If you’re an archer looking to increase your bow sight range beyond 100 yards, you’ve probably hit a few roadblocks. Whether you’re prepping for events like Total Archery Challenge (TAC) or just want to push your limits at the range, maximizing the effective range of your bow sight is a must. The good news? With the right adjustments and a properly tuned setup, getting more range out of your bow sight is absolutely possible—even for archers with lower draw weights or shorter draw lengths.
At Extreme Outfitters, we’ve helped countless archers optimize their gear for long-range shooting. Below, we’ll walk you through our proven tips to help you unlock the full potential of your bow sight, hit targets at 100+ yards, and boost your long-distance accuracy.
Why You're Struggling To Increase Your Bow Sight Range
Before diving into the solutions, let’s quickly cover the main reasons why you may struggle to increase your bow sight range with your current setup:
- Low poundage bows create less arrow speed, resulting in faster arrow drop.
- Shorter draw lengths limit arrow velocity, which also affects trajectory.
- Improper peep height or poor shooting posture can reduce sight picture clarity and limit range.
- Sight housing position and pin configuration can block dial travel.
- Many archers don’t realize their gear is working against them—but it doesn’t have to.
The tips below will walk you through adjustments that can make a major difference.
Key Takeaway
To shoot 100+ yards with confidence, you need to optimize your bow sight by adjusting the housing position, lowering your pins, and setting your peep height for proper posture and alignment. With the right setup and form, even archers with lower poundage or shorter draw lengths can dramatically increase their effective range.
1. Maximize Your Sight Housing Travel
If you’re using a slider sight (also known as a dial sight or movable pin sight), the amount of travel you have is key to getting more distance. The first thing you should do is raise the sight housing as high as physically possible on your sight bracket. Why?
When the sight is mounted higher, it increases the travel available when dialing to further distances. The more movement you have on the slider, the farther your arrow can reach before the bottom of your scope housing or pins come in contact with your arrow.
Pro Tip: This is a quick and simple adjustment that can yield an extra 10–20 yards, depending on your setup
2. Drop Your Pins Lower in the Housing
This is especially helpful for archers using a multi-pin mover. By positioning your pins as low in the scope housing as possible, you free up more space above the pins. That means when you dial your sight for long shots, the pins and housing won’t max out as quickly.
For example, placing your 40-yard pin just above the bottom level line gives you more dialable yardage than centering your pins in the middle of the housing.
It might look unusual at first, but function beats aesthetics when you’re trying to stretch your range.
3. Optimize Your Peep Sight Height
Your peep sight height is another critical factor if you’re looking to increase your bow sight range. If your peep is too low, you’re forced to drop your head or collapse your posture to see through it—killing both your consistency and your ability to shoot further distances.
Instead, set your peep height based on your long-range anchor posture. That means standing tall, head upright, and drawing naturally—no “scrunching” into the string.
How to Set Peep Height for Long Range:
- Dial your sight to 40–60 yards.
- Draw your bow with eyes closed and come into a strong, natural anchor.
- Open your eyes and check where your peep falls.
- Adjust the peep upward until it aligns perfectly without needing to crane your neck or drop your face.
This simple change can improve your line of sight and increase bow sight range without modifying your anchor point.
4. Set a Non-Traditional Zero
Most archers set their top pin or dial at 20 yards. That’s perfect for hunting—but if you’re training for a long-range archery event, it’s time to rethink that.
When you are looking to increase your bow sight range, instead of using a 20-yard zero, set your top pin or dial at the shortest distance you expect to shoot during your event. For example, if the minimum target distance at your next TAC shoot is 40 yards, zero your sight at 40—not 20.
This adjustment lets you squeeze out more total dial range on the back end, giving you the freedom to hit targets well beyond 100 yards.
Quick Example: If your top pin is zeroed at 40 yards, and your sight tape maxes out at 100, moving that zero up gives you the potential to reach 120+ yards.
5. Consider Steep Angle Adjustments
If you’re shooting steep uphill or downhill shots (like at mountain courses or 3D events), having your peep and draw setup dialed in becomes even more important. A low peep height can cause alignment issues on angled shots, throwing off your form and affecting accuracy.
With a proper peep height and consistent posture, your bow sight will track better at severe angles, and you’ll avoid the common mistake of floating your release hand or tilting your head to see through the peep.
6. Choose the Right Bow Sight for the Job
Not all bow sights are created equal when it comes to long-range shooting. Some sights—especially those with large or bulky housings—physically limit how much dial travel you have.
Sight Models That May Limit Range:
- Oversized housings – extra-large scopes can limit adjustment.
- Fixed pins sights as they don’t allow you to dial beyond the pins in the housing.
Instead, look for low-profile housings and compact scope designs that allow for maximum pin and dial adjustment. Not sure what to pick? Reach out to the crew at Extreme Outfitters—we’ll help you find the right fit for your bow and goals.
7. Get a Professional Fit and Tune
These tips assume that your bow is already properly tuned and fit to your draw length and shooting style. If it’s not, adjusting your sight and peep won’t make up for a poorly configured bow.
Archers—especially younger shooters or those returning after time off—often outgrow their current setup without realizing it. Arms get longer, form changes, and peep alignment shifts.
If you haven’t had your bow checked in a while, bring it to a reputable pro shop (like us!) and make sure everything is still dialed in.
Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Range, One Adjustment at a Time
Getting more range out of your bow sight isn’t just about dialing down and hoping for the best. It takes intentional adjustments, a good understanding of your setup, and sometimes a bit of trial and error.
To recap the top tips to increase bow sight range:
- Raise your sight housing.
- Lower your pins in the scope.
- Set your peep height for tall posture and long-range alignment.
- Use a 40–60 yard zero for long-range shooting.
- Account for steep angles and keep your form solid.
- Choose a bow sight designed for range.
- Make sure your bow is tuned and properly fitted.
Whether you’re gearing up for TAC, training for tournament shooting, or just pushing your limits at the range, these tips will help you break past that 100-yard barrier.
Need Help Setting Up Your Bow Sight for Long Range?
Extreme Outfitters is your one-stop shop for long-range archery gear, bow sights, and expert advice. Visit us online at ExtremeOutfitters.com, give us a call 910-355-2118, or stop by the shop—we’ll get you dialed in and ready to shoot farther, with confidence.
