Dry firing a compound bow is both a hazard and a risk. The bow, strings, limbs and riser all experienced extreme stress when the string is released and this can also occur when dry fired. Dry firing can result in damage to the bow, limb breakage and personal injury.
Table of Contents
What is dry firing a compound bow?
Dry firing a compound bow is simply releasing the string without an arrow in place. This could happen accidentally for example if you forget an arrow in the bow, or it could be a deliberate action if you want to test the draw weight or the balance of the bow. In either case, any experienced archer would tell you that the risks far outweigh the possible benefits and should be avoided.
What are the risks associated with dry firing?
When the string is released, the amount of force is increased far beyond that of normal firing. An arrow helps to absorb some of the force of the released string but without it the limbs and string are being forced to bear the full load and this can cause them to snap or fracture in an unpredictable and dangerous way. Even if the bow is undamaged, it is still possible for the user to injury themselves, particularly in the hands or fingers, if the bow is not gripped correctly.
What can you do instead?
To test the draw weight or balance of the bow without dry firing, it is recommended to use a piece of string or rope that is the same length as the arrow you would normally use. This will act as a bowstring and, when drawn back, will approximate the same forces experienced when an arrow is released. This makes it easier to set the bow’s draw weight and to judge the balance of the bow in your hands.
Conclusion
Dry firing a compound bow should never be attempted. It is a dangerous practice that can result in serious damage to the bow, limb breakage and even personal injury. Instead, use a piece of rope or string to approximate the forces experienced when shooting an arrow which will give you a better understanding of the draw weight and balance of a bow without the risk of dry firing.
In conclusion, there is never any need to dry fire a compound bow. It is a hazardous practice and should be avoided. By using a piece of rope or string, you can gain an understanding of the draw weight and balance of a bow without risking any damage to the bow or yourself.
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Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.