How to Sight in a Bow

Step #1: Establish Your 20-Yard Baseline

No matter the type of sight, you always want to start with the 20-yard baseline.

• Move out to 20 yards from your target.

• Fire an arrow grouping using your top pin (or single pin), aiming at the center of the target. To avoid human error, always shoot 3 to 4 arrows rather than a single arrow when making adjustments.

• Move your entire sight housing accordingly using the "chase your arrow" tip until you hit the center.

• Once your left-and-right aim (windage) is perfect at 20 yards, lock that axis down. Sighting in your other yards will mainly require adjusting for elevation (up and down).

Step #2: Adjust Based on Sight Type

The next steps differ depending on whether you have a fixed multi-pin sight or a sliding adjustable sight.

Sighting-In a Fixed Multi-Pin Sight

• Your top pin should be zeroed in at 20 yards.

• Move back to 30 yards.

• Using an Allen wrench, loosen the second pin and manually micro-adjust it up or down until you hit the center at 30 yards. Do not move the housing.

• Continue this process at 40 yards for your third pin and so on depending on how many pins are in your sight housing.

Sighting-in a Sliding (Adjustable) Sight

If you are using an adjustable single-pin or multi-pin slider, you'll use a sight tape.

• Your top pin should be zeroed in at 20 yards. Mark that exact spot on a blank, temporary piece of masking tape that's attached to your sight.

• Step back to 60 yards (or 40 yards if your bow setup is slower). Dial the sight down until you are hitting dead-center at that long distance and make another mark.

• Measure the exact distance between your 20-yard mark and your farthest mark.

• Match that measurement to a pre-printed manufacturer sight tape (which calculates your arrow's specific ballistic arc) and stick it on your sight. 

• Shoot at a few intermediate ranges to ensure the tape is aligned correctly.

Step #3: Align Your Peep Sight

Many archers use a peep sight, a small hollow circle installed in the bowstring, to keep a more consistent aim.

• Attach your peep sight.

• Put an arrow on the string and draw to your anchor point.

• Using small adjustments, align the peep sight with your eye and the sight pins when the bow is at draw.

Expert Tip | Your bowstring will stretch and settle as you use it over the first few days, which will change the peep sight's alignment. Once the string stabilizes, your peep sight will stay in place.

Expert Tips for Sighting in Your Bow

• Alternate pin colors: To avoid accidentally launching an arrow at a 30-yard target using your 40-yard pin, alternate your pin colors. Most manufacturers do this standard, with green, yellow, and red being the most common.

• Practice across multiple sessions: Your form can change day-to-day, causing small variations in your aim. Extend your sight-in process across a few days so you can make micro-adjustments as you settle into a consistent shot.

• Get your bow professionally tuned: If you want to make the sighting-in process much easier, SCHEELS bow technicians can tune and pre-sight your bow, as well as install components like pin sights or peep sights. Contact your local SCHEELS for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sighing in a Bow

Having a properly sighted in bow is important for a successful hunt. If you have any questions about the process or need assistance, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with an Archery Expert.