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Post by genesis273 on May 6, 2021 13:06:49 GMT -5
With an upcoming change in my job description, I'll have a normalized schedule. This will give me more time to do something I really love which is shooting my bow. I'll have weekends off as well which will also allow me to attend more 3D shoots at both of the local archery clubs. This has me wanting, definitely not needing, a nicer bow sight. The Garmin Xero A1 has caught my eye. It seems very advanced as a range finding bow sight with built in angle compensation. (The Xero A1i has even more features). The price is pretty salty too. Generally going between $750-$800. I have found at Garmins website for $650 before. Anyhow, not sure if anyone on here has one of these or not but, I'd like to hear some feedback if you have it. Thanks.  |
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Post by bullseye69 on May 7, 2021 6:55:02 GMT -5
🤣
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Post by Russ Koon on May 7, 2021 21:53:43 GMT -5
You might want to check on the legality of it here in IN for hunting. I haven't checked it out in the last few years, but I know they were illegal not very many years ago. You could have a rangefinder and use it all you wanted while hunting, but it couldn't be mounted on your bow.
Also, since you mentioned going to 3D shoots, the use of a range finder in competition is also a violation in most cases. Some ranges do have "known yardage" shoots, and sometimes you can just let the range officer who signs you in know that you will not be in competition and they will mark your scorecard to that effect and let you use the RF while shooting. That allows you to practice the use of it while also practicing your shooting while keeping any competitors out there from getting all jacked up about the guy they see using one.
I briefly thought about one of the very early ones several decades back, but decided they were too expensive at that time. Glad I didn't jump in on that neat toy, because it was only a few months later the state regulated against them for hunting.
I think I'd stay with my handheld rangefinder even if they were legal here mounted to the bow. I can drop mine in a pocket and use it to practice range estimation even when I'm just scouting or mushroom hunting. And once I'm in my stand or blind I usually pick out a few reference points and range them just to verify the distance to where the critter will be when he gets to near that point. I've very seldom needed to actually try to range the animal itself here. A few times when hunting out west, but almost never here.
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Post by genesis273 on May 8, 2021 15:40:49 GMT -5
They are legal to use in Indiana. As for the 3D shoots, I always shoot "known" distances from the back markers. I never compete and I don't turn in my score cards. I like to keep them for my own reference. I usually only get to attend one or two shoots a year. However, with my new schedule I should be able to attend a lot more.
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Post by genesis273 on Jul 3, 2021 8:56:57 GMT -5
So I did purchase the sight. I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by setting it up and even became slightly discouraged when getting it zerod. However, once I got use to setting it up and the different distances, it really became quite easy. I initially thought that there were too many steps in the process but, they are necessary to fine tune the sight with the bow as much as possible. I have it set up to shoot at 60 yards so far and the groups are really nice. I do intend on going back to about 80 yards with it but, that'll just be for shooting at home.
When shooting in the target mode, from 60-5 yards, it's a breeze and very accurate with its pin placement.
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Post by genesis273 on Aug 22, 2021 12:45:50 GMT -5
I took my bow back out and got my new sight zeroed at 72 yards. Not that I'll ever shoot that far at an animal. But, my group was about 4".
With this sight, I really enjoy being able to go anywhere in my at home archery range and shoot without having to guess or get my range finer out of my pocket.
From ranging the target to getting the proper pin dropped, it's gotta be under a second.
I'm really eager to see how it performs in real time.
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Post by genesis273 on Sept 6, 2021 8:39:09 GMT -5
I did some more fine tuning on my sight yesterday. I really don't think I could align the range reticle and fixed pin sight any tighter.
I used the sight in hunt mode yesterday rather than target mode. It is really fast at getting the range and dropping the correct pin in the pin house. From 70 yards down to 7 yards, the shots were all right on.
I added two more pre marked shooting locations at my home range 60&70 yards. I use a landscape paver to place my front foot on and have some 4" pvc pipe to hold my arrows. The range is marked out from 10 yards to 70 in 10 yard increments. I also have the fixed shooting platform as well. Only 12'-14' high 6'*4' wide. I would really like to add a few more 3D targets though. I only have one really old Glendale buck and a block target. A couple more deer and a turkey or two would be fun to have.
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