition shooting, deer hunting, or just starting out on target and archery, each bow sight is designed for different needs. For instance, most hunters will go for fixed bow sights, though this is certainly not the bе-аll, еnd-аll. Go for features that will be beneficial in your kind of shooting activity.

Using a sight that is appropriate for your application will give you excellent results. If you are looking for an extreme long-range for instance, then a movable sight will be helpful.

Video: What Bow Sight Do I Use - Single Pin or Multi Pin?

Choosing a Bow Sight: Single Pin vs. Multi-Pin | Courtesy of Adventure One

Mounting Brackets

Mounting brackets are divided into two types: dovetail and fixed. While none of these brackets affect your shooting skill, they somehow lend some level of accessibility to your sight. Fixed brackets are the norm for most shooters as they don’t have a reason to take the sight off once it has been mounted.

Dovetail brackets are attached using a fixed plate, but they allow for quick and easy removal of the sight from its bracket. Competition and target shooters may find this beneficial and convenient.

Additional Features

Tool-less adjustments, built-in laser rangefinders, sight lights, interchangeable pin technology, and quick-connect systems are some of the features that may attract your eyes.

However, you must ask yourself if those features are really necessary as they are bound to drive up the cost. Sometimes it’s good to stick with simple features such as reversible mounting bracket for the left-handed shooters, a highly-visible shooter’s ring, and an upgrade in the quality of the building materials. 

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A Few Final Words...

Nothing clears a troubled mind like shooting a bow

“Nothing clears a troubled mind like shooting a bow.”

- Fred Bear -

All in all, archery continues to increase in popularity, and as such, more features and add-ons continue to be added to bow sights.

Regardless of how elegant a sight you go for, this activity requires one important thing that money can’t buy — the patience to keep practicing and fine-tuning your skill set.

If you need some guidance on how to set up your compound bow, Outdoor Life magazine put together this quick Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling an Accurate Bow. You can also check out this Arrow Tune Up and Maintenance Guide from Easton Archery.

Before we close up this guide, here are a few books and resources we thought you would enjoy — they all come highly recommended by the archery and hunting community.

Take care! And may your arrows always fly straight.

Featured image courtesy of Trophy Ridge


Tags

archery, bow hunting, hunting gear, target practice


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