Single or multi pin

[HNTRDAVE]

Been shooting a MBG single slider for a few years. Really like it, shoot good with it, killed a few deer with it, I am a tree stand hunter from Pa. I’m heading to NM in September for elk hunt, few of the guys I shoot with think I should go to a 3 pin slider. Would like to hear from western hunters, what do you all think? Have you ever missed an opportunity at an elk cause you needed to adjust your slider? Stick to what I’m comfortable with?
Thanks.

 

[98XJRC]

Consider going to 2 or 3 pin vertical. Elk move a lot and by having 1 to 2 more pins readily available isn't a bad thing. Heck I also did that for tree stand hunting and have a Spott Hogg Triple stack now.

You could also consider putting a paint dot on your sight post and add an additional marker to your sight tape so that you have a second point without to much fuss. The downside to that is in low light conditions you will not pick that dot up.

 

[Hopapa]

I'm curious if you have ever had any problem with getting your pin adjusted fast enough in a treestand as whitetails move around within range? Especially during the rut. I've been thinking about switching to single pin adjustable but fear that I'll draw and before I get an opportunity range will change.

 

[Zdub02]

I shot a single pin years ago when I was starting to bow hunt and really had to limit my range. I've been using a multi pin since I upgraded bows and can't imagine going to a single pin again for any species. I've had deer move all over too fast to adjust a single pin without getting busted or losing the opportunity.

OP - since you're a multi species hunter I would think a 2-3 pin slider would be the ticket for both elk and whitetail. Can slide if you have time but have fixed options for those fast encounters. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Marshfly]

You will want 3, 4, or 5 pins. I run 5. My wife and son run 4 because their bows are slower. Elk move a LOT with each step. A few steps when you are drawn can easily be 10-15 yards closer or further in seconds.

 

[HNTRDAVE]

I'm curious if you have ever had any problem with getting your pin adjusted fast enough in a treestand as whitetails move around within range? Especially during the rut. I've been thinking about switching to single pin adjustable but fear that I'll draw and before I get an opportunity range will change.

I keep it set on 25 yards. I am good with my setup out to 35 yards. The last 3 deer I killed were 30-35 yards.

 

[Elkhntr08]

I’ve used a 3 pin SH Fast Eddie for about 5 years now and love the setup. Set them at 20, 30 & 40. I can gap shoot or adjust if I have the time.

 

[Pulleye16]

IMO, I never heard a good argument for a single slider pin. I typically run 3 pins. Also, it's different when ground hunting out west but I always have my pins set to the stand I hunt...meaning, I no longer do a standard 20, 30, 40 yard pin. If my deer typically come out at 10, 25, 35, I'll set my pins to those distances.

 

[HNTRDAVE]

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Troutlord]

Been shooting a MBG single slider for a few years. Really like it, shoot good with it, killed a few deer with it, I am a tree stand hunter from Pa. I’m heading to NM in September for elk hunt, few of the guys I shoot with think I should go to a 3 pin slider. Would like to hear from western hunters, what do you all think? Have you ever missed an opportunity at an elk cause you needed to adjust your slider? Stick to what I’m comfortable with?
Thanks.

Thanks for making this thread. I recently got back into bow hunting after 18 years and single pin seems to be all the rage now.

 

[SuperDUECE22]

Spott Hogg Triple stack ... the best of both worlds in my opinion

 

[WCB]

3 pin...30-40-50 third as slider.

 

[KevinInID]

Anyone shoot 15 yds pin gaps on a three pin? (20, 35, 50)

 

[CMF]

I would never go out west with a single pin. I actually wouldn't hunt anything with a single pin. I feel like I can guestimate yardage good enough out to 50, so I have 3 pins, 25,40,50. After that, I'll range, and if I have time to range, I should also have time to dial.

I also don't think you'll hate hunting whitetails with a 3 pin. The black gold mountain ascent has two dial indicators, so with one indicator set on my 25yd pin, I can still dial exact yardages beyond 25yds. For example, I can dial my 25yd pin to 35yds.

 

[CMF]

I'm curious if you have ever had any problem with getting your pin adjusted fast enough in a treestand as whitetails move around within range? Especially during the rut. I've been thinking about switching to single pin adjustable but fear that I'll draw and before I get an opportunity range will change.

That's exactly why I'd never use a single pin. It might not happen often, but sooner or later an opportunity is bound to be missed. (unless you're just good at judging holdover)

 

[98XJRC]

Spott Hogg Triple stack ... the best of both worlds in my opinion

That's what I use My only complaint is the size of the sight housing. It's not an issue for typical hunting scenarios, but it does limit longer range shooting particularly at some longer 3D shoots.

Granted it also doesn't help I shoot a 520 gr arrow.

 

[benkahle9]

I have several reasons now why I choose a multi pin over single (eastern whitetail hunter)

Lighter weight (generally)- I lug my bow around many hours while hunting without shooting at anything and I want that thing to be as light and comfortable to hold as possible, for what I do, the additional weight of an adjustable single pin sight is not worth it
Less complexity - speaks for itself, less to fail and fiddle with especially when some encounters or opportunities last less than 30 seconds
Ethics - Don’t want to give myself the option to take a shot I have no business taking, yes it’s good to practice at ranges longer than those you would attempt to take an animal at but I use a 5 pin and it provides plenty of fixed points to have at my ethical ranges and longer ranges which I sometimes practice at. Even with my average Joe whitetail arrow setup at a medium weight of 480 grains, and arrow speed of 255 fps, I can easily perform very accurate/ethical shots out to 30 yards (which is plenty for for where and how I hunt) with a simple 5 pin fixed sight.

Don’t overthink it, sometimes simple is better

 

[SloppyJ]

I have a single pin housing and a 3 pin housing for my MBG slider. I don't know the last time I shot the single. I really like it for target shooting but I've been pinned in a tree stand so many times with 6 sets of eyes on me that I know there will be a time that I can't adjust. I'd rather take the small sight picture penalty and feel more confident.

 

[KyleR1985]

I’ve killed 50+ deer with a bow, dozens of pigs, mule deer, and one elk. Another couple dozens of deer and pigs with guns. Vast majority on public land. I’ve shot probably 50,000+ arrows since I was ten. I would say that I am sufficiently experienced with a bow. I don’t really get rattled shooting animals with one.

I am finally able to say out loud that I spent a bunch of money and good will with my wife and kids to go on a guided hunt last year, and choked on an incredibly easy shot opportunity on a really nice bull. I cannot blame anyone but myself for missing. That said, a fixed 3 or 5 pin sight and the bull is dead. I will be making the change.

I shoot a 2 vertical pin slider. For whitetail, top pin is locked at 27 yards. I can shoot 0-30 with same point of aim. I have dialed for exactly two deer with it. Both dead. Everything else, if it’s past 30 I’m not shooting. More to do with my terrain and vegetation than ethics. Whitetail Deer are neurotic though, and I keep it close.

For hunting mule deer and elk I use it like anyone would a slider.


My guide and I had a jam up setup. Bull coming into his calls, and only one way into an opening the edge of which was ranged at 50 yards. I set my pin for 45 yards. As soon I as I saw his antler tips, I drew. I anticipated the elk would hit the opening and stop. What I didn’t account for is the distance behind my my guide was calling. He simply walked into the opening, and kept coming.

At 18 yards he turned broadside. I knew I needed to hold low. I’ve practiced it. But I couldn’t force myself mentally to hold low enough. I stopped him, and sent an arrow into top of his shoulder. And just like that my hunt of a lifetime was over.

If I had a 3 or 5 pin fixed sight, I would’ve just put my 20 yard pin on him and it’s a done deal. Instead, I blew it. I could’ve drawn down. I could’ve held low enough.


I don’t have the bandwidth anymore with kids and work and other pursuits to retain that processing power in the moment.

I’ll set up a 5 pin slider for practice out at distance, but will accept the limitations that come with a 5 pin fixed sight when the season rolls around.

 

[HNTRDAVE]

Thanks again guys.