Sight bubbles, are they really level..............

[archer58inPA]

This is a disturbing thread for me.
I've always assumed that the bubbles were level on the sights I bougt. I have 2 Twilight Hunters, 2 CJ Dead Nuts II's and 2 HHA OL 5010's.
None of them have 3rd axis.
I've always just put a level in the sight window to check the bubble on the sight. Is this not enough?????? I also have put a level against the sight mounting bar to check it.
Sometimes it seems I have to kick the bow over to the right to get the bubble level.

[BlindBuck]

This is a disturbing thread for me.
I've always assumed that the bubbles were level on the sights I bougt. I have 2 Twilight Hunters, 2 CJ Dead Nuts II's and 2 HHA OL 5010's.
None of them have 3rd axis.
I've always just put a level in the sight window to check the bubble on the sight. Is this not enough?????? I also have put a level against the sight mounting bar to check it.
Sometimes it seems I have to kick the bow over to the right to get the bubble level.

Geno,

The 2nd Axis adjustment is just leveling the level on a sight. If a sight is machined perfectly square and a riser is also machined perfectly square it is a non issue. However this just isn’t the case. Multiple ways to check this, one way to check is by using a carpenter's level. Just hold the level along the side of the bow and stand it upright. If both the sight level and the carpenter’s level come to zero-bubble at the same place, the sight's 2nd Axis is correct. I use a string level to set this instead of the prior method. I just find it faster and easier to do.

The 3rd Axis adjustment is different. A sight with 3rd-Axis adjustments can be adjusted so that the entire sight housing can swivel inward or outward. A correct 3rd Axis setting is actually different for each individual shooter. 3rd Axis leveling cannot be done on a vice. It must be done at full draw.(Should be anyway others will argue this fact). The reason it needs to be done at full draw is because every shooter applies some amount of torque to a bow in some fashion. I use a plumb bob attached to my cathedral ceiling to adjust this.(Wife hates when I do this by the way.lol) Come to full draw with the string just touching the outside of the limb.(load an arrow for safty) Your bubble will probably read level.(Or should anyway) Then raise the bow up. As you raise the bow the bubble will show you are not level even though it is. You know it is level because of the string being plumb. Anyway adjust the sight head inward, or outward to make the sight read level. Once done you can draw back and raise your arm up and down and the sight will no longer lie to you.

[Pulse76]

BlindBuck, I do see 2 small allen screws on the side of my housing. Looking at my owner's manual for the sights, it looks like you can tighten the top one and loosen the bottom one or vise versa to "adjust the torque out of the sight" according to Trophy Ridge. Do you think that is for 2nd axis? Thanks for the input. - Bill

[BlindBuck]

Yep sounds that way. I looked for PDF manual on your sight couldn't find one. But what you are describing sounds like the second axis adjustment method that is used for most sights. Do you have a string level and vice? The carpenter's level method described in my prior post will work also.

[Pulse76]

Yep sounds that way. I looked for PDF manual on your sight couldn't find one. But what you are describing sounds like the second axis adjustment method that is used for most sights. Do you have a string level and vice? The carpenter's level method described in my prior post will work also.

I do, so I will have to give that a try. Thanks for the help!

[BlindBuck]

I do, so I will have to give that a try. Thanks for the help!

Not a problem let me know how it works out for you.

[archer58inPA]

OK Steve, Thanks. I have been checking 2nd axis correctly.
I won't worry about 3rd axis. No adjustments on my sights for that.

[gt500elitist]

The first thing I do is set the 1st axis. That is the sight itself dead level on the bow. After that I then set 2nd. axis and 3rd. axis. If you shoot at very severe angles such as tree stands or field where they set insane angled targets 3rd axis is very important. If not, then not so much.

[bow_hunter44]

Does anyone know if HHA sights (DS XL-5519) have second or third axis adjustment? I was under the impression that they do not.

Thanks!