| Recently I wrote a short article about bowhunting on a budget in which
was discussed the idea of setting up your gear in the most economical way.
Some of the ideas included home made items while others were low priced
quality accessories. In this review we will take a look at Montana Black
Gold's Workhorse bowsight, advertised as, "the most sight for your money"
to see if it would be a good choice for those on a budget. The basics of
the sight's construction will be looked at first, followed by a thorough
test of its construction quality, durability and functionality.
Basics
 Although
an economic sight, it is not without features and quality construction
materials. The main frame of the Workhorse, which includes the mounting
bar, windage post, and pin/elevation bar, is made of 6061 black anodized
aluminum. The mounting bar is drilled to accept the standard screws for
mounting the sight to a bow and a quiver, such as a Kwikee Kwiver, to the
sight. The side of the mounting bar that interfaces with the windage bar
is drilled and countersunk to accept a 10-24 lock down screw, which is
loosened for adjustment. The countersunk hole keeps the head of the screw
hidden and out of the way. The windage bar is also drilled to accept a
10-24 lock down screw, which is used to adjust for elevation. A dovetail
slot in the windage bar accepts the pin/elevation bar. Graduated marks
are etched into the windage and elevation bars to make gang adjustments
more accurate and repeatable. The pin mounting bar has two slots cut through
most of its length to accept the Workhorse sight pins.
The sight pin is molded from polycarbonate and is fitted with a brass
insert for mounting purposes. The portion of the pin that protrudes into
the sight window is extremely narrow to minimize target blackout. The back
of the pin employs a "trough" that cradles and protects the fiber optic
element along its entire length. Fibers come in laser red, atomic yellow
and krypton green colors. Two sizes of fibers are also available, micro
.019" and the standard .29". All Workhorse pins are measured to a +/- .002"
tolerance to allow for perfect pin alignment. The pins are attached to
the sight with a 2-56 hex head screw and brass washer.
The pin guard is constructed of an almost indestructible polycarbonate
material, which has a slight grey tint that allows enough light in to aid
fiber illumination but also prevents glare. Two 6-32 screws attach the
guard to the pin bar.
The sight and all of its components are guaranteed for life to the original
owner.
Testing
A quick quality check of the overall workmanship and mechanics of the
Workhorse revealed no blemishes or operational problems. The pins and adjustment
screws were put through the paces many times to make sure that they would
not strip out or lose their hold once tightened.
Next, I set up the sight on my hunting rig and sighted it in. I found
the adjustments to be simple and easily made as well as solid once locked
down. The pins, mine were the standard .040", were bright and fairly durable.
How do I know they are durable? First, the sight was repeatedly thrust
into brush and twigs to see if the fiber would break and second I took
a pair of pliers to them to see how much force it would take to snap them.
The brush and twig test was extreme compared to normal conditions and
only one of the fibers came out of the trough. When trying to snap the
pin body it was duly noted that a significant amount of force was needed
before it would fail. I also dropped the sight several times onto a concrete
floor from approximately 8 feet with no real damage done. Nothing broke
and the adjustments held true.
The final test was to take my rig, outfitted with the Workhorse, to
the trees for some late afternoon 3D shooting. The sight window was clear
and the pins were bright enough. There would be absolutely nothing inherent
in the Workhorse that would prevent me from taking an animal as easily
as I would with most any other sight on the market.
After all, that is really the point, isn?'t it? That is what makes a
sight valuable as well as economical -- it works in the situation you want
it to! At a street cost of approximately $35.00, this sight is valuable
and certainly economical.
I would give the Workhorse a thumbs-up on most every level. The only
situation that it would not be geared for would be precision target shooting
that requires super fine tuning. I enjoyed the simplicity and effectiveness
of the Workhorse and would recommend it to anyone needing a great sight
at a low cost.
Quality: 4.5 of 5
As stated above the quality of the Workhorse appeared to be in good
order.
Design: 5 of 5
At this price I don?t know what more a bowhunter could want.
Value: 5 of 5
Ditto the comment for design!
For information on these and other products
contact:
Montana Black Gold
34370 Frontage Road
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: 406-586-1117
FAX:
406-586-0853
Email: mtblackgold@montana.com
Web Site: www.montanablackgold.com |
