Improve your target shooting with a bow by using a properly installed sight that's best suited for your vision needs.
There are two ways archers can shoot a bow. Traditional shooters rely on instinct. They pull back their bows and use only their eyes to aim and shoot. Most archers are modern target shooters or hunters who rely on a target sight, a device that bolts to the riser of the bow to enhance accuracy.
Shooters using a target sight have this added to their bow; it is not standard equipment on the majority of new bows. An archery professional can install a peep in your string about 6 inches above the knocking point of your arrow. (It's not hard to learn to do this yourself after you've seen it properly installed a few times.) The holes on peep sights come in three sizes. Small holes are 1/32 inches in diameter, while medium holes are 1/16 inches and large holes have 1/8 inch diameters. These are the holes an archer looks through to see his or her target sight when his or her bow is at full draw. In this case, smaller is better.
It's very important to select a round sight and not an octagon, rectangle, or square shaped sight. When looking through this round hole, shooters should see only the external rim around the sight.
The target sight contains rows of optic fibers. Most people can see the green or yellow optic fibers easier than the red or orange fibers. But it's important to check to make sure what colors work best for you before finalizing your purchase. Often these fibers are alternating green, red, and yellow. The top pin is used for close yardage while the bottom pin is for the most distant yardage. Many sights have four rows of fibers which, top to bottom, are for shooting at 20 yards, 30 yards, 40 yards, and 50 yards.
Another important factor is selecting a sight with optic fibers wound on a spool. That's because they gather more light and are easier to see in adverse conditions such as rain or poor lighting. The more optic fibers that are wound around the spool, the higher the cost of the target sight.
Magnifying lens are another sight option. Just as with binoculars or telescopes, better quality most often means a higher price. Top quality lens have more layers, or coatings, to eliminate glare. Lens are available in five powers: 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 6X. Be sure to check out several sizes of lens in a shop or on a friend's bow to make sure you select the best size for your vision needs.
Target sights usually cost between $60 to $150. Usually plastic sights are less expensive than metal sights, but most often they are not as durable. The most expensive lens can run up to $100. It's advisable to buy the best sight and lens that you can. Under normal use, they will give you years of service. The sight you purchase now can be removed from your current bow and added to an upgraded bow in future years. There are many well known brands, including Toxonics, Tru Glo, and Vital Bow Gear.
If you want accurate shots, it's worth every penny to buy
(1) an optic fiber wound sight
(2) with a round casing or housing,
(3) a round peep hole that's properly sized so you only see the outside radius of your sight,
(4) and a magnifying lens that best suits your vision needs.
