Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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Compound bows use a leverage system of pulleys and cables to allow more accuracy and power when you shoot. Typically, the compound bow has a set draw, so it is essential to have the right size and weight. They are heavier than other types of bows, so you should try them out to be sure to get the one that is right for you.
It isn’t hard to learn how to shoot a compound bow, but it takes more knowledge and experience to tune it and maintain it. Shooting is no more difficult than shooting any other bow as long as you have the right size and weight. The key is to make sure that you get the bow that is ideal for you.
This article will examine how difficult it is to learn to shoot a compound bow and how it differs from other types of bows. Continue reading to learn more.
In this post, we'll cover:
How Long Does It Take to Learn to Shoot a Compound Bow?
If you practice regularly, you can learn how to shoot a compound bow proficiently in one to three months. The first step is to make sure that you get a compound bow that is the right size and weight. Compound bows are heavier than other bows, and you don’t want one that is too heavy.
The first thing to master is the trigger or the release. There are several different types, and they are very light and require little pressure. You will also want to learn how to anchor your arrow, where you draw outback until it locks in place. Your anchor point is going to be next to your cheek, and you want to practice over and over until you are consistently anchoring in the same place each time.
Another important tool is mastering your stance. You need to align your feet and body in such a way that you are set up to take a shot. Similar to other sports, your position is important for your balance. You can choose a square stance, where you place a foot on each side of your shooting line, shoulder-distance apart. The other option is an open stance, where you bring your rear foot forward to bisect the target line.
Once you have mastered your form, you will learn how to aim your bow. When you aim, you will transfer your weight to your muscles and keep your arms loose and relaxed. Once you sight in on the target, you will release the arrow. You will develop a feel for it as you practice.
It would help if you practiced to build up strength and muscle memory. Once these basic steps become a matter of routine, you will know how to shoot the bow. It can take anywhere from a month to three months to learn how to shoot the bow proficiently, and the more you practice, the better you will become.
Is a Compound Bow Easier to Pull Back?
Compound bows are easier to pull back, aim, and shoot because the cams help simplify the process. They also have a limb or a cable that stops the draw cycle to ensure that the bow has the same amount of power in each shot. They use triggers that are called releases, and there are several different types available. The release makes it easier to shoot the compound bow.
Other bows, such as recurve bows, do not give you any mechanical help, so you will depend on your strength to shoot the bow. You have to hold the draw weight, whereas the compound bow holds the majority of the draw weight for you. With a recurve bow, you will draw the arrow as far as you can, but there is no device to ensure that you have the same power with each shot.
As a result, compound bows are easier to learn how to shoot. They are designed to do a lot of precision work for you to learn how to hold your position, aim, and release the arrow. Many people start with a compound bow to develop a feel for archery before trying a more difficult type of bow.
What Bow Is the Easiest to Shoot?
The three main types of bows are compound bows, recurve bows, and crossbows. The compound bow falls right in the middle, as it is easier to use than a recurve bow but not as easy as a crossbow. A compound bow has pulleys and cables that help with the draw and the release, while you have to do everything yourself when you shoot a recurve bow.
A crossbow has a mechanical latch that holds the bowstring for you, so you never need to hold it at full draw. You can take more time when you are aiming, and they have a mechanical trigger when you are ready to fire. They also have the option of using a telescopic sight so that you can aim more precisely.
When you use a compound bow, you will hold a percentage of the draw weight, giving you more time to aim and focus on your target. They are made for accuracy and are not difficult to use. The recurve bow is a traditional bow where you draw the full weight, hold it, and choose when to release it. It requires a lot more training to develop proficiency using this type of bow.
Of the three bows, the crossbow is the easiest, with the compound bow coming in between the crossbow and the recurve bow.
How to Get Started in Archery
When you decide to get started in archery, you need to understand the difference between bows. People often choose the compound bow because it is easier to use and develops archery skills before trying the recurve bow. The compound bow has pulleys and cables that relieve some of the draw weight so that you can focus on learning how to hold your stance, aim, and shoot the arrow.
Recursive bows are traditional bows, and you will draw the arrow back, hold it, and release it when you sight your target. Recurve bows might be more challenging to shoot, but they are easier to take care of and maintain. You should choose the one that you want to use because each person is different.
You should learn about the bow and understand its parts because maintaining and caring for your bow is an integral part of archery. If you don’t care for your strings and the other parts, it won’t last very long.
Once you have chosen your bow and become familiar with it, it is time to practice. You will focus on your draw, your position, your aim, and your release. If you practice regularly, you can become pretty good at it in one to three months. You can continue perfecting your skills or try another bow.
Final Words
It is not too difficult to learn how to shoot a compound bow because they simplify the process. You will need to spend more time on care and maintenance because the compound bow has more parts. However, you can learn to shoot it proficiently in between one and three months.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. He has been hunting and fishing since a child and has over 20 years of experience in the outdoors. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.