Perfecting The Art Of Squaring Your Compound Bow

A bow square is a measurement tool that is used to set up a compound bow. It is an important tool for any serious archer, as it helps to ensure accuracy and consistency in your shots. The bow square is placed on the bow string and the arrow rest, and then you can use the measurement markings to position the nocking point on your bow. This will take some trial and error, but once you've found the right spot, you can use it to your advantage in future. The bow square can also be used to measure the brace height, which is the distance between the bow grip and the bowstring, and the tiller, which refers to the way you hold the bow.

Tuning the draw weight

Step 1: Find the limb bolts

The limb bolts are located near the centre of your compound bow and attach the bow's arms to the riser (the central part of the bow). These bolts need to be adjusted to change the draw weight.

Step 2: Loosen the limb locking screws

Some compound bows have a second set of bolts or screws that hold the limb bolts in place. These are usually found on either side of the limb bolts and can be loosened with an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Loosen these locking screws to allow the limb bolts to be adjusted.

Step 3: Adjust the limb bolts to your desired weight

To increase the draw weight, tighten the limb bolts with an Allen wrench by turning them clockwise. To decrease the draw weight, first raise the draw weight to its maximum by tightening the limb bolts, then loosen them by turning them counterclockwise. Adjust the tension of each arm of the bow equally, turning each bolt the same amount.

Step 4: Test the bow

Secure the limb locking screws if your bow has them, then hold the bow as you normally would and pull back the bowstring. If you are happy with how it feels, you are done. If not, continue adjusting the draw weight until you are satisfied.

Step 5: Choose a comfortable weight

The draw weight should match your upper body strength and your intended use. If you are using the bow for hunting, you may want a heavier weight to ensure your arrows have enough penetrating power. For competition archers, a lighter weight is better as it allows you to shoot repeatedly without getting tired. The weight should feel natural in your hands and allow you to draw, hold and release the bow without difficulty.

Step 6: Check your draw weight with a bow scale

If you are unsure whether your draw weight is correct, you can check it with a bow scale. Sit in a chair and pull your bow back with your feet off the ground. If you are comfortable with the weight and can hold full draw without difficulty, the weight is correct. If it feels too heavy, lower the draw weight in small increments until you find a comfortable level.

Tuning the draw length

Determining Your Ideal Draw Length:

Start by measuring your arm span. Stand with your arms outstretched in a "T" shape, and have someone measure the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other middle finger across your back. This measurement provides a rough estimate of your ideal draw length. Divide this number by 2.5 to get your approximate draw length.

Adjusting the Draw Length on Your Compound Bow:

The process of adjusting the draw length can vary slightly depending on the model and brand of your compound bow. Some compound bows have configurable mods, which are found inside the cams at either end of the bow. These mods have markings that indicate the draw length settings. To adjust the draw length, loosen the screw, turn the mod to the required setting, and then tighten the screw securely. Ensure that both cams are adjusted to the same draw length.

Fine-Tuning Your Draw Length:

After making adjustments to your compound bow, it's important to fine-tune your draw length to ensure maximum accuracy and comfort. Shoot arrows at a target from a distance of 20 yards, making small adjustments to your bow's sight until your arrows start grouping well. Then, move back to a distance of 30 yards or more and shoot another group of arrows at the same target. If this new group of arrows hits to the right or left of your previous group, make slight adjustments to the arrow rest until the arrows are hitting within a more accurate range.

Additional Tips:

• It is crucial to know your ideal draw length before purchasing a compound bow, as some models cannot be adjusted.
• When adjusting the draw length, always refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions pertaining to your compound bow.
• If you are a beginner, consider visiting an archery shop to get measured and receive guidance in determining your ideal draw length.
• Remember that your draw length may change slightly as you gain experience and refine your technique.

By carefully following these steps and making any necessary adjustments, you will be able to tune the draw length of your compound bow to match your individual needs and improve your overall archery experience.

Configuring the arrow rest

Types of Arrow Rests

Before you begin, it's important to understand the different types of arrow rests available for compound bows:

• Launcher Style: These rests have been a popular choice for a long time. They can have either a pair of prongs or a single thin blade to support the arrow. Launcher-style rests provide constant support to the arrow during the draw and release until it is fired. While they are simple to set up and minimize contact with the arrow, they may not be ideal for bowhunting, as the arrow can fall off when shooting at odd angles.
• Containment Style: This style, commonly known as the Whisker Biscuit, features a full circle of nylon bristles or individual guides that fully capture and secure the arrow in place. Containment-style rests are highly favoured by bowhunters due to their simplicity, durability, and effectiveness in holding the arrow. However, they may compromise accuracy due to increased contact with the arrow and fletching.
• Drop-Away: Drop-away rests have gained popularity among target archers and bowhunters alike. As the name suggests, these rests support the arrow during the draw cycle and then drop out of the way during the shot, ensuring no contact with the arrow after it is released. Drop-away rests can be limb-driven or cable-driven, depending on whether they are attached to the bow limb or the down-moving cable. While they provide excellent accuracy and arrow retention, their complex setup and tuning make them more challenging to use.

Choosing the Right Arrow Rest

When selecting an arrow rest for your compound bow, consider the following factors:

• Arrow Retention: Think about the intended use of your bow. If you plan to shoot from various positions, such as during bowhunting, choose an arrow rest that offers excellent arrow retention to prevent constant redrawing.
• Interference: Fixed arrow rests are designed to minimize interference with the arrow flight. Springy materials are used to reduce contact, but even slight contact after the arrow is fired can affect its flight pattern. Look for rests that balance arrow retention and interference to suit your needs.
• Ease of Use and Maintenance: Consider your preference for adjustability and complexity. Some rests offer micro-tune adjustability, while others are simpler plug-n-play options. Drop-away rests, for example, require expertise in installation and tuning due to their intricate design.

Installation Steps

Once you've chosen the appropriate arrow rest for your compound bow, follow these steps for installation:

• Read the Instructions: Before beginning, thoroughly read the instruction manual provided with your arrow rest. Different arrow rests may have specific requirements or unique installation processes.
• Attach the Arrow Rest to the Bow's Riser: Carefully attach the arrow rest to the riser by adding the Berger Hole screw. Depending on the model, you may need to install additional screws. Ensure that the centre of the arrow is horizontal to the centre of the Berger hole, and make any necessary adjustments.
• Set the Centre of the Arrow Rest: The left-to-right location of the arrow rest is known as the centre shot. Refer to the recommendations from your arrow rest or bow manufacturer for the ideal distance. After centring the arrow rest, tie the drop-away cord snugly, ensuring it is neither too tight nor too loose.
• Tie the Knot Properly: Pull back the bow to engage the drop-away rest and check if you can draw the bow fully. If not, adjust the tightness of the cable. Tie the final knot beneath the setting knot to secure the cord in place.
• Finishing Touches: Trim any excess cords below the knots, and use a lighter to melt any frayed pieces for a neat finish.

Alignment and Tuning

After installing the arrow rest, proper alignment and tuning are crucial for optimal performance:

• Use a Second Arrow and Rubber Band: Attach a second arrow to the riser wall and secure it with a rubber band. This will help you adjust the arrow rest to the correct position.
• Adjust the Arrow Rest: Fold a piece of paper that barely fits between the two arrows. Adjust the arrow rest so that the paper slips through with minimal clearance. This position will be your starting point for a perfectly aligned arrow rest.
• Centre the Arrow: Prop up your bow vertically with an arrow on the arrow rest. Take a few steps back and centre the string on the limbs. Check the alignment, and make adjustments if needed. The arrow should be in the centre of the string or disappear behind it.
• Adjust Left-Right Alignment: Depending on your arrow rest, use dials or a locking screw to adjust the left-right alignment. Repeat the centring process to ensure the arrow is correctly positioned.
• Check Arrow Clearance: Ensure there is sufficient clearance between the arrow and the shelf, as the arrow flexes vertically on compound bows.
• Perpendicular Alignment: Make sure the arrow is perfectly perpendicular to the bowstring. Adjust the arrow rest up or down if the arrow is pointing up or down.
• Drop-Away Arrow Rest Setup: If using a drop-away arrow rest, set the activator cord so that it is upright at full draw. Fine-tune the timing of the rest's rise and fall to guide the arrow during the forward travel.

Setting up the sight

Step 1: Prepare the Bow and Range

Give yourself a few days to sight in your bow, as fatigue will affect your accuracy. Start by mounting the sight to the bow, following the instructions provided with your specific model. Most sights attach to the riser with a couple of screws and should be at a right angle to the bow. Do not overtighten the screws as you could damage the bow. Let the sight settle overnight, as you may need to tighten it further. Set all sighting pin adjustments to the mid-point, which will give you maximum room for adjustments.

Step 2: Set Up the Target and Ranges

Use a durable target that can take many arrows, as sighting in a bow can be time-consuming and require a lot of repetition. Set up your target and mark off ranges in 10-yard increments, at least up to 40 yards. Use a range finder for accuracy if possible.

Step 3: Set Your 20-Yard Pin

Move to the closest distance to the target, usually the 10-yard mark. Stand perpendicular to the target, draw your arrow, and look down the sight at the top pin. Shoot your arrow and repeat a few times. Take note of where the arrows hit in relation to the pin. If the arrows hit above the pin, move the sight box up. Repeat this process until the arrow is not shooting above the top pin. Then, move back to 20 yards and repeat the sighting process, raising the sight box if necessary. Once the arrows are not hitting above the pin, you can make adjustments for left or right misses by moving the sight left or right, respectively.

Step 4: Set Your 30-Yard Pin

Now, move to the 30-yard mark and aim with your 20-yard pin. Shoot a few arrows and start making adjustments. Remember to move the entire sight box when adjusting at this stage. Make the 30-yard pin as accurate as possible, as it will be the anchor of your sight.

Step 5: Set Your 40-Yard Pin

Move back to 40 yards and shoot arrows, this time using the third pin. When making adjustments, move the pin itself instead of the entire sight box. Focus on making the 40-yard arrow go exactly where the pin is pointing. The distance between the 30 and 40-yard pins will be greater than that between the 20 and 30-yard pins.

Step 6: Check Your 20-Yard Pin Again

Once you've set the 40-yard pin, go back and shoot at 20 yards again, this time adjusting the pin itself rather than the whole sight.

Step 7: Move Back and Sight Additional Pins

If your sight has additional pins for 50, 60, or more yards, move back from the target and repeat the previous steps, moving the pin to make adjustments.

Additional Tips:

• Make all sighting adjustments in fine increments to avoid throwing the sight off.
• Ensure your bow and bowstring are broken in, as sighting with a new bow or string will lose effectiveness over time as they wear in and settle.
• If you need further help, don't hesitate to visit an archery shop, where professionals will be glad to assist you.

Remember, the above process is a general guide, and you may need to make adjustments based on your specific bow model and personal preferences.

Adding the peep sight

The peep sight is an accessory that can be added to a compound bow to improve accuracy. It is a small hollowed-out circle installed on the string of the bow, working in tandem with the bow sights to narrow the field of view and improve aim. While it is not a requirement, it is highly recommended by archery professionals.

Determine the position of the peep sight: Draw the bow to your normal anchor point and use a piece of sticky tape where the sight meets the string in your field of view. You may need to do this a few times to get the right position, as it is difficult to adjust later.

Release the tension from the string: If your bow can be easily disassembled, you can use the limb bolts to release the tension. Otherwise, you will need to use a bow press.

Split the strands of the string: Evenly split the strands of the string. There should be an equal number of strands on each side. You can use a string splitter or something similar that is not sharp, being careful not to cut or fray the string fibres.

Put the peep sight in the gap of the string: Ensure that the strands of the string are secured in the grooves of the peep sight. Pull on both sides of the string to keep the peep sight in place.

Tension the string: Put the string back under tension by tightening the limb bolts or removing the bow press.

Tie the peep sight down: There are multiple ways to do this. One method is to use serving string, a thin synthetic thread designed for archery equipment, to tie the peep sight in place. Cut a length of serving string, approximately 18 inches, and wrap it around the bowstring threads, pulling it tight and making several knots.

Test your peep sight: Draw your bow and check if the peep sight is oriented correctly. It may rotate during the draw, in which case you can refer to an archery guide for additional guidance.

Tips for using a peep sight

• Always determine the distances the pins on your peep sight are set to before taking a shot. The top pin is usually set to 20 yards, with 10-yard increments set for the rest (30, 40 and 50 yards).
• When using a peep sight, line up the target with the peep sight's pin by looking through the peep with your dominant eye, while also lining up the forward sight with the corresponding target.
• Pick the right peep sight for your needs. Peep sights come in various sizes and housing designs. A larger peep sight will let in more light, while the sight housing determines factors such as the number of pins, pin spacing, and your overall field of view.

Frequently asked questions