How to Sight in a Crossbow Scope

For hunting enthusiasts and sport shooters, accurately sighting in your crossbow scope is crucial for improving your shooting precision. Our Experts offer instructions on how to properly align your crossbow scope for the best results. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, follow these steps to enhance your crossbow accuracy.

Understanding the Sighting Process

The process of sighting in your crossbow involves aligning your crossbow scope to ensure that your arrow, or bolt, hits the intended target. This involves making elevation (up-and-down aim) and windage (left-to-right aim) adjustments so that the crosshair or reticle aligns with the bullseye from your chosen shooting distance.

Step-by-Step Sighting Procedure

Follow these steps to sight in your crossbow scope:

Mount Your Scope Properly: Ensure that your crossbow scope is securely mounted and aligned correctly. This forms the foundation for accurate sighting.
Choose the Right Distance: Begin sighting in at a short distance of around 10 yards to ensure you're on target before moving farther away.
Utilize a Stable Shooting Position: Use a bench rest or shooting sticks for stability. This reduces user error and helps in achieving precise adjustments.
Fire an Initial Few Shots: Shoot an initial bolt to see where it lands. Note the point of impact relative to the crosshair. Then shoot a second and third bolt from the same distance; they should form a tight grouping.
Make Adjustments: Adjust your scope using the turret knobs. If your shots hit high, use the elevation reticle to adjust downward; if they hit left, adjust the windage right, and vice versa. Shoot three more bolts to test the adjustments.
Repeat and Refine: Continue shooting and adjusting until your bolts consistently hit the bullseye.
Move Back to Zero: Once satisfied at close range, gradually move back to your intended zero distance, commonly 20, 30, or 40 yards, and repeat the adjustments as necessary.

FAQs for Sighting In a Crossbow

The following are questions we frequently hear about the crossbow sighting process. Consider these important questions and their answers to ensure an optimal setup:

Should You Sight Your Crossbow In with Broadheads?

We recommend sighting in with field points before confirming accuracy with broadheads, as they may fly differently due to their shape. Ensure you use the same weight and type that you will be hunting with for consistency.

Do You Chase the Arrow When Sighting-In a Crossbow Scope?

When adjusting with a pin sight, yes, chase the arrow; move the pin in the same direction your arrow landed relative to the center of the target. However, most crossbows use a scope, in which case you make your adjustments toward the direction you want your point of impact to move.

What Distance Should I Zero My Crossbow Scope?

This can depend on your typical shooting range. Generally, sight in around 20 yards, but most crossbows are effective from 20 to 50 yards.

How Many Clicks to Adjust a Crossbow Scope?

The total clicks vary by scope, but each click typically adjusts your point of impact by a fraction of an inch at a given distance (often valued around 1/4 or 1/2 MOA at 100 yards). The closer you are to the target, the more clicks it will take to achieve the same adjustment.

How Can I Achieve Better Stability When Sighting-In a Crossbow?

Using a bench rest, shooting sticks, or sandbags will provide more stability, minimizing human error during sighting.

How Much Does a Crossbow Drop at 50 Yards?

Crossbow bolts typically drop significantly at 50 yards. The amount of drop can vary depending on bolt speed and weight, but it’s often a foot or more.

Why Is My Crossbow Not Accurate?

Several factors can affect accuracy, such as poorly maintained equipment, incorrectly sighted scopes, inconsistent bolt use, or user error.

What Do the Dots on a Crossbow Scope Mean?

Dots or lines in the scope, known as a reticle, represent different distances. Once sighted in, each mark corresponds to a specific yardage.

SHOP CROSSBOW EQUIPMENT

Mastering the art of sighting in a crossbow scope is an invaluable skill for any archery enthusiast. Remember to adjust patiently, maintain consistent shooting practices, practice proper maintenance of your crossbow and scope, and always account for distance and environmental factors. With practice, you’ll find the perfect alignment that ensures each shot counts. For more information or personalized assistance with your crossbow setup, visit your local SCHEELS to speak with an Archery Expert.