Sights & Scopes

Fixed-pin sights use multiple preset pins for specific yardages, making them ideal for quick shots at common hunting distances. Slider sights, on the other hand, allow you to adjust a single pin (or a few pins) for exact yardage on the fly, offering more precision at longer ranges. Your choice depends on whether you value speed and simplicity or versatility and accuracy.

Three to five pins is common for hunters, as it covers most practical yardages without creating a cluttered sight picture. Western hunters who regularly take longer shots may prefer fewer pins with a slider option, while whitetail hunters in dense cover often favor more pins for quick adjustments at close range.

Scope-style sights (often used in competitive archery or with magnifiers) provide a clear, magnified view of the target and allow for highly precise aiming. They’re usually paired with lenses, reticles, or fiber optics that enhance low-light performance and accuracy — though they’re more commonly used for target archery than bowhunting.

Single-pin sights are great if you prefer an uncluttered sight picture and shoot in more open terrain where you can range, dial, and shoot. They’re less ideal for fast-paced situations, like when game may change distance quickly, unless you’re very comfortable estimating holdovers.

Key factors include durability, weight, pin brightness, adjustment system (tool-less or not), and whether you need micro-adjustments for fine-tuning. Look for features like 2nd and 3rd axis leveling if you hunt steep country, as these help maintain accuracy on angled shots.

Most sights and scopes are designed to be universal and will fit standard bow riser mounting holes. However, accessories like quivers or stabilizers may affect clearance, so always check compatibility before purchasing.

Sight tapes are pre-marked adhesive strips used on adjustable slider sights. Once your bow is tuned and sighted in at known distances, you match the sight tape to your arrow speed. This allows you to dial precise yardages in the field, making long-distance shooting more accurate.

Smaller pin sizes (like .010) allow for more precise aiming at long distances but can be harder to see in low light. Larger pins (like .019 or .029) are brighter and easier to see but can obscure smaller targets. Many hunters use .019 as a versatile middle ground.