Recurve Bow Sights: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

A recurve bow sight is a crucial accessory when bowhunting as it will help you aim better. However, before purchasing a bow sight, it is critical to determine if it is really a sight that you need or another underlying problem.

Sometimes it may be that your stance is not right. In this case, a recurve bow sight may not be of much assistance to you. You will need more practice or different techniques to achieve your goal. However, if you are sure you need a bow sight, then you should consider some of the things that I have outlined below.

Determining the Right Recurve Bow Sight

Before you make the big sale, consider the type of sight you need to buy and the best model for your needs. There are three basic types of bow sights available in the market today. These are the open ring, the pin sights, and the target sights.

The Open Ring

This bow sight has an open ring. Here, you line up your target in a way that you can visualize it in the middle of that ring. It is very reliable, cheap and gives you value for your money.

However, it is best for short-range targets as opposed to far-range targets. When there is a considerable distance between you and the target, you may not be able to focus on it as required through the ring.

Some sights have, over time, addressed this problem.

Target Sights

The target sights are the most advanced and, consequently, the most expensive in this field. They facilitate both windage and vertical adjustments.

Bow hunters also combine them with other types of sights to achieve ultimate accuracy. It is worth noting that you have to be experienced and possess exceptional skills to be able to use these recurve bow sights. Other than that, they are great and give the shooter the ultimate experience.

The Pin Sight

The pin sight is comfortable and has a fundamental design that facilitates easy manipulation for the handler. Errors on pin sights are almost non-existent. When purchasing one, all you might need to consider is its durability and the price range, and you are good to go.

Single Pin and Multiple Pin Sights

The single pin sight is suitable when aiming at static targets at a fixed range from the shooter. On the other hand, the multi-pin sight is better suited for targets in motion. It enables one to select the ideal pin for a specific distance at a given time. 

You will need to set the pin for the average range you intend to shoot on a multi-pin sight. Typically, one should be for longer shots, and one for a shorter range.

However, you should note that a pin sight that is compatible with a wooden bow is difficult to find. Sights for metal risers are more readily available. Altogether, you may need to drill holes on your wooden bow to enable inserts to be fitted whenever you require a sight to be attached.

What to Expect from Recurve Bow Sights

Recurve Bow Sights feature a range of characteristics that enhance their productivity.

• They are adjustable and easy to manipulate.
• The sights are lightweight hence easy on the shooter’s arm.
• They are resilient to the roughness of the shot.
• There is the availability of a wide variety of apertures and sighting pins. These enhance proper and efficient aiming.  
• The sights at the entry-level are great and feature most of the advantages of the sights that are more expensive.
• Sights that are ranked in the middle and top-end levels provide the shooter with better calibration and accurate engineering.
• Since they are made with Carbon, they are a little lighter and stiffer. 

How to Adjust Your Recurve Bow Sights

A sight is a significant part of your equipment when you are using a recurve bow. Every sight is different from the next, but all have some similar characteristics or components

Typically, a recurve bow sight comprises four parts. These are the riser mount which may include a knob, the vertical sight bar, the horizontal extension bar and the scope. The key function of the riser mount is to hold the one side of the horizontal extension bar. The vertical bar is attached to one end of the horizontal extension bar and has the scope on its other end. The vertical sidebar is attached to the scope using thumb screws that also adjust the scope depending on the distance of the target.

Sights usually have three knobs used to adjust the horizontal extension bar, the scope’s height and also the location of the scope.  There is the availability of the last two, usually in large and even micro-adjustments. When adjusting your sight, always apply the simple rule of following the arrow at all times.  

Steps to Follow

To change the length of the horizontal extension bar, loosen the knob and move it to the extent you need then fasten the knob again to hold it tightly. Use the marks available on the bar to determine the extent you want to set.

To adjust the location of the scope vertically, loosen the screw fastener and press on the thumb lever to move it to any distance. You can also manipulate the micro knob to make small adjustments. When you are done to the level you want it, secure the screw fastener back by tightening it.

Whenever you need to adjust the scope either to the left or right, you will need to loosen the screw and turn the scope either inward or outward when the change is significant or turn the tension knob for small adjustments. Always remember to secure the screw fastener back to avoid unintended movements.  

Finally, confirm the accuracy of your adjustments by shooting some arrows. When satisfied, make your recordings of the range of the sight marks. This is usually on the vertical sight bar. As you prove your skill, you may decide to upgrade your equipment to give better results. There is an old trick used by beginners to prevent permanent damage on their sight. Place a white strip of tape on the sight marks and mark your recordings on it. 

Types of Recurve Bow Sights

Traditional Recurve Bow Sights

Most experienced hunters today prefer the traditional recurve bow sights for the ultimate experience. The thrill and satisfaction with the knowledge that you aimed and hit the target without too many accessories is the real prize. Since many shooters just do it for fun, it is fair to mention that most do not incorporate the hunting sights. Aiming a recurve bow without sights is a difficult task but can be mastered with enough practice. 

However, it is worth noting that bow sights will spare you the energy and headache of missing target after target as a beginner. 

Olympic Recurve Bow Sights

Olympic recurve bow sights have some rules that have to be applied when accessorizing them. You cannot install a lever or zoom lens. The required depth of your sight is dictated to be no more than 2cm deep. Only a single sight is allowed to be mounted on the bow. It is, however, legal to use an optic fiber.

When purchasing an Olympic recurve sight, its legality is guaranteed. Do not push the rules else you get yourself in trouble with the authorities. Keenly go through all the rules to avoid possible run ins with the authorities.  

The Best Recurve Bow Sights

Axcel Achieve XP Recurve Sight

The Axcel Achieve XP Recurve Sight is a more recent accessory that is more advanced and stronger than any other available today.  It features a carbon bar developed two times stronger, adding to its dense layers of Carbon. It also has an inbuilt tension adjustment which firmly holds the sight pin onto the target, allowing quicker successive shots.

Features:

Ultra-High Modulus Extension Bar.

The high modulus bar is close to twice stronger than all the other sights in the market today.  The extension bar is made of layered Carbon which enhances extra torso rigidity and provides additional strength.

Wedge Lock Knob Features that Mount on the Bracket.

The mount is more reliable than any other in the market today.  The function of this wedge lock is to secure your sight on a larger surface area of the sight bar.  

An In-Built Tension Adjustment Feature.

Its tension adjustment tightly clasps the target so that the safety pin does not slide off its mark. This allows several and quicker successive shots. 

Higher Windage Lead Screw.

The Increased and more developed adjustment for its windage level is provided by a 10-32 inch screw. This is an improved version of the standard model, which is lower and weaker in performance.

An Increased Diameter Windage and Additional Elevation Knobs. 

The elevation knobs feature on and off click dials that lock tightly. These prevent the occurrence of any unintended movement adjustment. They are also simple and easy to operate hence increasing the overall functionality. 

It Features Thinner, Weight-Reducing Model of the Elevation Rail.

The sights conveniently features a thinner and lighter elevation rail model which is excellent for an improved compound bow sight from the company, Axcel.

A New and More Recent Recurve Sleeve Lock Aperture Block. 

This feature is included in all the recurve models. The sleeve-lock block enables and facilitates adjustment of scope using a single screw for the pin. 

Pros 

• Its carbon material enhances durability.
• It features a higher windage lead screw. 
• Its adjustment knobs have the ability to prevent unintended movement. 
• It is uncomplicated and easy to manipulate. 

Cons

• It is expensive.

TOPOINT ARCHERY 3 Pin Bow Sight

This bow sight works perfectly with both recurve and compound bows during bowhunting expeditions and competitions. You can be sure that this bow sight won’t disappoint during a tournament.

Features

Designed for Competition Models of Recurve Bows. 

The TOPOINT ARCHERY 3 Pin Bow Sight has been made explicitly for archery competitions. They feature characteristics for their optimization in achieving the shooter’s goals.

Has the Capacity to Adjust the Tension of its Elevation Adjustments. 

 It can sufficiently change the tension level of the elevation adjustments. This feature makes it an exceptional accessory and a recommended sight for your Olympic bow. 

Made of Carbon and Aluminum.

It is made using Carbon and aluminum, materials that are very hard. Their rigidity ensures the durability of the product. It is also able to endure harsh weather and rough conditions.  

A Long Extension Bar.  

This recurve bow sight features an extension bar of 9 inches. This is undoubtedly useful for Olympians as it improves the target range and generally leads to more accurate shots.

Pros

• It is long-lasting and durable.
• Can be used by both the left and right-handed.

Cons

• It is on the expensive side.

OMP Adventure Recurve Bow Sight

The OMP Adventure Recurve bow sight is designed to satisfy the archer’s accuracy needs efficiently.  It is lightweight, a feature that makes it easy for the user to use it without being too fatigued. 

Features

Mounting Screws

It has stainless steel mounting screws. Usually, they are sold in a pack of five. They are used for mounting sights and sight brackets.  

It Features an Elevation Bar of 5.5 Inches Length. 

The Adventure Recurve sight has an adjustable length of 5.5 inches. It additionally features a flexible extension of four inches.

Universal Mounting.

The universal mounting is built to cater for a variety of functions. It can also be used by both left and right-handed archers, making it a convenient recurve sight.

Pros

• This is among the most affordable sights in the market today.
• It is durable.
• The sight is convenient to use at it is  lightweight 
• It caters for both right and left-handed people.

FAQs

Are Sights Specific to Bow Models?

A lot of sights available in the market today are standard. Any bow sight is likely to be compatible and can work in whichever bow you mount it on.

Which Tools Do I Require to Adjust My Bow Sight?

Most bow sights models are designed easy to adjust; hence do not need any adjustment tools. However, you may require an Allen wrench to make adjustments on some models.

Is It Possible or Necessary to Install a Peep Sight on a Recurve Bow?

A peep sight is a tiny ring with the shape of a doughnut that is mounted on the string of a bow.  Unlike the compound archers, peep sights are not necessary on recurve bows.