How To Install a Peep Sight Without Bowpress: Experts Guide!
Archery is a sport that requires precision and accuracy, and having the right equipment is crucial to achieving success. One important piece of equipment that archers use is the peep sight.
Installing a peep sight correctly on a bow can be a challenging task, and many archers rely on a bowpress to do the job.
A bowpress is a device that is used to compress the limbs of a bow, making it easier to adjust the strings and other components. While a bowpress can be a useful tool for installing a peep sight, not all archers have access to one.
That’s why in this article, we will provide a guide for installing a peep sight without a bowpress.
What is a Peep Sight
A peep sight is an accessory that is mounted onto the bowstring of a bow.
It consists of a small circular ring that is positioned in such a way that when the bowstring is drawn back, the ring lines up with the shooter’s dominant eye.
By looking through the hole in the center of the ring, the shooter can then align the peep sight with the bow’s front sight and aim at the target with greater accuracy.
The primary purpose of a peep sight is to provide a consistent anchoring spot for the shooter.
Just like a rear sight on a rifle needs to be aligned with the front sight to achieve accurate shots, the peep sight helps the archer to achieve greater accuracy by providing a reliable and consistent reference point for aiming.
Preparation For Installing a Peep Sight
Before starting the peep sight installation process, it’s important to prepare all the necessary tools and equipment.
Here are the steps to follow:
Gather necessary tools and equipment:
To install a peep sight, you will need a few essential tools, including pliers, dental floss or string, and the peep sight itself.
- Pliers are required to twist the bowstring,
- while dental floss or string will be used to tie a knot on the bowstring.
Make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment before you begin.
Choose the correct size of peep sight for your bow:
It’s important to choose the right size peep sight for your bow.
Peep sights come in different sizes, and selecting the wrong size can lead to accuracy issues.
To determine the correct size,
- Measure the inside diameter of the peep sight that came with your bow.
Understand the position of the peep sight on the bowstring:
To mark the location of your peep sight, draw your bow to full draw with your eyes closed and settle into your anchor points.
Next, open your dominant eye that you’ll use to look through the peep sight and ask a friend to mark the string at that exact location.
Now, Let me discuss the different methods to install a peep sight without bow press
Method 1: Knot and Twist Method
The knot and twist method is one of the easiest ways to install a peep sight without a bowpress.
Here are the steps to follow:
A. Tie a knot in the bowstring at the desired location of the peep sight:
Using a string, tie a knot in the bowstring at the desired location of the peep sight. Make sure the knot is tight and will not move.
B. Use pliers to twist the bowstring until the knot is tight against the bowstring:
Using pliers, twist the bowstring in the opposite direction of the twist of the string. This will cause the bowstring to shorten, which will tighten the knot against the bowstring. Continue twisting until the knot is tight against the bowstring.
C. Install the peep sight by threading it onto the bowstring between the knot and the bow:
Once the knot is tight against the bowstring, you can install the peep sight. Thread the peep sight onto the bowstring between the knot and the bow, making sure it is positioned at the desired location. Make any necessary adjustments to the position of the peep sight before using it.
This method is relatively easy and can be done by most archers. However, it’s important to note that over-twisting the bowstring can cause damage to the bow or the bowstring, so make sure to be careful and stop twisting once the knot is tight. Additionally, it’s recommended to check the peep sight position and make any necessary adjustments before using it for accuracy.
Method 2: The Dental Floss Method
Another popular method for installing a peep sight without a bowpress is the dental floss method.
This method is similar to the knot and twist method, but instead of using a knot in the bowstring, a piece of dental floss is used. Here are the steps to follow:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Tie a knot in a piece of dental floss and thread it onto the bowstring at the desired location of the peep sight. Make sure the knot is tight and will not move.
Step 2: Tie another knot in the dental floss, below the bowstring, to keep the floss in place. This will ensure that the dental floss remains in place during installation.
Step 3: Using pliers, twist the bowstring in the opposite direction of the twist of the string. This will cause the bowstring to shorten, which will tighten the dental floss knot against the bowstring. Continue twisting until the knot is tight against the bowstring.
Step 4: Once the dental floss knot is tight against the bowstring, you can install the peep sight. Thread the peep sight onto the bowstring between the two knots of dental floss, making sure it is positioned at the desired location. Make any necessary adjustments to the position of the peep sight before using it.
This method is also relatively easy and can be done by most archers. The dental floss method is considered to be less risky than the knot and twist method, as it reduces the risk of damaging the bowstring or the bow.
However, it’s important to note that over-twisting the bowstring can still cause damage, so be careful and stop twisting once the dental floss knot is tight.
Additionally, it’s recommended to check the peep sight position and make any necessary adjustments before using it for accuracy.
Testing and Adjustments
Once you have installed the peep sight on your bow without a bowpress, it’s important to test it out and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it’s aligned properly. Here are the steps to follow:
A. Draw the bow and check that the peep sight is in the correct position for your eye:
To check the position of the peep sight, draw your bow and look through the peep sight. If it’s not in the correct position, adjust the peep sight until it lines up with your eye.
B. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure the peep sight is aligned properly:
If the peep sight is not aligned properly, you may need to make some adjustments. This can be done by twisting the bowstring slightly in the opposite direction of the original twist.
This will cause the bowstring to lengthen and the peep sight to move slightly down the string.
If you need to move the peep sight up the string, you can twist the string in the opposite direction. Make small adjustments and test the peep sight position again until it’s aligned properly.
It’s important to remember that making adjustments to the bowstring can affect the overall draw weight of the bow, so it’s recommended to make small adjustments and re-test the bow before making any major changes.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the peep sight is always aligned with your dominant eye for accuracy.
How To Choose A Peep Sight For A Bow?
With so many different types and sizes of peep sights available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that’s right for you.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a peep sight for your bow:
Size:
The size of the peep sight depends on the size of your bowstring and the size of your arrow shaft.
A larger peep sight aperture allows more light in and provides a larger sight picture, making it easier to align the front sight with the peep sight. However, it can also reduce the accuracy of the shot as the peep sight may not be as precise.
A smaller peep sight aperture allows for a more precise shot as it narrows down the field of view, providing a more focused and accurate aim. However, it can also be challenging to align the front sight with the peep sight, especially in low light conditions.
The most common sizes are 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″, and 5/16″.
Choose a size that is relevant to your preferered shooting style;
For example: In competitive shooting, precision is crucial and minimal light transmission is preferred. Therefore, selecting a smaller hole for your peep sight, such as a 1/8″ or 1/16″, would be a suitable choice.
Make sure to choose a peep sight that is appropriate for your bow and arrow setup.
Material:
Peep sights are typically made from metal or plastic. Metal peep sights are more durable and can handle a greater amount of tension, while plastic peep sights are lightweight and less likely to cause string wear.
Type:
The three most common types are self-aligning, tube-style, and hooded peeps.
Self-Aligning Peep Sightor or Tubeless Peep Sights: A self-aligning peep sight automatically centers itself on the bowstring, making it an excellent option for beginners or those who want to simplify their shooting process. They are easy to install and adjust, and they work well with any type of bow or arrow.
Installing and adjusting a tubeless peep sight to be properly aligned is always possible. Because of this, many people prefer the tubeless option, but ultimately the choice between tube and tubeless comes down to personal preference and comfort.
Self-aligning peep sights come in various aperture sizes, and you should choose the one that works best for your shooting style.
Tube-Style Peep Sight: A tube-style peep sight is made up of a small tube that attaches to the bowstring.
In contrast to a tubeless peep sight, a tube peep sight is designed to aid in the rotation of your peep to ensure proper alignment with your eye while drawing the bowstring.
This feature makes it a preferred option for many archers.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that using a tube peep sight adds extra weight to the bow, which can result in a slight loss of speed while shooting arrows.
Hooded Peep Sight: A hooded peep sight offers the most protection against glare and is ideal for hunting in bright sunlight.
It consists of a hood that covers the aperture of the peep sight, shielding it from the sun’s glare.
Color:
Some peep sights come in different colors, such as black, red, or green. Choose a color that contrasts well with your bowstring and provides good visibility in varying lighting conditions.
Personal preference:
Ultimately, the best peep sight for you is the one that feels comfortable and helps you shoot accurately.
Some archers prefer a larger peep sight for a wider field of view, while others prefer a smaller peep sight for greater precision.
It’s important to try out different peep sights to find the one that suits your shooting style and preferences.
Do You Need A Peep Sight On A Bow?
While it’s not absolutely necessary to have a peep sight on a bow, it is highly recommended for several reasons:
- Accuracy: A peep sight helps to improve the accuracy of your shots by providing a consistent point of reference to aim at. It allows you to consistently anchor your shot and align your eye with the sight, which can result in tighter groups and more accurate shots.
- Distance Judgement: A peep sight helps you judge distances more accurately by providing a reference point. With a peep sight, you can use the size of the sight aperture to estimate distances and make adjustments to your aim accordingly.
- Consistency: A peep sight helps to ensure consistency in your shots by providing a repeatable reference point to aim at. It also helps to ensure consistent anchor points and sight pictures, which can lead to more consistent shots overall.
- Personal Preference: Many archers find that using a peep sight simply feels more comfortable and natural to them. While it’s not necessary for everyone, it can be a valuable tool for improving accuracy and consistency for many archers.
So, Is There Any Cons Of Peep Sight?
Yes, Let me discuss them in the next section
What are the cons of using a Peep Sight?
While a peep sight can be a valuable tool for many archers, there are a few potential drawbacks or cons to consider:
- Limited Visibility: Depending on the size of the peep sight aperture and lighting conditions, a peep sight can limit your field of vision and make it more difficult to see your target clearly. This can be especially true in low-light or low-contrast conditions.
- Additional Setup Time: Installing and adjusting a peep sight can take some time and effort, especially if you’re new to using one. You may need to experiment with different sizes or positions to find the optimal setup for your bow and shooting style.
- Maintenance: Peep sights can become dirty or damaged over time, which can affect their accuracy and functionality. You may need to clean or replace your peep sight periodically to ensure that it continues to work properly.
- Dependence on Equipment: If you rely heavily on a peep sight for accuracy, it can be difficult to shoot accurately without one. This can be a disadvantage if you need to shoot in unexpected or emergency situations where you don’t have access to your usual equipment.
- Learning Curve: If you’re new to using a peep sight, there can be a learning curve involved in getting used to it. It may take some time and practice to develop the muscle memory and technique required to use a peep sight effectively.
Check: How To Hold A Bow While Shooting
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing a peep sight without a bowpress is an easy process that can be done by any archer with the right tools and knowledge. Here’s a quick recap of the steps to follow:
- Gather necessary tools and equipment
- Choose the correct size of peep sight for your bow
- Understand the position of the peep sight on the bowstring
- Use the Knot and Twist Method or the Dental Floss Method to install the peep sight
- Test and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the peep sight is aligned properly
Remember to always follow proper safety procedures when working on your bow. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation process, seek the advice of a professional archery technician.
Finally, we encourage you to practice with your new peep sight and improve your accuracy. With a properly installed peep sight, you’ll be able to shoot more accurately and consistently, and enjoy the sport of archery to the fullest. Happy shooting!
