Choosing The Right Peep Sight Angle

Choosing the right peep sight angle for a compound bow is crucial for optimal accuracy and performance. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice:

- Understand the Basics: A peep sight is a small device mounted on the bowstring, aiding in accurate aiming by providing a reference point for the archer. It helps maintain proper head position and eye alignment with the target, ensuring consistent and precise shooting.

- Determine Your Bow's Brace Height: The first step is to measure your bow's brace height, which is the distance from the string to the thumb web section of the bow's grip. This measurement will be crucial for selecting the appropriate peep sight angle.

- Consult the Specialty Archery Chart: Specialty Archery provides a detailed chart to help you choose the right peep sight angle based on your bow's brace height, axle-to-axle length, and draw length. By referring to this chart, you can identify the preferred peep string angle for your specific bow setup.

- Consider Your Shooting Style: Think about the type of shooting you'll be doing (target practice or hunting) and the distances you'll be shooting at. If you shoot at longer distances, a smaller aperture peep sight may be more suitable, while a round or oval peep sight might be better for fast-paced hunting scenarios.

- Choose Between Verifier and Clarifier: Verifiers are typically used by older archers to clear up sight pins, while clarifiers are preferred by tournament archers to enhance target clarity when using a scope. Specialty Archery provides guidelines to help you select the appropriate option based on your needs.

- Seek Expert Advice: If you're unsure, don't hesitate to consult experienced archers, coaches, or technicians. They can provide valuable insights and guidance based on your individual requirements and shooting style.

Choosing the Right Peep Sight Type

Understanding Different Peep Sight Types:

Round peep sights offer a wide field of view and are suitable for various shooting styles. Oval peep sights provide a more vertical sight picture, enhancing accuracy for longer-distance shots. Aperture peep sights offer a smaller, more precise sight window, making them ideal for target shooters who require maximum accuracy.

Considering Your Shooting Style and Preferences:

Think about the types of shooting you'll be doing (target shooting or hunting) and the distances you'll be shooting at. Smaller aperture peep sights may be more suitable for longer distances, while round or oval peep sights might be better for fast-paced hunting scenarios. Additionally, consider your comfort level and ease of use. Some archers prefer the larger field of view of round peep sights, while others favour the precision of aperture sights.

Consulting with an Experienced Archer:

If you're unsure, seek guidance from an experienced archer or a professional coach. They can offer valuable insights and advice based on their experiences.

Determining the Correct Peep Sight Size:

Choosing the right peep sight size is crucial. The size should be based on your draw length, which is the distance from the corner of your mouth to the tip of your thumb with your bow arm fully extended. As a rule of thumb, select a peep sight with an inside diameter that's approximately 1/4 inch smaller than your draw length. For example, if your draw length is 28 inches, choose a peep sight with an inside diameter of around 27 3/4 inches. This ensures proper alignment with your eye and a clear sight picture.

Adjusting for Personal Comfort:

While the calculated peep sight size is a good starting point, consider your personal comfort. Experiment with different sizes to find the most comfortable and clear sight picture, enabling consistent alignment with the target.

How to Install a Peep Sight on a Compound Bow?

Installing a peep sight on a compound bow is a great way to improve your aim and accuracy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Marking the Spot for the Peep

First, nock an arrow and draw the bow as normal. Position yourself as if you're aiming at a target straight ahead, with your body perpendicular to the target and your elbows parallel to the ground. Ask a friend to stand beside you and mark the spot on the bowstring that is level with your eye's pupil. This is where the peep sight will be installed.

Reducing Tension on the Bowstring

Before installing the peep sight, you need to reduce the tension on the bowstring. If possible, use an allen wrench to make two full counterclockwise turns at the tip of each bow arm. Then, use a bow press to further loosen the bowstring. Insert your bow horizontally into the press and tighten it until there is light slack on the bowstring.

Inserting the Peep

Now it's time to separate the two intertwined strands of the bowstring at the marked spot. Use a bowstring separator tool to do this without damaging the bowstring. Once the strands are separated, slide the peep between them, aligning the notches with the strands.

Tying the Peep into the Bow String

Cut a length of serving string that's approximately 18 inches (46 cm). Start by wrapping the line four times around one of the bowstring threads, then pull it tight. Repeat this process on the other side of the peep, making sure to keep the wraps tight and even on both sides. Tie your preferred secure knot with the remaining length of string.

Securing and Testing the Peep

Trim the free ends of the serving string to about 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) in length. You can secure the stubs with a drop of super glue or carefully melt them with a lighter. Release the tension on the bowstring and remove it from the bow press. Draw the bow and confirm that the peep sight is in the correct position. Make minor adjustments if needed.

And that's it! You're now ready to shoot your bow with improved accuracy.

How to Install a Peep Sight on a Recurve Bow?

Installing a peep sight on a recurve bow is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to ensure you don't damage your bow. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a peep sight on a recurve bow:

Step 1: Select the Perfect Height

First, place your sight in the string and draw your arrow completely. Without moving, ask your friend to help you align the peep so you can determine the most comfortable height. If the peep is too low, it will be hard to see through, and if it's too high, you won't be able to focus properly.

Step 2: Fire a Few Arrows

Shoot a few arrows to see if you need to adjust the peep height. If adjustments are needed, try a different height and shoot again until you find the right one for you. Firing at least 20 arrows before adjusting any settings will give you a good idea of whether the peep size is right for you.

Step 3: Prepare the Bowstring

Before installing the peep sight, ensure that your bowstring is stretched and seated to prevent the peep sight from twisting later on. Fire at least 20 arrows without the peep sight installed to seat the string. You can also reduce the tension on the bowstring by backing out the limb bolts to make it easier to separate the strands.

Step 4: Separate the Bowstring Strands

Use a bowstring separator tool or a strong piece of plastic to divide the strands of the bowstring without cutting or tearing them. Ensure that your D-loop is straight before using the splitting tool to divide the strands equally. Twist the tool 90 degrees to form an elongated diamond shape.

Step 5: Insert the Peep Sight

Insert the peep sight into the opening and twist the separator to allow the grooves in the peep to accept the strands of the bowstring. The peep sight will be at a natural angle, and when you pull back your bowstring, it will tilt and flatten so you can see through it perfectly.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Draw your bow to full draw and check if you need to slide the peep sight up or down so that your eye looks perfectly through it and into your sight scope and pins. You may need to do this several times, so it's helpful to have a friend assist you.

With these steps, you can install a peep sight on your recurve bow, improving your aim and accuracy. Remember to be cautious when handling your bow and bowstring to avoid any damage.

How to Install a Peep Sight Using a Bow Press?

To install a peep sight using a bow press, follow these steps:

First, reduce the tension on your bowstring. You can do this by using an allen wrench to make two full counter-clockwise turns at the tip of each bow arm. Then, insert your bow horizontally into the bow press and tighten it until there is light slack on the bowstring. You should be able to easily lift the string with your fingers.

Next, separate the two intertwined strands of the bowstring using a bowstring separator tool. Wedge the tip of the tool between the strands at the spot where you want to place the peep sight. Remove the tool and use your fingers to keep the strands separated.

Now, it's time to insert the peep sight. Slide the peep between the strands, making sure that the notches on the peep align with the strands. You may need to use one hand to keep the strands apart while using your other hand to insert the peep.

Once the peep is in place, it's time to tie it into the bowstring. Cut a length of serving string that's approximately 18 inches long. Start by wrapping the line four times around one of the bowstring threads, pulling it tight after each wrap. Then, wrap the line four times around both threads and tighten the wraps again. Continue wrapping and pulling until you are close to the peep, aiming to get within a quarter of an inch if possible.

Run the string to the other side of the peep and make two tight wraps. Pull the string taut and make one wrap around a single thread, followed by a wrap around both threads. Keep wrapping and pulling until the number of wraps on both sides of the peep are roughly equal.

Finally, tie a secure knot with the remaining length of string. Trim the free ends of the serving string to about an eighth of an inch in length and apply super glue or melt the stubs with a lighter to seal them in place. Release the tension on the bowstring and remove it from the bow press.

Now, you can draw your bow and confirm that the peep sight is in the correct location. You should be able to look straight through the opening in the peep sight when you nock an arrow and draw the bow fully. If any adjustments are needed, make sure to do so carefully.

How to Install a Peep Sight With Tubing?

To install a peep sight with tubing, you will need to gather the necessary materials, including the peep sight, tubing, and tools such as a bow press and Allen wrenches. If needed, remove the bowstring using a bow press to simplify the installation process.

The next step is to locate the mounting holes on the bow's string or cable, typically found near the centre. Insert the tubing into the mounting hole and secure it with an Allen wrench to ensure it doesn't move during use. Attach the peep sight to the tubing using the provided hardware, such as a pin or screw.

Once the peep sight is securely attached, you can reattach the bowstring (if removed) and make any necessary adjustments to the sight. Finally, test the peep sight to ensure it functions as intended and is properly aligned.

It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your peep sight and to exercise caution when working with archery equipment. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified archery technician.

Frequently asked questions