We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Mastering the art of sighting in a crossbow scope is essential for any serious archer. With a properly sighted scope, you’ll achieve consistent accuracy and precision, whether you’re hunting game or competing in target shooting events. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best way to sight in a crossbow, discussing different types of crossbow scopes, essential equipment, and a step-by-step process for sighting in your scope, as well as field adjustments, maintenance, and storage tips. Are you ready to become a more accurate and confident archer? Let’s dive in!
Short Summary
Multi-reticle scopes provide precise shooting with automatic alignment and should be matched to the rated FPS of a crossbow.
Red dot scopes offer quick target acquisition but may require extra adjustments in bright sunlight.
Speed Dial scopes are adjustable for various bolt speeds, providing accurate shooting performance regardless of bolt weight.
Understanding Different Types of Crossbow Scopes
There are three primary types of crossbow scopes: multi-reticle, red dot, and speed dial. Each type has unique features that impact the sighting-in process. Understanding the differences between these scopes is crucial for accurate shooting and making the appropriate adjustments.
Multi-Reticle Scopes
Multi-reticle scopes, including a drop compensating reticle scope, are equipped with multiple crosshairs for different distances, allowing for precise shooting at various ranges. The additional dots and reticles enable automatic alignment for their respective distances once the top dot or reticle is correctly aligned for hitting targets from the 20-yard distance.
It is essential to match the rated FPS (foot per second) of your crossbow to your multi-reticle scope for optimal accuracy. A margin of 7 FPS, plus or minus, is acceptable, and most crossbow scopes that come with a scope are already set up correctly. However, it is always recommended to double-check before making a purchase.
Red Dot Scopes
Red dots, often used by the arrow group community, utilize illuminated dots for targeting purposes, acting as an arrow point. They offer a broad field of view and rapid target acquisition, making them ideal for quick shots in fast-paced situations. In contrast, a variable power scope provides adjustable magnification for more precise shots at varying distances.
However, red dots can be challenging to observe in bright sunlight due to the visibility of the illuminated dots. It is essential to adjust the red dot scope according to the same arrow for all the arrows used during the sighting in process.
Speed Dial Scopes
Speed dial crossbow scope is an adjustable scope designed to accommodate different bolt speeds of various crossbows, ensuring accurate shooting performance regardless of the bolt weight. To determine the arrow speed for a crossbow, consult the manufacturer’s catalog or use a chronograph to measure the arrow’s speed.
The main difference between a speed dial and other scopes is its ability to adjust the scope’s speed dial to match the speed of your bolt. This adaptability allows for accurate shooting even when using different arrows with varying bolt speeds.
Essential Equipment for Sighting In Your Crossbow Scope
To sight in your crossbow scope, you’ll need some essential equipment, including the crossbow, bolts, scope, rangefinder, and foam target. Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in the sighting-in process and contributes to achieving consistent precision with your crossbow.
The crossbow is the primary component, launching the bolts, which should be tailored to the type of crossbow being used. The scope, paired with the crossbow type, assists in accurate aiming. A rangefinder measures the distance to the target, aiding in scope distance adjustments. Lastly, a foam target provides a secure and resilient target for the bolts.
Familiarize yourself with each piece of equipment and read their instructions before using them in the field.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sighting In Your Crossbow Scope
Sighting in your crossbow scope is a step-by-step process that involves setting up your target, adjusting windage and elevation, and testing and fine-tuning your scope for optimal accuracy. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your scope is sighted correctly and ready for consistent, precise shooting.
Setting up your target is the first step in the process. You’ll need to make a decision.
Setting Up Your Target
To properly set up your target, first, ensure that it is suitable for crossbow use and rated for the arrow speed. A standard foam target is suggested for sighting in a crossbow scope. Position the target at the appropriate distance (typically 20 yards) and mark it for easy identification during the sighting-in process.
You can create a cross on the front of the target using colored masking tape to help with visibility.
Adjusting Windage and Elevation
After setting up your target, you’ll need to adjust the windage and elevation knobs on your scope to accurately align with your target. Windage refers to the horizontal orientation, while elevation refers to the vertical orientation. Each click of the windage adjustment is equal to 1/20th of an inch, and each click on the elevation/windage knobs is 1/4 inch at 100 yards.
Start by shooting three arrows at the bull’s eye from the 20-yard distance. Assess the accuracy of the shots and make the necessary adjustments to the windage and elevation knobs until the shots are consistently hitting the target.
Testing and Fine-Tuning Your Scope
Once you’ve made your windage and elevation adjustments, it’s essential to test your scope’s accuracy at various distances. Shoot a few arrows at targets placed at different distances and analyze the grouping of the arrows on the target. If the accuracy is not as expected, recheck the sight at 20 yards and make any necessary adjustments.
Repeat this process until your scope is accurately sighted in and your shots are consistently hitting the target at the respective distances.
Field Adjustments for Crossbow Scope
In addition to sighting in your crossbow scope, it’s crucial to understand field adjustments. Field adjustments involve using the windage and elevation adjustment knobs on the scope to accurately adjust the point of impact of the arrow during hunting or target shooting. These adjustments account for changing conditions, such as wind and shooting angles.
By making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your arrow will hit the target with precision.
Windage Field Adjustments
Adjusting windage in the field is essential for accurate shooting in windy conditions. To make windage field adjustments on a scope, rotate the windage adjustment knob clockwise to shift the reticle right and counterclockwise to shift it left. Each click typically corresponds to a 1/4 or 1/2 MOA adjustment.
It is important to remember that the windage adjustment knob and the elevation adjustment knob are not the same; they are two different types of variable power scope adjustment knobs.
Elevation Field Adjustments
Elevation field adjustments are necessary to account for shooting angles, especially when hunting from an elevated position such as a tree stand. To adjust the elevation field, turn the elevation knob on the scope, modifying the vertical aiming point of the crossbow.
Testing the scope by shooting at a target from various distances and angles can help to fine-tune it, ensuring that it is properly sighted in.
Maintaining and Storing Your Crossbow Scope
To ensure your scope remains sighted in and ready for use, it’s important to maintain and store it properly. Regular maintenance and proper storage techniques will prolong the life and performance of your crossbow scope.
Clean the lenses of your scope with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure to make sure.
Regularly Check Your Scope’s Zero
Checking your scope’s zero regularly is crucial for consistent accuracy. Before each hunting season or target shooting session, verify the zero of your scope by setting up a target at a known distance and firing a few shots at the target. Assess the accuracy of the shots and adjust the scope’s zero accordingly, if necessary.
This is an important step to ensure that your scope is properly calibrated and that you are able to use it.
Proper Storage Techniques
Proper storage of your scope is essential for preserving its accuracy and performance. Store the scope in a cool, dry place, preferably in a case, to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity. Protect the scope from dust and moisture by keeping it in a protective case or dust-proof container.
Before storing, ensure that the scope lenses and lens covers are properly cleaned.
In conclusion, properly sighting in your crossbow scope is crucial for achieving consistent accuracy and precision in hunting and target shooting. Understanding the different types of scopes, essential equipment, the step-by-step sighting-in process, and field adjustments and maintenance will greatly improve your archery skills. By dedicating time and effort to mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more accurate and confident archer.
