To say that a "little" thinking went into the invention of the new ABC-2000 Pivotal Bowhunting Sight System would be a major understatement. The folks at SGF can do their end-zone celebration dance because they have scored a design touchdown! Once you get through the set-up process you will be amazed at the accuracy you will achieve from right under your stand out to 40, 50, 60, or even 70 yards depending on the speed of your rig. 
   
One of the major obstacles to successful bowhunting and a quick clean kill is accurate shot placement at unknown distances. We as bowhunters have combated the "unknown distance enemy" with 3D shoots to improve our yardage estimation, rangefinders of all kinds, and traditional pendulum sights. 

Going to an all metal sight, except for the polycarbonate sight pins, for 2000 gives the ABC System the strength and durability needed to withstand tough hunting conditions. The major components of the system include the main sight frame, speed adjusting plate, pivotal arm, ground pin mounting plate and the bow-mounting bracket, all of which are made from 6061T-6 aluminum. Some of the minor components are made from carbon steel and brass. The weighted pivotal arm pivots on a stainless steel ball bearing giving it a smooth action. 

This is not a simple sight that you slap on your bow and "voila" its ready to go. It is a somewhat complex system that will take thought and work to get on line. You will also need a friend to aid you during the set-up process. I will not go into the set-up process itself, however you should know that it is important to follow the instructions step by step. Do not try to take any shortcuts, its not worth it - believe me I know!

Before going into the actual testing a quick overview of "how it all works" would be beneficial in understanding what makes the ABC-2000 special. Other treestand sights work off of only one pivoting point, which produces a simple arc. The defining mechanical advantage of the ABC-2000 System is its patented 'pivotally cammed pin' that not only relies on the weighted pivotal arm but also a second pivoting point giving it a unique action. The bow-mounting bracket provides yet another pivoting point allowing the hunter to move his/her stand up or down the tree 12 feet (a total of 24 ft.) while maintaining uncompromising accuracy.  Fast bow, slow bow? Doesn't matter! The set-up process tunes the sight to your arrow velocity moving the sight pin at the exact rate of your arrow drop. The only difference between a slower set-up and a fast one is effective range.

 Once set-up was complete the testing began. To start I shot my rig in low light conditions to determine the ability of the sight to gather light. The ABC system rates "average" among the many different styles and configurations I have tested over the past two years. The reason for this rating is the "boxing in" of the pin by the aluminum sight frame. It should be noted here that SGF offers an optional sight light that will mount to either the top or side of the main frame. This light will cost you an additional $10.00.
 Next on the testing list was accuracy at distances from right under my stand to my maximum range. This is where the whole end-zone celebration dance thing comes in! My rig produces an arrow velocity of 271 fps and with the ABC-2000 System was dead on from directly under my stand to an unbelievable 56 yards! I rarely have to take shots that long with my rifle! Now, I am not a proponent of taking exceedingly long shots however this sight will increase your accuracy and confidence out to the maximum distance you have limited yourself to. I want to stress that it is not only accurate underneath your stand and at your maximum range but also at every inch of turf in between.

If you have ever read any of my other reviews you know that I can be downright abusive of these products at times. I do this to determine the ruggedness of the product and the ABC-2000 got the same treatment. I performed a few "drop tests" on the sight while attached to my bow to determine if it would hold its calibration. Other than one of the ground pins being slightly bent the sight was unaffected. 

Through all of the set-up and testing I found the ABC-2000 to be above average in the quietness category among other treestand sights. Something I am extremely picky about! 

What are the advantages that the ABC-2000 has over other methods of solving the unknown distance problem? First, with 3D shooting you will indeed become more proficient at judging distances however sooner or later you will most likely make a mistake if relying solely on this method. Different terrain and cover can make it very difficult to accurately judge distances. With the ABC-2000 you won't have to worry yourself over whether or not you have judged correctly. It is already taken care of.  Range finders are deadly accurate but if you have ever used one you probably already know the downfall associated with them. You can only remember so many yardage points that you have pre-ranged and sometimes half way through your hunt you are wondering, "was that rock 25 or 30 yards?" Again, with the ABC-2000 this is not an issue. The only thing you have to remember is to draw back your string, pick a spot and fire!  The third method, a traditional pendulum sight, is limited in the maximum range that can be achieved, generally 25 to 30 yards. This is a considerable amount shorter than the ABC-2000. 
 Along with all of the advantages of this sight it should be mentioned that there is one notable drawback. The ABC along with any other treestand sight is not effective while hunting hilly or mountainous country unless you lock the sight down and use the ground pins. Why? Physics. This sight and the whole theory behind its operation is based on flat land. In my opinion, if you hunt this type of country occasionally you should lock the sight down and leave it there. The risks of a bad shot are too high.

If you have been plagued with conquering accuracy problems at unknown distances and are willing to put a little time and effort into solving it then you will be well rewarded if you mount an ABC-2000 to your bow.

Design: 4.5 of 5
This is certainly a unique and well designed product that works as advertised. The functionality bears out the fact that the design is top notch. Suggestions to the manufacturer: Strategically place lightening holes throughout the sight that will reduce the weight without compromising strength. The bracket especially could use a weight loss program. Also, the method for ground pin adjustments is somewhat crude and a more precise one should be considered. Another change that I would consider beneficial is the option of a smaller diameter sight pin head. (NOTE: According to the owners of ABC Sights, the weight problem is being addressed at this time.)

Ease of Set-up: 3 of 5
In comparison to most sights on the market this one is certainly more time consuming and difficult to set-up, however as mentioned earlier it is all well worth it in the end.

Cost: 4 of 5
At $84.95 this is not a cheap sight but for a system as well built and technologically advanced as the ABC-2000 I wouldn't expect anything less.

For more information on the ABC-2000 Pivotal Bowhunting Sight System or accessories contact:

For more information on ABC-2000 Pivotal Bowhunting Sight System:
ABC-2000 Pivotal Bow Sight System
567 17th St. W.
Suites 'B' & 'C'
Palmetto, FL 34221
ORDERS: 941-721-7879

Visit the ABC-2000 Pivotal Bowhunting Sight System web site at http://www.ABCsights.com