Fixed-pin sights (left) and multi-pin sliders (right) both have their pros and cons. (Author photo)
October 23, 2023
By Curt Wells
Question: Do you prefer a fixed, multi-pin bowsight or a slider sight?
Answer 1: This is awesome that Bowhunter Magazine is on Instagram! I prefer a 5-pin slider, hands down. It brings the versatility of sliding during practice or 3-D shoots, while allowing me to lock it down while hunting and shoot 20 to 60 yards with ease. AND if my prey is unaware outside of 60, I can confidently slide to the precise range and engage with confidence. (addicted2elkhunting)
Answer 2: A 3-pin slider is the way to go. You are able to dial-in your yardages better and have options ready for any situation. Plus, you don’t have all the clutter of a 5-pin fixed sight. (jr_gettler)
Answer 3: I shoot a 3-pin slider. Quick target acquisition and gap-shooting for regular hunting distances, and the ability for precision and long-distance shooting if, and when, necessary. Also, it is great to shoot the same sight year-round, hunting and 3-D, for repeatability, familiarity, and consistency. (n8lenz)
Advertisement
Answer 4: I like a 5-pin slider. I set it up for 20–60 yards for hunting, and slide it for everything else. (pateman97)
Answer 5: I use a 3-pin fixed sight. (broadbents18)
Our reponse: This sampling of responses to our question had a predictable result. The majority chose a compromise between the two sight options, a multi-pin slider sight, and for good reasons.
Advertisement
The original slider sights were single pin, which allowed the archer to adjust the slider so that the one pin was set for the correct yardage. The downside of this style of sight is you must be constantly aware and reaffirming what yardage your sight is adjusted to. Should you lose track of that, you would most certainly miss your target. It requires a deeply ingrained familiarity with your sighting system.
With the advent of multi-pin sliders, this problem is mostly mitigated, and here’s why. If you use a five-pin slider sight, you set your pins for the typical 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60-yard ranges, same as if you were using a fixed-pin sight. Next, you determine which sight tape to use based on your arrow speed and trajectory. Your sight will come with instructions on how to proceed. Most (not all) archers will then use their bottom pin as their moving pin. If you need to shoot at 73 yards you simply adjust the sight to the 73-yard mark on the tape and then aim with with your bottom pin.
The advantages are your sight is set and ready to go for typical hunting yardages, requiring no adjustment during intense encounters. If an animal is beyond the range of your 3, 4, or 5-pin sight, you adjust to the necessary yardage and aim with the bottom pin. As mentioned in one comment, this also allows the archer to use the same sight at 3-D shoots and events such as Total Archery Challenge courses.
There are still those among us, myself included, who prefer to keep things as simple as possible and stick with fixed-pin sights. I’ve used both types of sights, but in the end, I don’t need to adjust anything, and I don’t shoot beyond 60 yards while hunting. The bottom line is, if you’re a multi-dimensional archer who bowhunts all types of game and also enjoys the target game, a multi-pin slider sight will serve you well.
