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Anchor finger - index or middle?

Started by BijanO, October 17, 2017, 08:40:00 PM

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BijanO

Does which finger you use for anchor make a difference if you shoot instinctively? In reading "Shooting a stickbow" the author suggests strongly the index finger.

While it does make for a more comfortable anchor (the thumb doesn't get in the way) I'm wondering why the middle finger is so popular.

RJonesRCRV

I use middle finger since it sticks out further at anchor, thus easier to locate to the corner of my mouth.

Use what you find most comfortable and repeatable shot to shot.
Kimsha Mattawoman II 51#
Dale Phillips Nodebow 58#
Kimsha 'Boo Bow 56#
USMC 2005-2010

SAM E. STEPHENS

Middle here just works better for me and how I shoot...

,,,Sam,,,
HUNT OLD SCHOOL

Red Beastmaster

Middle. It gets the arrow closer to your eye.
There is no great fun, satisfaction, or joy derived from doing something that's easy.  Coach John Wooden

woodchucker

I shot years ago with my index finger at the corner of my mouth. It was more comfortable as my thumb was under my jawbone, but it was mainly to clear those big "aviator" glasses, that were "styling" at the time, LMAO! If you gap shoot... Your gap will be increased dramatically, and your point on will probly be increased about 20yds or so. Shooting truely instinctive your sight picture will open up a bit. Nothing you can't get used to though!?
Last 10 years or so, I've been shooting middle finger, and going back & forth between split finger & 3under. Play around & see what's most comfortable for you...
I only shoot WOOD arrows... My kid makes them, fast as I can break them!

There is a fine line between Hunting, & Sitting there looking Stupid...

May The Great Spirit Guide Your Arrows..... Happy Hunting!!!

David McLendon

Lefties are the only ones who hold the bow in the right hand.

PICKNGRIN

I went to the middle quite a few years ago after using the index finger for many years.  I like the middle, it gets my eye a little closer to the arrow, I think I shoot better using the middle.

Joeabowhunter

switched to middle to get arrow closer to my eye

RedShaft

Rough Country.. The Hunters Choice

9 Shocks

Middle.  Works with my facial geometry.  I have tried my index finger and it just doesnt align me properly.
60" Bivouac Backland ILF longbow 42@27
58" Schafer Silvertip recurve 47@27
58" Primaltech Longbow 45@27

Stumpkiller

I have a canine that bumps out in just the right spot so that my middle finger fits behind it at full anchor (slit finger); and the line of my thumb lays snug against my jawbone.  

Work with what you've got.
Charlie P. }}===]> A.B.C.C.

Bear Kodiak & K. Hunter, D. Palmer Hunter, Ben Pearson Hunter, Wing Presentation II & 4 Red Wing Hunters (LH & 3 RH), Browning Explorer, Cobra II & Wasp, Martin/Howatt Dream Catcher, Root Warrior, Shakespeare Necedah.

carbonflyr

when i started it was index finger then after about 5 yrs. i switched to middle finger,now i'm thinking of switching to ring finger.

Buckeye1977

I started with middle finger and then switched to index because it was more comfortable for me
Nick

Zipper standard 60" 55@28
Zipper standard 62" 52@28

Bowwild

Index for me. I tried to switch to middle but felt too weird after so many years using index anchor.

Ironically, this small change felt too weird but I switched to LH shooting in 1997 after shooting RH for 28 years.

KeganM

I use both fingers as well as my thumb. Middle finger in the corner of my mouth, thumb behind my jaw, and index  cupping the bottom of my cheekbone.

Pat B

It really doesn't matter which finger where but the consistency of your anchor.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!
TGMM Family of the Bow

Sirius Black

Wisconsin Bowhunters Association - Life Member

Trenton G.

I started out middle, but then over time realized that I was putting the corner of my mouth between my middle and index. I noticed in a picture the other day that Byron Ferguson does the same thing. If only I got the same results.

Zradix

When I use use my index I tend to pluck the string.
I put about 70% of string pressure on my middle finger and around 20% on my ring finger. My index basically just goes along for the ride.

...I shoot split btw.
If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting.~Aristotle

..there's more fun in hunting with the handicap of the bow than there is in hunting with the sureness of the gun.~ F.Bear

Woodpuppy

TBOF
Horse Creek Traditional Archery Club
TGMM Family of the Bow

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