Do You Need A Peep Sight on A Compound Bow? (Truth)

Whether or not you should use a peep sight on your compound bow is largely a personal preference. Finding it hard to accept? Well, I can understand your dilemma. 

I’ll unfold everything in this article to make you understand better. 

So, do you need a peep sight on a compound bow? You may need it, but only in some cases! Try to figure out whether you’re struggling in low light conditions, poor shooting accuracy, anchor point, etc.! 

Then, you should choose this peep sight for your shooting. But stay independent of this device. If not, you won’t be able to generate natural shooting without using it in the long run. 

Do You Need A Peep Sight on A Compound Bow

However, that’s only some of what you may know! But here’s my article informing you about every nitty-gritty of this topic. 

Shall I start then?

Table of Contents

What Is A Peep Sight On A Compound Bow?

A peep sight on a compound bow is a small, circular aperture that is attached to the bowstring. It is used to help the archer aim their bow more accurately. 

When the bowstring is drawn back, the peep sight aligns with the archer’s sight pins, which are small, adjustable pins that help the archer aim at the target. 

The peep sight allows the archer to aim more consistently by providing a reference point for their sight pins. 

Some archers find that using a peep sight helps them shoot more accurately and consistently, while others prefer to aim without one. Ultimately, whether or not to use a peep sight on a compound bow is a matter of personal preference.

Do You Need A Peep Sight on A Compound Bow?

Do You Need A Peep Sight on A Compound Bow? 

Is a peep sight necessary?

It’s not mandatory to have a peep sight on your compound bow. However, many archers and professional hunters find it useful to improve their accuracy and consistency while shooting.

But if you need to learn what a peep sight is, let me tell you in a nutshell! A peep sight is a tiny, circular device installed on the string of a compound bow. Generally, it’s used to align the sights or scope of the bow. 

The peep sight can deliver a fixed reference point to your eye while targeting and aligning the sights or scope on your bow. It helps the archer to maintain a consistent anchor point. 

And it’s quite essential when you go for longer distant shots! Along with that, with the variety of lighting conditions, peep lights are demanded badly! 

However, if your range is smaller, things will go smoother without even a peep light. Also, you have to be professional and confident so that additional tools will play a minor role in getting accurate shots.

Should You Use A Peep Sight On A Compound Bow?

It’s not a bad idea to look into a peep sight for your compound bow if you’re looking to narrow down the accuracy of every shot.

Should You Use A Peep Sight On A Compound Bow?

There are a few factors to contemplate when determining whether to utilize a peep sight on your compound bow:

  1. Ease of use: A peep sight can make it easier to aim, especially for beginners and amateurs or those with poor eyesight.
  2. Consistency: A peep sight can help you gain a constant anchor point, which is the position of your string hand on your face when you aim. This can lead to more consistent shots.
  3. Light conditions: Peep sights can be challenging to see in low light conditions, so they may not be the best choice for early morning or late evening shooting.

Ultimately, the decision to use a peep sight or not should be based on what works best for you and your shooting style. It’s a good idea to try shooting with and without a peep sight to see which method works best for you.

The Pros Of A Peep Sight

There are many potential benefits to using a peep sight on a compound bow:

  1. Enhanced accuracy: It improves accuracy by providing a consistent reference point.
  2. Constant anchor point: This point adjusts the position of your string hand on your face while aiming. 
  3. Ease of use: A peep sight can make the bow easier to aim.
  4. Improved shot implementation: Focusing on your shot execution and eliminating distractions. Also, it helps you focus on the shot process.
  5. Improved confidence: Utilizing a peep sight improves your confidence in your aim.

The Cons Of A Peep Sight

There are also some drawbacks of using a peep sight on a compound bow:

  1. Complexity: Adding a peep sight can expand the overall complexity of your setup.
  2. String torque: Lack of proper peep sight alignment with the sight pins; it can generate the string to twist.
  3. Dependency: Hunters might become too reliant on the peep sight and need help to aim accurately.
  4. Cost: It increases your overall estimated budget for the bow setup.

What’s the difference between Peep Sight and Bow Sight?

A bow sight is a device that is attached to a bow and helps the archer aim at their target. It typically consists of a series of pins or dots that the archer aligns with the target to aim their shot. The pins or dots are typically adjustable, allowing the archer to fine-tune their aim for different distances.

A peep sight is a small, circular device that is attached to the string of a bow. It is placed near the archer’s eye and helps them align their shot by providing a reference point for where the arrow will go. The peep sight does not have any adjustable elements and is simply used as a reference point for the archer to align their shot.

In summary, a bow sight is a device that helps the archer aim their shot, while a peep sight is a reference point that helps the archer align their shot. Both can be useful for improving accuracy and can be used together or separately, depending on the preferences of the archer.

Related: Two Common EZV Bow Sight Problems! [How to Fix]

How To Aim A Compound Bow Without A Peep Sight?

To aim a compound bow without a peep sight, you will need to use the fixed pins on your bow’s sight as your aiming reference. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Begin by standing in your shooting position, with your bow held at full draw.
  • Focus on your target and align the fixed pins on your sight with the center of the target.
  • Use your dominant eye to aim, as this will help you get a more accurate shot.
  • Make sure that your bow arm and shoulder are relaxed, as tension can affect your accuracy.
  • While maintaining your aim, slowly release the string to shoot the arrow.

It’s also important to practice your aim regularly to improve your accuracy. As you become more comfortable with your bow, you may find that you are able to aim more accurately without the use of a peep sight.

Related: How To Sight In A Crossbow Scope Without Shooting?

How To Shoot A Compound Bow Without Sights?

Shooting a compound bow without sights can be challenging, as sights help to provide a consistent and accurate aim. 

However, it is possible to shoot a compound bow without sight by using other methods of aim such as instinctive shooting or finger shooting.

To shoot a compound bow without sights using instinctive shooting, follow these steps:

  1. Assume a proper shooting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body perpendicular to the target.
  2. Grip the bowstring with your fingers, using a relaxed grip.
  3. Bring the bow up to your anchor point, which is the point on your face where you will consistently bring the string back when drawing the bow. This is usually at or near your mouth.
  4. Align the bow with the target by using your dominant eye to aim. You should be able to see the target and the bowstring in the same visual plane.
  5. Draw the bowstring back to your anchor point, keeping your elbow close to your body and your bow arm straight.
  6. Take a deep breath, hold it, and release the string when you are ready to shoot.

To shoot a compound bow without sights using finger shooting, follow these steps:

  1. Assume a proper shooting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body perpendicular to the target.
  2. Grip the bowstring with your fingers, using a relaxed grip.
  3. Bring the bow up to your anchor point, which is the point on your face where you will consistently bring the string back when drawing the bow. This is usually at or near your mouth.
  4. Align the bow with the target by using your dominant eye to aim. You should be able to see the target and the bowstring in the same visual plane.
  5. Draw the bowstring back to your anchor point, keeping your elbow close to your body and your bow arm straight.
  6. Take a deep breath, hold it, and release the string when you are ready to shoot.

It’s important to note that both of these methods of shooting a compound bow without sight will require a lot of practice and repetition to become proficient. It’s also important to remember to always wear proper eye protection when shooting a bow and arrow.

FAQs


Do Olympic archers use peep sights?

No, Olympic archers don’t use peep sights while shooting recurve bows. Over the last hundred years, several facets of archery have been changed, such as the orientation of bows and arrows, the attire, and the regulations. Nowadays, 70 meters is the standard distance for them, equal to 76.5529 yards.

What is it called when I release the bowstring without an arrow?

When you release the bowstring without an arrow is called dry firing. It’s also known as dry losing. This condition happens when users draw back and release the bowstring without an arrow being nocked or if their fingers tumble on that bowstring. 

Dry firing applies to any bow, such as recurve bows. Dry fire may occur regularly if the arrow has no proper nocking.

Should I knock the arrow above or below?

On your bow handle, you should position the nocked arrow at least a quarter inch above your arrow rest. However, you might see a nocking point existing in different bows.

This point is a tiny brass band that is crimped onto the bowstring. This approach helps in marking the suitable position for your arrow.

Why do archers pull the string to their lips?

Mostly, professional archers prefer pulling the string back to their face by employing their fingers while shooting a barebow. They usually aim it by looking down the arrow length. 

As a result, the energy reserved in the bent limbs gets transferred. It goes through the bowstring and arrow to shift it down to the target.

Are peep sights better than open sights?

Yes! Though peep sights and open sights are designed to align the bow with the target, peep sights can provide a more sharp image. As a result, more accurate shots can be achieved. 

Eventually, you’ll find them quite effective and easier to use in low light. Open sights can’t allow more light to enter than peep sights usually do

Final Words

If your personal preferences demand a peep sight, then go for it. Unless this tool doesn’t add additional values at all! Hope you’ve found my article useful.

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