How to Sight in a Compound Bow 3 Pin: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Updated November 2026

Sighting in a compound bow with a 3 pin sight means adjusting three fixed pins so each one hits a known distance accurately. Once you finish, you will have a 20, 30 and 40 yard setting you can trust, plus a quick way to recheck your zero before the season. The process takes one range session if your bow is already tuned and your arrows are matched to it.

Before You Start: Check Your Bow and Setup

A sight cannot fix a bow that shoots poorly. Confirm that your bow is tuned, your arrows are spined correctly, and your peep and nock point are set before you touch the pins. If you are still building your arrow setup, the guide on Archery Bow Arrows Set Guide: How to Choose the Right Setup covers how to match components to your draw weight.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Lancaster Archery Made to Order Arrows Compared for Every Bow.

• Bow tuned with paper tear or bare shaft test
• Peep sight set so your anchor is consistent
• Arrows of identical length and weight
• Target set up at a known, measured distance
• Stable shooting bench or stool, plus a rest or tripod if you use one

How to Sight In Each Pin, Step by Step

Start with your top pin, which is usually set for your longest distance. Shoot a three-arrow group from 20 yards, using the same anchor and release every time. Adjust only one pin at a time, and write down each change so you can reverse it if needed.

1. Set the sight to the top pin and shoot three arrows at 20 yards.
2. Measure the group center relative to the bullseye. If it is high, lower the pin; if low, raise it.
3. Repeat until three arrows land within a group about the size of a tennis ball.
4. Move to 30 yards and adjust the middle pin using the same process.
5. Move to 40 yards (or your maximum practical distance) and adjust the bottom pin.
6. Shoot a final round of three arrows at each distance to confirm the settings hold.

Making Adjustments Accurately

Most sight pins adjust with a small Allen wrench or screw. Turning the adjustment screw clockwise typically moves the pin toward the bottom of the target, though this varies by brand, so test with a single arrow first. Make small changes, usually a quarter turn at a time, and shoot a fresh group after each one.

Checking Your Groups and Pin Settings

Use the table below as a quick reference while you work through each distance.

Distance	Pin Position	Target Result
20 yards	Top pin	Group centered within 2 inches of aim point
30 yards	Middle pin	Group centered within 2 inches of aim point
40 yards	Bottom pin	Group centered within 3 inches of aim point

If your groups scatter instead of clustering, the problem is usually form, not the sight. Focus on a steady anchor and a clean release before making more pin changes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adjusting more than one pin at a time, which makes it hard to tell what changed.
• Shooting at inconsistent distances because the target was not measured.
• Chasing a single good arrow instead of reading the full three-arrow group.
• Skipping the bow tune, then blaming the sight for erratic arrows.
• Forgetting to recheck the sight after changing arrows, string or draw length.

Recommended Gear

A stable shooting setup makes group reading much easier, so a bag target or a practice target with a clear aim point helps you judge each change. A bow press or a set of bow sight tools can also make adjustments quicker and more precise. Browse options here:

• Bag target for stable backstops: View on Amazon
• Allen wrench set for sight adjustments: View on Amazon

FAQ

How far should I sight in a 3 pin sight?

Most hunters set pins at 20, 30 and 40 yards, since those distances cover common shot ranges. Choose distances that match where you realistically expect to shoot.

How many arrows should I shoot per pin adjustment?

Shoot three arrows after each change to see a group rather than a single shot. This gives you a clearer picture of where the pin is actually hitting.

Do I need to resight after changing arrows?

Yes. Different arrow weights and lengths change arrow flight, so recheck all three pins after switching setups. Consult a qualified archery shop or coach if you are unsure how changes will affect your bow.

Conclusion

Sighting in a 3 pin sight is a methodical process: tune the bow, adjust one pin at a time, and confirm each distance with a three-arrow group. Keep notes on every change so you can repeat the process if your setup changes. A few short sessions at the range will give you a sight you can rely on in the field.

Related reading

• Recurve Bow Sight Pins: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Beginners
• Peep Sight on Recurve Bow: How to Install and Tune It (Step-by-Step)
• Installing Peep Sight on Compound Bow: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
• Traditional Archery Bow Quiver: How to Choose and Mount One (7 Steps)

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