release

[huntingfamily]

OK does it really matter if you use a release with a compound bow? if been shooting for quite awhile but cant seem to remember if i have ever seen anyone shooting fingers.thoughts?

[wraithen]

When I was a kid I shot with fingers on a compound. The thing is you have to roll your fingers the exact same way every time. If you can do exactly the same thing every time then it should be fine. It's just one more thing to affect your accuracy.

[bwhntr350]

OK does it really matter if you use a release with a compound bow? if been shooting for quite awhile but cant seem to remember if i have ever seen anyone shooting fingers.thoughts?

 I shot fingers for years and years. I just went to a release two years ago. The biggest thing is you would, most likely, want a longer axle to axle bow. I have a Bowtech Old Glory that I think is 35" and it worked fine.

[Special T]

I have a buddy that shoots bare bow compound fingers... I would think you might as well get a long bow or re curve.  Nothing wrong with it but if you gona shoot a compound with sites might as well use a d loop and release... 

[Angus]

I've tried fingers in case my release ever goes TU while hunting, I can't get any consistancy with my groupings and can't hold at full draw for more then 15-20 seconds or so, can hold for 1-2 minutes with my release.

[jburkett]

With today's short axle to axle bows the string comes to a very sharp angle when at full draw. Too sharp of an angle to fit more than one or two fingers into at least.   And if you. Do use three fingers   It will compromise the accuracy of your equipment. Not to mention that  even with  fingers on it doesn't feel very good at all.

[mallard79]

You have to tune slight different if I remember right.......you get more of a side to side wag on the arrow initially whereas you get less and it is a vertical motion with a release...... 

[szairborne]

Using a release will give you the same consistency. Also a d loop attached to your string will give up to 5 fps for speed. Its really up to you and what your comfortable with.

Shayne

[MR5x5]

Absolutely you can shoot a compound with fingers...to a point.

Fingers create a "dirty" release.  If you are shooting anything over about 240 fps, you will need a release simply due to aerodynamic concerns.  A release allows for a perfectly axial arrow launch.  This is a must for a high speed stick with wings on the front.  High speed aero issues are what drove expandable and low profile broadheads as well.

Basically if you are shooting a modern, speed built, compound you need a release.  If you prefer fingers try to find a used Reflex Caribou.  44"  a-t-a, round wheels, mid 230 fps.  Very finger shootable bow.

[SniperDanWA]

For the last five years I've shot three finger.  I switched to a release.  The forgiveness was worth it all.  Consistent...

[seansfire]

finger shootin a compound bow leaves a nasty bruise on the inside of the forearm. 

[hillbilli]

i started shooting with fingers, and went to a release around 2002.. I still keep a spare release in my kit bag
and practice shooting fingers on a regular basis. (my bow is short enough I have to use 2 fingers, not my usual 3). I'm not as consistent, or able to shoot as far, but its good to know that if I lose or break a release i'm limited to 30 yards- not just going home. I also practice shooting left handed fingers-knowing that way I'm limited to 20yds, but after more than once having deer come in behind me on my right side where I cant get turned to shoot at them normally- I figured I better learn.

[Steve Jo]

Ive shot both,
Shooting fingers demands a little tighter arrow / bow tuning and a lot more practice.  It's faster to shoot with less chance of having equipment compromised in the field, ie. losing your release on a hunt.
(That is easily fixed by carrying a back up with you in the field)

If I dont need the speed in my shot process I go with a release, it is SIGNIFICANTLY more forgiving and that is nice in a hunting situation.
I would favor a fingers set up in an elk calling scenario, release in treestand for whitetail, especially cold weather!

Why do youy want to shoot fingers?

[huntingfamily]

shooting with fingers is not for me but for my son(13) . he cn pull back his sisters bow easily with his finger but cant do it with a release. any ideas on what i can do to change that . i understand that using the release is changing his draw length ,so is it as simple as changing the draw to help him be able to pull back the bow?

[clindsayrun]

I shoot a short axle bow, so a release is virtually required fro consistency.
Not sure why your boy can draw with fingers, but can't with a release. I imagine you're on to it regarding the draw length. Is it an adjustable release, I'd adjust the release first. If that doesn't work I'd adjust the bow. You think it would be easier for a boy to draw with a release as compared to fingers. Keep us posted, I'm curious. My boy is getting bigger and if I ever run into this issue I'd like to know your solution.