Barnett CenterShot Arrow Rest: Setup, Tuning and Buying Tips

Updated November 2026

The Barnett CenterShot arrow rest is a drop-away style rest that mounts to your compound bow’s riser and holds the arrow until you release the string. This guide walks you through what the rest does, how to install it, how to tune it so your arrows fly straight, and what to look for before you buy. By the end, you should be able to set up a barnett centershot arrow rest on a new or existing bow and know how to diagnose the most common flight problems.

What the Barnett CenterShot Arrow Rest Does

An arrow rest supports the arrow on the shelf of the bow so it sits in the correct position before the shot. Drop-away rests move out of the arrow’s path during the shot, which reduces contact between the fletching and the rest. The barnett centershot arrow rest belongs to this drop-away family, and it is generally used on compound bows where a consistent launch point matters for accuracy. Because the arrow is supported in a fixed spot, small changes in rest position show up quickly in your groups, so careful setup pays off.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Arrow Rest for Compound Bow: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026).

Before you start, understand that a rest does not fix a bow that is poorly tuned. It holds the arrow. The bow, the arrow spine, the nock height and the cam timing all interact with the rest. Think of the rest as one part of a system.

Tools and Parts You Will Need

Gather these items before you begin so you are not interrupted halfway through the install:

• Hex keys in the sizes listed in your rest’s instructions, usually metric
• A bow square or a straight edge to check arrow alignment
• A paper tuning kit or a bare shaft tuning setup
• A bow press or a way to safely lower and raise draw weight
• Thread locker for the mounting screws
• A soft towel or mat to protect the bow finish
• A target and a safe shooting area

Step-by-Step Installation of the Barnett CenterShot Arrow Rest

Step 1: Confirm the Mounting Holes

Check the riser of your bow for the threaded holes that accept the rest’s mounting bracket. Most compound risers have a standard pattern, but verify the thread size and depth against the bracket before you tighten anything. Stripped threads on a riser are expensive to fix, so test the fit with the screws finger-tight first.

Step 2: Attach the Bracket and Rest Body

Mount the bracket to the riser, then attach the rest body to the bracket. Leave the screws slightly loose so you can adjust the rest left, right, up and down during tuning. Tighten everything only after the arrow is correctly positioned.

Step 3: Set the Arrow Height

Nock an arrow and place it on the rest. Sight down the shaft from behind the bow to confirm the arrow is level with the riser, then adjust the vertical position so the shaft sits parallel to the sight window or the arrow shelf reference your bow manufacturer specifies. Many archers use a bow square for this step.

Step 4: Set the Horizontal Position

Position the arrow so the center of the shaft lines up with the center of the bow’s arrow pass-through or sight window, depending on your bow’s design. This is the starting point for side-to-side tuning.

Step 5: Tighten and Verify

Once the rest sits in a sensible starting position, tighten all screws evenly. Apply a small amount of thread locker to the mounting screws if you plan to shoot the bow often. Recheck the arrow position after tightening, since the rest can shift slightly.

Tuning the Rest for Arrow Flight

Tuning means adjusting the rest and checking the arrow’s flight until the arrow leaves the bow cleanly. The two most common methods are paper tuning and bare shaft tuning. Both are useful, and many archers use them together.

Paper Tuning

Set up a sheet of paper or a paper tuning frame about three feet in front of the target. Shoot an arrow through the paper from a close distance. Look at the tear pattern. A clean hole with feathering in one direction tells you which way to adjust the rest. Make small changes, usually a quarter turn of an adjustment screw at a time, and reshoot.

Bare Shaft Tuning

Bare shaft tuning uses an unfletched arrow shot alongside a fletched arrow at a distance of about 20 to 30 yards. If the bare shaft lands to the left of the fletched arrow, the rest or nock point needs adjustment. Bare shaft tuning is more sensitive to small changes, so only make one adjustment at a time.

Checking Arrow Spine

Rest adjustments cannot fully compensate for an arrow that is the wrong spine for your draw weight and draw length. If paper tuning shows a stubborn tear pattern even after rest adjustment, check that your arrows match your bow’s specifications. Your bow or arrow manufacturer publishes spine recommendations, and a spine chart helps you confirm your choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Tightening the rest before tuning. Keep screws slightly loose until the arrow flies correctly.
• Making several adjustments at once. Change one variable, shoot, then decide what to do next.
• Ignoring the nock height. Nock position interacts with rest height and affects arrow flight.
• Overtightening screws. Overtightening can strip threads or crack components. Snug is enough.
• Skipping a safety check. Inspect the rest for loose parts before every shooting session.

Tips for Better Results

• Record every adjustment you make, including the number of turns, so you can return to a known setting.
• Shoot from a stable stance and use the same anchor point each time.
• Recheck tuning after changing arrows, string, or draw weight.
• Keep the rest clean. Debris on the arrow shelf can affect how the arrow sits.
• If you are unsure about adjusting a compound bow’s cams or rest mounting, consult a qualified archery pro shop technician.

Recommended gear

A bow square helps you set arrow height and alignment accurately, and it is one of the most useful tools for this installation. A paper tuning kit gives you a clear visual reading of arrow flight, which speeds up rest adjustment. Hex keys in the correct metric sizes prevent stripped screw heads during installation. For the arrows themselves, choose a shaft that matches your bow’s spine recommendation, since the rest cannot correct a mismatched arrow.

Bow square View on Amazon

Paper tuning kit View on Amazon

Metric hex key set View on Amazon

Carbon arrows View on Amazon

If you are comparing rest types before committing, the Quality Archery Arrow Rests: 7 Best Picks Compared (2026) roundup covers a range of options. For a broader view of how holders and rests work together, see What Holds Arrows in Archery: Quivers, Arrow Rests and Holders Explained. Archers who want to compare a similar drop-away design can read Ripcord Ratchet Arrow Rest: How It Works, Setup Steps and Tips, and those tuning a different rest style may find Trophy Taker Arrow Rest: Setup, Tuning and Buying Tips for Beginners useful.

FAQ

Is the barnett centershot arrow rest suitable for beginners?

Yes, with patience. The installation is straightforward, but tuning takes practice. Beginners who follow a methodical process and make one adjustment at a time usually get consistent results within a few sessions.

Do I need a bow press to install the rest?

Installing the rest usually does not require a bow press, but adjusting cams, string, or draw-related components does. If you are unsure, have a pro shop handle those tasks.

How do I know if my arrows are the right spine?

Compare your draw weight, draw length, and arrow length against the spine chart published by your arrow manufacturer. If paper tuning shows a persistent tear pattern that rest adjustments cannot fix, spine is a likely cause.

What is the difference between paper tuning and bare shaft tuning?

Paper tuning shows arrow flight through a sheet of paper at close range, revealing the direction of arrow movement. Bare shaft tuning compares an unfletched arrow to a fletched one at longer distance. Many archers use both methods together.

How often should I check rest alignment?

Check alignment after any bow maintenance, after changing arrows or string, and periodically during regular shooting. Vibration and temperature changes can slowly shift screws.

Can I use the same tuning settings with different arrows?

Not always. Changing arrow weight, length, or spine may require retuning. Recheck your setup whenever you change arrows.

Should I replace the rest if it feels loose?

First, check the mounting screws and any moving parts for wear or damage. If the rest will not hold a secure position after tightening, consult the manufacturer’s guidance or a qualified technician before continuing to shoot.

Conclusion

Installing and tuning a barnett centershot arrow rest is a manageable project when you follow a clear sequence: mount, set height and position, tighten, then tune with paper or bare shaft methods. Make one change at a time and keep a written record of each adjustment. Arrow spine and bow setup matter as much as the rest itself, so check those too. When in doubt about any step that involves the bow’s mechanics, a qualified archery technician can help you finish the job safely.

Related reading

• Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Trophy Ridge Sync Arrow Rest: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)

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