Q&A for How to Shoot a Recurve Bow

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How to properly string a recurve bow?

Clay Hayes
Archery Expert
Clay Hayes is an Archery Expert based in Idaho. He owns and operates the website Twisted Stave, where he sells merchandise, offers tutorials, and blogs about his life as an outdoorsman. Clay and his family have built an online community of over 440 thousand archery and hunting enthusiasts with their YouTube channel. Clay has authored three books and produced hundreds of videos on wilderness skills, traditional archery, bow building, and bow hunting. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University.

Clay Hayes

Archery Expert

Expert Answer

To string a recurve bow using a stringer, start by attaching one end of the stringer to the top limb's nock and placing the other end on the bottom limb's tip. Position the bow away from you and step on the stringer, securing it to the ground. Pull the bowstring towards the bottom limb's tip to create tension, then slide the top loop of the string into the nock on the top limb. Check alignment, release tension, and ensure the string is securely seated in both nocks.

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Question

How do I choose a good recurve bow?

Clay Hayes
Archery Expert
Clay Hayes is an Archery Expert based in Idaho. He owns and operates the website Twisted Stave, where he sells merchandise, offers tutorials, and blogs about his life as an outdoorsman. Clay and his family have built an online community of over 440 thousand archery and hunting enthusiasts with their YouTube channel. Clay has authored three books and produced hundreds of videos on wilderness skills, traditional archery, bow building, and bow hunting. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University.

Clay Hayes

Archery Expert

Expert Answer

Choose the best recurve bow for target shooting based on what suits you rather than getting too caught up in the specific model. Look for a bow that fits your draw length, meets your draw weight requirements, and is within your budget. There are decent-quality bows available online at a very affordable price, around $150 or so, that can serve well for getting started on the range, shooting arrows, and enjoying the experience. As you gain more knowledge and confidence in your shooting, you can consider upgrading. The market offers a range of options, from the initial $150 investment to custom-made traditional bows that may cost thousands of dollars.

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Question

I have been told never aim directly at the bullseye because the sight line vs flight line is different. Why?

Community Answer

If you close one eye when you aim (as a lot of people do), you'll need to aim a bit towards whichever side your open eye is on. Also, the arrow will fall a bit, especially at long range. Shifting your aim correctly is a matter of experience.

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Question

Do I look at the arrow head to shoot an arrow from a sightless bow?

Community Answer

There are several schools of thought on this one. You can be as elaborate as calculating how far down the tip needs to be to hit a particular spot and always line up to that. You can also shoot "instinctively" and only look at the target, letting your body move to the right position. I tend to shoot in-between. I'll focus on the target and use the tip as a "double-check" to get me in the ballpark. Mostly, I suggest experimentation; it's all about what works best for you.

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Question

How do I pull my arrows properly after shooting them?

Community Answer

First, do NOT grasp the arrow on the fletching (also called vanes or feathers). Ideally, get hold of the arrow just in front of the fletching. Pull the arrow straight out of the target. Do NOT pull at an angle as you will run the risk of ruining it by bending it (if it is aluminum) or breaking it (if wood, carbon, or fiberglass). If the arrow penetrates the target very deeply so that the fletching is covered, then it must be pulled out from the backside of the target or else it may destroy the fletching. Broad head arrows are not suitable for target practice as they will need to be extracted from the backside of the target every time.

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Question

I do archery in my side-yard. Is that illegal?

Community Answer

In most places where a bow can be used unregistered, it is not considered illegal. However, it is up to you to maintain safety standards. The minute your arrow flies over the fence or someone calls you in, you may be charged with reckless endangerment, public nuisance etc...but not for discharging a weapon.

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Question

How do I line up my recurve bow to the target?

Community Answer

Rest the bow string on the side of your nose matching your dominant eye and line up the two sets of strings with each other in front of the target. Release the arrow.

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Question

If I am left eye dominant but right handed, which handed recurve bow should I use?

Community Answer

Right handed. Using your stronger arm will result in higher draw weight and better accuracy.

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