Bow Sight: Types, Pins & Setup Explained

A bow sight is a device attached to a bow that gives archers a clear, consistent reference point for aiming. Mounted near the handle, it uses one or more pins — or a reticle — to help align each shot with the target more precisely. Whether you shoot recurve or compound, selecting the right sight architecture is one of the most impactful equipment decisions you'll make.

Types of Bow Sights

Single-Pin Bow Sights

A single-pin bow sight features one adjustable pin that the archer sets for a specific distance before drawing. Because only one pin appears in the sight picture, the view stays uncluttered — a strong choice for target archers and bowhunters who want an exact aiming reference at any range. Most single-pin models use a sight tape, a printed strip with distance markings calibrated to match a given arrow's weight and flight speed, covering distances from 10 to 100 yards.

Fixed Multi-Pin Sights

Fixed multi-pin sights carry several pins set at predetermined distances — often 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards — and then locked into place. Pins are typically color-coded and use fiber-optic strands to gather ambient light, creating a glowing reference point useful in low-light conditions. Common fiber-optic pin diameters are .010, .019, and .029 inches; a larger diameter is easier to see but covers more of the target. This style suits hunters who need fast reference across multiple ranges without pausing to adjust.

Adjustable Multi-Pin Sights

Adjustable sights combine multiple pins with independent windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) tuning. Some feature a magnifying lens housing rather than bare pins — an option used almost exclusively by target archers, where magnification also reveals any unsteadiness in the hold. USA Archery's Fixed Pins division specifies sights used without magnification, so check competition rules before selecting a sight with a lens.

Setup and Accuracy Considerations

Mounting a bow sight is only the first step. Proper leveling across all three axes is essential: the first axis prevents left/right drift as you slide the sight up or down; the second axis — the most important — levels the sight head and pins so they don't run diagonally at longer distances; and the third axis accounts for shooting uphill or downhill. A correctly calibrated bow sight level ensures the bubble reads true across all shot angles. Understanding how bow cant shifts arrow impact is equally important, since even a small tilt sends shots wide when using a sight. For the full picture on putting it all together, see our guide on aiming technique for recurve and compound archers.