If we talk about archery, it is complete with recurve bows. They are more powerful, and traditional bows are used for multi purposes like hunting and shooting. To become a good archer, aiming plays an important role. For a perfect shooting of an arrow, you must learn how to aim a recurve bow, with or without sights.
Mostly, recurves come without sights, stabilizers etc. So, it would be best if you had an idea of how to aim from your recurve bow in either way. Once you master this skill, you will hit the bull’s eyes in the future. As youngsters, we always face issues like perfect posture and aim. In this article, we are going to make it easier for you.
How to Aim a Recurve Bow
The whole process is known as aiming whenever you are focussing on something to shoot or for any other purpose. If your aim is correct, you are about to hit your target more accurately. Aiming a recurve bow is easier than you think, but if you start doing it without any knowledge, then it may get tricky.
It would be best to focus your dominant eye on the target for an accurate aim. While keeping a close eye on your target, start moving your target pin until your target is right in the middle. You can aim a recurve bow with or without sights, and we will share both methods with you. Firstly we will share everything about how to aim a recurve bow with sight and then without sight. Without any further delay, let’s walk through all the steps together.
How to Aim a Recurve Bow with Sight
Bow sights are famous for aiming in all bows, not only in recurves. It is an easier way to aim at your target to achieve accuracy. There is no need for much practice as you do without sight, but remember, practice makes perfect. With sight on, there is a higher chance of hitting your target right and improving your accuracy.
What is the purpose of Bow sight?
Bow sights are the accessories we add to our bow to aim correctly. They offer different reference points while you are aiming at your target so that you are more likely to get more precise shots. There are too many styles, sizes and shapes of bow sights available in the market for different purposes. It has other yardage pins to be set according to the distance. For example, if you are shooting a target at 30 yards, select your sight pin to 30 yards.
Following are the most used bow sights we will explore one by one.
Single or Multi-Pin Sights
The first one on our list is single or multi-pin sights, which can easily be used with recurve bow. These pins must be set up according to the distance to get the most out of it and shoot several spaces. If we talk about the differences between these two sights, then multi-pin sights give more accuracy and option than single-pin sights.
Open Ring Sight
Moving a step further, the second one in the list is open ring sight, and you can guess with the name that it’s only an open ring sight, nothing more than that. To get a perfect shot from this sight, you must bring your target in the middle of the ring. Usually, beginners use this bow sight to get familiar with the working of sight, and it is much easier to use. Unfortunately, open ring sight is only a little more accurate than other sights, but it is a good sight for learning purposes.
Target Sight
The last one on our list is target sight, but they are relatively easy to use. We recommend beginners should refrain from directly jumping into this sight. Instead, they should earn some fair experience working on sights by using the sights mentioned above. Target one is of the next level and provides more functionality like windage and elevation adjustments. Moreover, these sights are much more expensive than others.
How to Aim Recurve Bow without Sight
Shooting from a bow with sight is much easier than shooting without sight. A lot of calculation is involved in creating a perfect shot, eventually increasing accuracy. There are multiple methods to do it, and we will share a few common ones with you.
String Walking
The name itself shows that something related to string walking will happen — and it’s true. In this recurve, the tip of our arrow is always pointed at the center of our target. Keep your anchoring point at the same initial point, and move your drawing hand up/down on the bowstring according to the distance of your target. Few archers try to place their grips on different parts of the bowstring, resulting in less coordination between your eye and arrow, and your arrow is going to fly high or low.
Try to stand close to your target by lowering your hand on the bowstring for a better shot. Many archers suggest that a beginner should try string walking on the first go as it is easy because your arrows are always pointing at your target, so the chances of missing the mark are less.
Gap Shooting
Gap shooting only works if you aim from the tip of the arrow. You can easily do this by creating an imaginary line concurrent with the target’s middle. Let’s consider a couple of examples to understand this concept better. Suppose your target is set at 10 yards. Then it would be best if you aimed with your arrow below from the center of the target.
On the other hand, if your target is set at 50 yards, then you need your arrow to point above the center of your target. In some rare cases, you must align your arrow’s tip in the middle of your target.
The significant advantage of gap shooting is that it helps you to maintain consistency. The only trick here is to know your target’s distance; if you recall it right, you can hit the same area every time.
Start with the five-yardage, set your arrow’s tip at the middle of your target, and shoot a few-pointers. You will see your arrows flying higher. Now measure the distance from the middle of your target to where your arrows go. This one is your measurement for five yds. For instance, assume that this measurement is around 5 inches. It gives you an idea to hit 5 inches below from the center to hit your target at 5 yards.
Anchor Walking
Anchor walking is much similar to string walking, but it is the inverse of it. In string walking, where your drawing hand moves up or down on the bowstring, your anchor point will move in multiple directions instead. The anchor point is set up or selected by the archers; it is the point from where they aim at the target. The arrow’s impact will automatically change by moving the anchor point in an up/down motion around your face.
The best part of anchor walking is that your self-tuning of the bow will not get affected by the distance because your drawing hand will remain in the same spot every time on the bow string. The setback of this method is inconsistency with your anchor points. This method is considered accurate, but unfortunately, it is not as precise as other methods.
Instinctive Archery
In this last method, you usually do not aim at your target but try to aim at the area you want your arrow to reach. In the next step, you do the rest of three things: raise your bow, draw your bow and shoot. If we call it an assumption-based method, it is a perfect name. All you need to do is stay focused on the area where you want your arrow to hit and let your brain do the rest for you. Instinctive archery is one of the old-fashioned ways of shooting an arrow without sight. To try instinctive shooting:
- Stand in a comfortable position — for a proper stance.
- Knock your arrow so that it starts pointing towards the ground.
- Try to focus on your target, raise your bow, adjust it accordingly, and then shoot.
Summary
If you have the budget, it is highly recommended to bows with sights, as they will provide you with more accuracy and power. On the contrary, if you are a beginner and running low on budget, follow the methods we have shared for bows without sights, and you are all set to hit the target more accurately. Furthermore, after applying all these techniques, if you still want to know more about how to aim a recurve bow, then write back to us, and we will get back to you soon.