How to Aim a Recurve Bow with Sights
- Get the Form Right
- Master the Draw
- Adjust the Bow Sight at 10 yards
- Repeat from 20 Yards
- Try Shooting from Different Distances
When you are getting started with archery, you will come across different types of bows, including a longbow, compound bow, and recurve bow. Each of these bows is unique in its own way and has some pros and cons. Longbow and recurve bow are generally suitable for novice archers, while a compound bow makes more sense for professionals.
Aiming with a recurve bow takes a lot of practice and time. If you are interested in learning how to aim a recurve bow with sights, you are at the right place. In this guide, we will show you what you need to do to aim a recurve bow with a bow sight. Before we get into that, let us provide you with some basic information about recurve bows.
Recurve Bow
Recurve bows have limbs that curve away from the user when they are unstrung. These bows tend to store a lot of energy and are thus more efficient than bows, which do not curve. You can easily identify a recurve bow by its tips as they are curved. The curve tip is the main reason why the arrow is released smoothly and with high speed. Recurve bows are mostly used in the Olympics. They are also a good option for hunting.
How to Aim a Recurve Bow with a Bow Sight
A bow sight is basically a scope that you can mount on your bow to improve your aim. Mastering a bow sight isn’t easy and requires a lot of practice. Below we have discussed how you can aim a recurve bow with a bow sight.
- Get the Form Right
The first thing that you must consider is your form. Get the posture, draw style, and anchor point right.
- Master the Draw
When you are using a recurve bow, the draw that you perform will determine the amount of energy with which the arrow will be released. Therefore, make sure to draw the arrow properly and keep your arms and hands steady.
- Adjust the Bow Sight
The next step is to adjust your bow sight. This is the most important step, and you must get this right if you want to shoot accurately with the bow sight. To adjust your bow sight, mount it on your recurve bow. Now set up a target and move 10 yards away from it.
Look through the sight via the topmost pin and shoot the arrow. Try taking a few shots and then note the position of the arrows on the target. If the majority of arrows went off the target (i.e., above) than what the pin was indicating, move the sight box slightly up. Repeat this step until you are shooting the arrow right.
- Repeat from 20 Yards
Next step 20 yards away from the target and repeat the same process to adjust the sight bow as needed. Now you have set the first pin of your bow sight. To set the second pin, move 30 yards away from the target and shoot a couple of arrows while aiming down the sight’s second pin. Make the adjustments necessary by moving the sight box.
Next, move 40 yards away from the target and aim through your third pin. Fire some arrows and note where they land. If necessary, move the pin instead of moving the whole sight box to make adjustments to the bow sight.
Once you have adjusted the third pin, go back at the 20-yard mark and shoot some arrows. If any adjustments are required, move the pin instead of changing the position of the bow sight. If your bow sight has more pins, you would have to make adjustments to them, following the same process.
- Try Shooting from Different Distances
Once you have adjusted the bow sight, try shooting at the target from different distances. Draw the bow, find your target, and look through the bow sight with your dominant eye before you release the arrow. Master one distance, then move to the other. Do a detailed examination of where your shots are landing and keep practicing to aim a recurve bow properly with a bow sight.
Additional Tips for Aiming a Recurve Bow with a Bow Sight
If you want to aim a recurve bow better with a bow sight, follow these tips:
- Select a recurve bow that is right for you. You won’t be able to aim correctly if the bow you select is too light or too heavy. Consult an expert to suggest a bow. They will take your draw strength and height into consideration to recommend a recurve bow that is perfect for you.
- Choose arrows that are suitable for your bow. Often times, archers aren’t able to get their aim right because they select arrows that don’t fit their bow properly.
- Hold the recurve bow with a steady yet comfortable grip. Most recurve bows come with handles so you’ll know where to hold your bow. Avoid holding your recurve bow with a death grip because this will lead to inaccuracy.
Best Bow Sights for Recurve Bow
- Apex Gear Covert Pro Green PWR-Dot Sight
- IQ Bowsight Micro 3 or 5 Pin Compound Bow Archery Sight
- Trophy Ridge React One Pro 1 Pin Bow Sight
- HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra Sight- DS-5519 RH
Final Thoughts
We have shown you how to aim a recurve bow with sights. It will take time to improve your aim and master shooting with a recurve bow, but you would love it once you get the hang of it. So follow our advice and keep practicing to aim a recurve bow properly with a bow sight.