Left-Handed Bows Vs. Right-Handed

If you are interested in archery, particularly bow hunting, you will need to know the difference between left-handed bows and right-handed bows. Bow hunting is a legal sport that is a form of archery. It involves searching and targeting various live game, including deer and rabbits. Because bow hunting is reliant on proper hand and eye coordination, it is essential to use the necessary equipment and make sure it is properly suited for the participant.

  1. Function

    • Archery consists of using a bow and arrow and aiming at a target. The bow is typically made from a pair of wooden, curved limbs that are flexible. The limbs are connected with a string that is drawn backwards and released. Before the string is drawn, the arrow is positioned on the string so that it propels forward as the string is released. Archers shoot at inanimate objects, while bow hunters shoot at live targets. Both sports require you to use the correct bow.

    Types

    • There are both right- and left-handed compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurves. According to LeftHandBows.com, “Left handed bows don’t differ that much from regular right handed bows aside from a few little details.” While right-handed bows are easier to find, there is no shortage of left-handed bow manufacturers. They include Mathews Bows, Pse Bows and Bowtech Bows. These companies also produce right-handed bows. Additional bow manufacturers are Hoyt, Martin and Browning.

    Identify

    • The easiest way to identify the left-handed bow from the right is by the arrow rest. On a left-handed bow, you’ll find the arrow rest located to the left of the riser. This means the left eye will be used to focus on the target and bring it into range. Some longbows are ambidextrous, if they don’t have a fixed arrow rest. A right- or left-handed person can use this kind of bow.

    Significance

    • A left-handed bow needs to be held with the right hand and drawn with the left hand. Typically, a left-handed person’s dominant eye is the left, and the right-handed person’s dominant eye is the right. However, since this is not always the case, it is important to know which hand will hold the bow and which will pull the bowstring. In order to properly aim and hit your target, you need to use your dominant eye.

    Considerations

    • Determining which of your eyes is the dominant one is the key to knowing which bow you should choose. One easy way to make this determination is to hold an object. Extend your arm and hold it away from your face, then bring the object closer and closer. As you bring it closer, the dominant eye will instinctively focus on the object. Then you will know if you require a left-handed or right-handed bow. A comprehensive list of bow reviews can be found by visiting BowHunting.net.