Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Shooting and Hunting => Topic started by: luke the drifter on August 05, 2009, 12:01:22 am

Title: thumb rings
Post by: luke the drifter on August 05, 2009, 12:01:22 am

has anyone out there tried using thumb rings to shoot primitive/traditional bows?  if so, any advice or comments on their use.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: Pat B on August 05, 2009, 12:06:14 am

I've used a thumb ring a few times. It feels odd and takes a while to get used to. For a right handed person the arrow goes on the right side of the bow so aiming is different. You will however get a good clean release using a thumb ring.
  James Parker(Robustus) uses a thumb ring with his short horse bows.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: MaceG on August 18, 2009, 11:12:12 pm

        Try this
(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4882/leatherstrip.jpg)
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1149/leatherstrip2.jpg)
Just a strip of leather. Works better than a thumb ring for me.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: cracker on August 19, 2009, 08:05:37 am

Could you give a pic or two of just how to grab the string with that rig?Thanks Ronnie

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: MaceG on August 19, 2009, 11:16:31 pm

       Yeah, I'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: MaceG on August 20, 2009, 11:08:53 pm

Sorry about the pic quality but I was using a camera phone.

Hook the string in the crook of your thumb
(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3140/1908091336.jpg)
Press your thumb tip against your middle finger
(http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3579/2008092029.jpg)
Fold your index finger over your thumbnail
(http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2089/2008092028.jpg)

And check this forum out. You can learn alot there about shooting with your thumb.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: Pat B on August 20, 2009, 11:46:29 pm

When using a thumb ring, the arrow goes on the right side of the bow.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: MaceG on August 21, 2009, 03:36:11 pm

Sorry, forget to post the link. The forum I was referring to is ATARNet. Here's a link to the technique section:
http://atarn.net/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=3

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: ratty on August 21, 2009, 05:34:43 pm

i use a thumb ring quite regular ,here is some footage of me shooting with one quite a while ago now.

i think they are great.

the trick is, every thumbring MUST be tailored to fit you and you alone , otherwise it will always be uncomftable and hurt .

and you do shoot your arrows from the other side of the bow as you can see from the vid.  (archers paradox and all that)  ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_CLRyGKgUw&feature=channel_page (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_CLRyGKgUw&feature=channel_page)

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: MaceG on August 21, 2009, 08:41:05 pm

Are you having to adjust it before every shot?

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: mullet on August 21, 2009, 09:01:17 pm

 That looks like a glove and you are shooting off the wrong, (right) ???, side of the bow.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: MaceG on August 22, 2009, 03:35:31 am

You have to click the link to see the video he's talking about.

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: cracker on August 22, 2009, 08:23:10 am

Thanks for the extra photos I'll give that a try.Ronnie

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: HoBow on August 22, 2009, 04:14:39 pm

One reason I got into bow making was because I could not find any lefty bows. Could I use a right handed bow with a thumb bring while shooting left handed?

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: Pat B on August 22, 2009, 05:05:31 pm

Yes,you can use a right handed bow if shooting it left handed.    If you think about how the string comes off your fingers with a standard split finger draw then see how it comes off the thumb on the same hand you will see they come from different directions. So a thumb release with a right handed bow shot left handed would come off the thumb correctly.  ???  ;D  Confusing enough for you now?

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: ratty on August 22, 2009, 07:01:01 pm

Quote from: MaceG on August 21, 2009, 08:41:05 pm

Are you having to adjust it before every shot?

you are right, but that was because the ring wasn't very comftable at the time .

the trick is to have the thumbring SLIGHTLEY LOOOSE because as you use it by about your 10th shot your thumb will swell and the ring will fit quite snug :-)

Title: Re: thumb rings
Post by: ratty on August 22, 2009, 07:01:58 pm

Quote from: mullet on August 21, 2009, 09:01:17 pm

That looks like a glove and you are shooting off the wrong, (right) ???, side of the bow.

yep archers paradox  :)