Choosing an archery sight

Pick the hand orientation, pin arrangement, and pin size that let you see the target clearly and hold the bow naturally.

The short answer

An archery sight gives the archer repeatable aiming references

Draw hand and mount side

The listing’s hand/side field must match the bow’s draw hand so the sight mounts on the proper side of the riser and its adjustment controls remain usable.

Pin count and distance

Pin count tells you how many fixed distance references the sight provides. More pins can cover more marked distances, but they also put more material in the sight window.

Pin diameter and sight picture

Pin diameter affects how much of the target the aiming point covers. The right choice depends on the sight picture you can resolve in the light where you shoot.

Zero and pin settings

Mount the sight squarely, establish your zero, and record your settings. A sight does not stay zeroed just because the pin marks look unchanged.

What the listings actually show

The current catalog includes 639 sights from 36 brands. Most listings state draw-hand fit, and nearly every listing gives pin count and diameter.

Before you buy

Recheck mounting screws and zero after travel.