You’ve taken your shot, watched the arrow fly, and felt that sinking feeling as it thuds into the target a few inches low. It’s a common frustration for archers of all levels, but the good news is that it’s often one of the easiest problems to fix. The solution almost always lies in a simple adjustment to your bow sight. Knowing how to adjust bow sight if shooting low: a step-by-step process is a fundamental skill that will get your groups back in the bullseye quickly and build your confidence on the range.
Before you start twisting knobs, it’s important to remember a golden rule of sight adjustment: chase your arrow with your sight pin. If your arrows are consistently grouping low, you need to move your sight pin in the direction of that group—which is down. This might feel counterintuitive at first, but it makes perfect sense. By moving the pin down, you are effectively telling your bow to aim higher to compensate for the low impact point. Let’s walk through the reliable process to get you dialed in.
The Essential Tools and Setup
Before making any adjustments, you’ll need a few things. First, a reliable backstop and target are non-negotiable. You’ll also want a pen and paper or a notes app on your phone to track your adjustments. Most importantly, you’ll need the correct tool for your specific sight, usually a small Allen wrench or hex key. It’s also wise to ensure your bow is properly set up and that your form is consistent, as no amount of sight adjustment can fix fundamental technique issues.
How to Adjust Bow Sight if Shooting Low: A Step-by-Step Process
This is the core process that will correct your point of impact. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll see immediate improvement.
Step 1: Confirm the Problem with a Group
Don’t adjust your sight based on a single arrow. Shoot a tight group of three to five arrows from a comfortable distance, like 20 yards. This group’s center is your true point of impact. If it’s consistently low, you’ve confirmed the issue.
Step 2: Locate the Correct Adjustment Knob
Look at your sight housing. You will typically find two adjustment knobs: one for elevation (up and down) and one for windage (left and right). The elevation knob is usually on the top or side of the sight bar and is often marked with an “U” and “D” or an “Up” and “Down” arrow.
Step 3: Loosen the Locking Screw (If Present)
Many sights have a small locking screw that prevents the adjustment knob from moving accidentally. Before you can turn the main knob, you may need to loosen this lock slightly using your Allen wrench. Do not remove it completely; just loosen it enough to allow the main knob to turn.
Step 4: Move the Pin in the Direction of Your Arrow Group
Remember the rule: chase your arrow. Since your arrows are hitting low, you will move your sight pin down. To do this, you will turn the elevation knob in the direction that lowers the pin. This is often counter-clockwise, but it’s best to consult your sight’s manual. As you turn the knob, you will see the entire sight housing move down.
Step 5: Make Small, Measured Adjustments
Sight adjustments are measured in “clicks.” Each click typically moves the point of impact a specific distance at a given range (e.g., 1/4 inch at 20 yards). Start by making a small adjustment, such as 4-6 clicks down. Make a note of how many clicks you moved it.
Step 6: Re-tighten and Test
Once you’ve made your adjustment, re-tighten the locking screw (if you loosened one). Go back to your shooting line and fire another group of three to five arrows. Observe where this new group lands.
Step 7: Repeat Until Perfect
Your new group will likely be higher. If it’s still low, repeat the process, making another small adjustment down. If you’ve over-corrected and the group is now high, simply reverse the process and move the pin up a few clicks. This iterative process of shoot-adjust-shoot is the key to precise sight tuning.
Common Reasons You Might Still Be Shooting Low
If you’ve followed the steps and your arrows are still hitting low, other factors could be at play. Peep sight alignment is a common culprit; if your peep isn’t centered in your sight housing, it can cause consistent aiming errors. Another possibility is your form, specifically “punching” the trigger or dropping your bow arm at the moment of release. A inconsistent anchor point can also throw your shots low. It’s always worth having a seasoned archer or coach watch your form if mechanical adjustments aren’t solving the problem.
Keeping Your Sight in Tune
Once you have your sight perfectly adjusted, make a habit of checking it before each shooting session. Ensure all locking screws are snug, but avoid over-tightening. Periodically clean the moving parts of your sight to ensure smooth adjustments for years to come. Taking good care of your equipment means it will take good care of your scores.
Correcting a low shot doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By methodically following the “chase your arrow” rule and making small, measured adjustments to your sight pin, you can quickly bring your point of impact right where you want it. This process builds a deeper connection with your equipment and reinforces the importance of patience and consistency in archery. Now, get out there, make those adjustments, and watch your arrows find their mark.