How to Sight In a TenPoint Crossbow Scope
Sighting in a TenPoint crossbow scope means matching the reticle's yardage lines to where your bolts actually land. TenPoint scopes use stacked aiming points (the yardage lines or dots) calibrated to a speed range, so once the top line is set the lower lines fall close to their marked distances. Here is the process and how to read the reticle.
Reading the reticle and yardage lines
A TenPoint crossbow scope reticle has a series of horizontal lines or dots stacked below the top crosshair. Each corresponds to a yardage - typically 20, 30, 40 yards and beyond, depending on the scope and its speed setting. On variable-speed scopes you first set the speed to match your bow, which is what makes the lower lines land on their marked yardages. Check your model's manual for the speed dial and the yardage each line represents.
The sight-in process, step by step
Start at 20 yards on a solid rest.
- Fire a group with the top line and note where it hits.
- Adjust windage and elevation to bring that top line to the bullseye at 20 yards.
- Move back to 30 and 40 yards and shoot the corresponding lower lines.
- If the lower lines are off, adjust the scope's speed setting rather than the turrets - speed is what shifts the spacing of the lower marks.
Keep total arrow weight consistent throughout; a heavier or lighter bolt changes speed and moves the whole picture.
When your points of impact drift
If a previously-sighted bow starts printing off, suspect a changed arrow weight, a new or stretched string, or a scope that took a knock in transit - a good reason to use a hard case. Re-confirm zero after any bolt change, restring, or long trip. Matching the right bolts to the bow is half the battle.
For the full model range and buying advice, browse our TenPoint crossbow guide.
Crossbow scope lines: not all reticles work the same
Not every crossbow scope uses the stacked-line layout described above. Broadly, crossbow scopes fall into three types: fixed duplex crosshairs (one zero, hold over or under for other distances), multi-reticle scopes with several horizontal lines or dots stacked for different yardages once a speed setting is matched, and illuminated red-dot or holographic sights with a single point of aim. TenPoint's scopes use the multi-line, speed-matched design covered here, so the lines only line up correctly once the speed dial matches your actual arrow speed - on a fixed-crosshair scope there is no dial to set, and you hold over manually instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the lines on a TenPoint crossbow scope mean?
They are yardage aiming points - each line or dot corresponds to a distance once the scope's speed setting matches your bow. The top line is usually 20 yards.
How do I set the yardage on a TenPoint scope?
On variable-speed models, dial the speed to match your bow's advertised FPS, then sight the top line at 20 yards; the lower lines fall on their marked distances.
Why are my lower yardage lines off?
Usually the speed setting does not match your actual arrow speed. Adjust the speed dial rather than the turrets, and keep arrow weight consistent.
What does sighting in a crossbow mean?
Are the lines on a crossbow scope the same on every brand?
No. Some scopes use a single fixed crosshair with holdover for extra distance, others stack several lines or dots calibrated to a speed setting like TenPoint's. Check your scope's manual to see which type you have before sighting in.