Hi all. I am thinking about picking up an ILF riser which can take sights to experiment with this summer. I have a question for those who are familiar with this type of bow set-up.

I shoot 3 under and most of the info about shooting I have seen shows people using an olympic style, anchor at the chin. Are there any considerations when shooting a sight with 3 under?

Any input is welcome.

Shooting 3 under with a sight will limit the range at which you can shoot. Your bow hand will get in the way. That may or may not be a consideration to you.

Thanks fdp.

The range is actually a major consideration so I am very glad that you brought it up.

I was going to use this set-up to practice shooting 40-50 yards. I used to have a cheap compound with sights with which I could consistently be on target at this range.

I hoped I could use a recurve with sights to similar effect but if my hand will get in the way then it kind of defeats the purpose...

To use sights you will need to lower your anchor point for the same reasons fdp said. You can still use three under if you want, just lower the anchor point.

You can use a recurve with similar affect. Just lower your anchor point if you need to. And you may not need to. It depends on too many individual attributes.

Depending on your draw weight,length,& arrow weight. 30 to 40 yard will probably be the lowest pin you can use with a 3 under hook up. >>>>------> Ken

If you can shoot split finger, it will make it alot easier to use sights. If you must shoot 3 under, then lower the anchor...it's simply about putting more space between the sight in and your anchor. 3 under is mostly for barebow shooting to shorten that distance.

I actually have been using sights for awhile. The guys here have told you true with and the exception. That’s your riser length. If you riser length is short a (19 or less) really low anchor won’t work.

I’ve done it. In my experience go split finger/index finger anchor. Bow will be a little quieter anyway. Longer riser with its bigger sight window helps 19” or better yet a 21”.

That's a good point Jake.

Thanks for all the suggestions and input.

Since lowering/switching my anchor was raised, does it make the most sense to use an olympic style anchor/release since this is likely the way a bow with sights was designed to be shot?

Tom anchor is not relevant except for being able to get the distances you want. With a 19 inch riser I find I can’t go much lower than splint/index finger anchor. If you do decide to go under the chin use a kisser and be aware that it can bring the string much closer to your chest making clearance an issue.

Also depending on the size of your riser some sights won’t work. Those designed for compounds that have a a large ring type housing can start to interfere with your arrow flight if the riser is too compact.

Sights were not designed for a specific anchor, but some anchors are better for using sights. That's really all there is to it. You need to have a comfortable, consistent place in which to create your anchor...loose point. Many times, a two point anchor is best...like the chin with the string touching the nose. Some folks use the middle of the chin, others use the side..right under their eye. Maybe just find what best suits your form and your setup to see what feels best to you. Accuracy is about proper fit too.

Do folks using a sight have a rear sight, like a peep in the string? Often wondered about that.

I always used a peep years ago. Never got the hang of using the side of string.

Oh split finger with top finger corner of mouth anchor should get you 50 yards easily with any reasonable bow. You don’t need a ILF rig to use sights.

Everyone who shoots a bow gas a rear sight, it's the string. If the string isn't in the same position relative to the point of the arrow and the target on every shot you will miss.

Anchor does not matter as long as it is repeatable however a lower anchor will extend your range, which is why you are trying the sight to begin with. Steady repeatable form and possibly a small stabilizer will give you paper plate accuracy at 50 yds with a hunting bow.

If you plan to shoot 40 yards or a little farther shoot split with forefinger in corner of mouth. Much farther drop down to an Olympic style anchor. If you do NOT use a peep sight remember that your name was is your rear sight. Lowering or raising your chin will change your sights. Lower your head you'll hit high raise it you hit low so sight in with a bow evel head and always keep it level. Or buy a peep sight.

Your heads your rear sight not name. Geesh.

I’ve hunted using under chin anchor with a sight. With under chin anchor have string touch the tip of your nose this keeps head tilt consistent. Side benefit of low anchor is less string interference with hat brim.

Glf. What?

More than one way to do something right, and as long as you are consistent you'll be fine. And, with a sight, inconsistency will show up quickly. You can also use a kisser button, or any old buildup on the string for a second touch. Nothing wrong either with a lower anchor to garner more distance.

Geezer I meant to say with a peep your head is your rear sight but spell check changed head to name. Sorry.

Also keep in mind when doing Olympic recurve at 18 meter indoor events they still use under chin anchor

Also keep in mind when doing Olympic recurve at 18 meter indoor events they still use under chin anchor“

That’s because it’s a whole lot easier to raise the site way up than to change anything about your form.

And as Bowguy said, the difference in your elevation on a 70 or 90 m shot is worlds away from what you need to reach 40 or 50. You just can’t begin to understand how high those arrows arc until you get used to seeing them drop out of the sky; if you’re only used to watching them fly out to 20-30 yards, the difference in trajectory between 40 and 60 will about blow your mind!

What Todd said, and the fact is we didn't even get back into the Olympics until 1972 as a sport, and people were using sights and chin anchors for a long time before that. It's a bit disingenuous to call it "Olympic" archery just because someone wants to use sights.

George how dare you and Todd respond to these types of questions with factual and logical information.

Doing so just isn't well......"traditional" :)

When you anchor under your chin, do you really think three under versus split makes one whit of difference?

And of course, the other thing… JMO, It’s a major blunder to adopt the same non/standard equipment or technique that is used by one or a few top-flight experts if you are not one of them. True experts who have developed their own, unique style are frequently seen to do things and use equipment in ways which seem to defy the laws of physics, and certainly do not comply with what is generally accepted as common sense.

So just like shooting “instinctively“, it may be where you end up, but it’s a hell of a hard way to get there...

I don't know how long you have been shooting a trad. bow. That being said, with practice you can certanly be accurate at 50 yards with out sites. If you want to use sights, why not shoot split and find an anchor that works?

I have shot sights & 3 under for almost 40 years & depending on your anchor you will be limited on how many pins or how low the pin apiture can go. If you plan to shoot long distance I'd recommend a sliding type sight with a small Olympic type round pin. Get a 3 rivers catalog there's probably 3 pages of Olympic type sights

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