Fixed Pin Sights: The Standard for Most Hunters
A fixed pin (multi-pin) sight has 3–7 individual aiming pins set to specific distances and locked in place. They don't move during the shot or between shots. This is the default choice for most bowhunters because it allows instant aiming at any pre-set distance without any adjustments.
How many pins? 3 pins (20–30–40 yds) covers 90%+ of eastern deer hunting. 5 pins (20–30–40–50–60 yds) adds range for western spot-and-stalk hunters. More than 5 pins creates visual clutter that can slow your decision-making during a shot opportunity.
Pin gap at longer ranges: At longer distances the gap between pins grows larger, requiring gap-shooting technique. Hunters who regularly shoot 40–50+ yards benefit from a single-pin movable or a wide-pin arrangement that provides more visible reference points.
| Pin Configuration | Best For | Distance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 3-pin (20/30/40) | Eastern timber, stands, under 40 yds | Excellent to 40, gap shoot to 50 |
| 5-pin (20/30/40/50/60) | Open country, spot-and-stalk, longer shots | Precise to 60 yds |
| 7-pin | Target 3D, long-range hunting setups | Precise to 70–80 yds |
Single-Pin Movable Sights: Precision at Any Distance
Single-pin slider sights have one aiming pin on a sliding track. You range your target, dial the pin to exact distance, and shoot with a clean, uncluttered sight picture. The trade-off: you must range before the shot and adjust the sight — takes a second or two extra.
Single-pin sights excel for: target archery, 3D shooting, spot-and-stalk hunting where you range during the stalk, and hunters who regularly shoot beyond 40 yards.
Single-pin sights are suboptimal for: fast-moving whitetail shots where a deer appears unexpectedly at unknown distance and you have 3 seconds to draw and shoot. Fixed pins are faster in that scenario.
Pendulum Sights: Designed for Tree Stands
A pendulum sight has a single pin that pivots on a hinge. As you tilt the bow downward (tree stand angle), the pin swings forward to automatically reduce the aim point, compensating for the reduced horizontal distance. Within its calibrated range (typically 0–35 yards), a pendulum sight eliminates the need to calculate angle compensation manually.
Best use case: Hunters who shoot from fixed stands at consistent heights with shots under 35 yards. Beyond 35 yards, pendulum compensation becomes inaccurate on most models. Not appropriate for ground hunting or shots at flat angles.
Fiber Optic vs LED Illuminated Pins
Fiber optic pins collect ambient light through a fiber optic strand and glow without batteries. Brighter in daylight and moderate low light. Performance degrades significantly in darkness. The most common pin type for hunting sights.
LED illuminated pins use a battery-powered LED to light the pins from behind. Consistent brightness in all light conditions including complete darkness. Require batteries. Some models have rheostat-adjustable brightness. Better for dawn/dusk hunting. Higher cost.
Best compromise: Many premium sights combine fiber optic collection with an optional LED backup — fibers work in normal conditions, LED activates for pre-dawn and post-dusk legal shooting times.
Sight Scopes and Magnification
Some bow sights incorporate a lens (1.8x–4x) in the housing for a clearer sight picture. Useful for hunters who shoot at precise distances beyond 40 yards. The lens also helps shooters with less-than-perfect vision. Legal for most tournament formats except traditional classes.
Considerations: A lens adds weight and can fog or scratch. Target archers often use 4–6x scopes on their sights. For hunting, a 1.8x–2x lens is the most practical addition — noticeable improvement without excessive weight or complexity.
Housing Size, Mount Type, and Construction
Housing diameter: 1.75" to 2" round housing is standard. Larger housing allows more complex pin configurations and lens options. Smaller housing is lighter and more compact for hunting.
Dovetail vs fixed mount: Most hunting sights mount via two-bolt or three-bolt mount directly to the bow's sight mounting holes. Some use a dovetail rail for tool-free adjustment. Tool-free adjustability is useful for making zero adjustments in the field.
Material: Aluminum machined housing is standard for quality sights. High-quality aluminum sights are lighter and more precise than polymer. Look for machined (CNC) vs cast — CNC aluminum is more consistent.
Top Bow Sight Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pins should a hunting bow sight have?
Three to five pins covers most bowhunting scenarios. A 3-pin setup at 20, 30, 40 yards handles 95% of whitetail shots. A 5-pin setup (20–60 yards) is preferred by spot-and-stalk hunters. More than 5 creates a cluttered sight picture that can slow decision-making in fast shot opportunities.
What is the advantage of a single-pin movable bow sight?
A single-pin slider allows one precise aiming point for any exact distance — no gap shooting between pins. At known distances it delivers the most precise aiming picture. The trade-off is it requires ranging your target before the shot and adjusting the sight — practical for target shooting and western stalk hunting but slower than multi-pin in fast whitetail situations.
What is a pendulum bow sight and when should I use one?
A pendulum sight has a single aiming point that swings on a pivot, automatically compensating for tree stand angles. As you tilt the bow downward, the pin swings to account for the reduced horizontal distance. Best for dedicated tree stand hunters shooting consistently under 35 yards.
Sources & Further Reading
- Bowhunter Magazine. "Bow Sight Reviews and Comparisons 2025." bowhunter.com
- HHA Sports. "Single Pin Sight Technology Guide." hhasports.com
- Lancaster Archery Supply. "Bow Sight Buying Guide." lancasterarchery.com
- Archery360. "How to Set Up a Bow Sight." archery360.com
- Black Gold Archery. "PhotoChromatic Technology Explained." blackgoldarchery.com
