There are several different types of archery bows used for sport and small game hunting and the one you choose will really depend on how experienced you are. Students of archery will usually start off using a recurve bow, because it is light and doesn’t require a lot of strength. For those archers with more experience and stronger arm muscles, the compound bow is the archery system of choice. Compound bows use a system of pulleys, cables, and cams that help the archer hold the draw weight of the arrow for a longer period without the excessive use of the arm muscles. This means a much more accurate shot. The bows used are less susceptible to changes in temperature so accuracy and velocity are not affected like they would be in a traditional bow system like the recurve. All of these features mean very little if your aim is off, so it is important to follow certain steps when aiming. A peep sight on the compound bow is a very useful feature that helps with your aim. If you have a compound bow that doesn’t come with one, then I would suggest reading some compound bow reviews. When you are learning how to sight in a compound bow using the peep sight, take certain measures to make sure your aim is on target.
- Relax your body
It is very difficult to aim a bow correctly at a target if your forearm is tense and stiff. Stretching out your arms, neck, and back will help you loosen up go a long way in helping with consistent target shots. There are many tips and tricks you can find online to help you achieve the best stance for the compound bow. Do a little research and practice with different techniques to find the ones that are right for you.
- Holding the bow
Hold the bow so it feels comfortable in your hands and doesn’t cause arm fatigue. The bow handle should be resting on your thumb and your hand should be clasped tightly underneath it.
- Drawing the bow
When you are drawing your bow, your wrist and hand should be relaxed and the arrow should be “nocked” on the string and brought back to line up with “anchor points” on your face. These points are usually the tip of your nose, the edge of your mouth and the side of your face that your hand touches when pulling the string back. If you practice this technique, then it will become like second nature and you will have consistently accurate shots.
- Look at your target through the peep sight
The peep sight is a small ring that is attached to the string on your bow and sits at your eye level. The peep sight must be attached so it is easy to look through once you have drawn your bow. This small ring must also be large enough for you to have the full view of your target. You want the peep sight to be small enough to allow you for pinpoint accuracy when you focus on your target but also large enough to keep your forward sight and target in view.
- Always keep the forward sight in view
How to sight in a compound bow using the peep sight is to keep your forward sight and target in view while you aim. The forward sight is larger and is used in tandem with the peep sight to adjust your focus on your target. The larger sight is also better in low light conditions because you can get a broader perspective on your target. This way your aim will be the most accurate possible, even when the sun starts to go down. Using both sights will also increase the amount of time you can be out doing target practice.
- Distance between your peep sight and forward sight
Experienced archers know that the greater the distance between your peep sight and your forward sight, the more accurate your shot will be. This distance can be adjusted on any compound bow easily and ensures consistent and accurate shots with your bow.
- Closing one eye while you aim
A lot of experienced archers claim that closing one eye while you are aiming your bow gives you a greater accuracy because it makes the target clearer while you are trying to focus. There are advantages to using both eyes while making your shot including greater depth perception. Using one eye can be limiting in getting a wider view of the target, so using both eyes allows for a greater field of view as well as any strange movements of the arrow that need correcting.
- Set the correct pin
The forward sight on your compound bow comes with several pins that mark the distance you are from your targets. Most pins mark 20 yards, 30 yards, and so on. If you have a good idea of the distance, then adjust your bow so that the pin is lined up in the middle of your target. This will help correct any variations that may occur when your arrow is released. If you aren’t sure of the distance, then it may be a good idea to practice with the pins with similar distances before taking the final shot. One rule of thumb is not to release the arrow right when the pin is lined up but to relax and let the pin float to give you the best aim.
How to sight in a compound bow using the peep sight can be an easy task for any archer when you follow these steps. Using your peep sight efficiently by keeping the forward sight and target in view while also adjusting for distance is the most effective way of getting an accurate shot with a compound bow. Making sure you are relaxed and holding the bow comfortably are just two of the ways you can improve your accuracy. Practice often with aiming through the peep sight and try out different sizes and placements on the string to make sure you have the right one for your needs. If you need even more information on how to use a sight, or the best compound peep sights then read them in the links