Retraining?

[Alex Lewis]

I need some advice from you guys. I grew up shooting bows daily, in our family's huge backyard. I shot instinctively with a right handed bow, but am nearly blind in my right eye. None of my family members knew a thing about archery, so the fact that Big 5 only stocked right handed bows essentially made the decision to shoot right handed for me.

Now, I can't get to the range as often, with it now being a year since my last trip. My form is, predictably, terribly inconsistent. I have been thinking about retraining myself with some long blank bale sessions, and have become interested in learning to shoot-the-gap for more consistent aiming. Of course, that's pretty much impossible with a right-handed bow and a blind right eye.

So, here's the big question: Given my vision restrictions would you recommend trying to transition to left handed shooting? I think it may help, but I imagine it may be a long process and all of my bows are cut for use by a right hander. It would be frustrating to build a left handed bow for a failed experiment.

Second, does anyone here shoot with the Mongolian draw and thumb ring? Can I get some comments on how everyone feels about it? I am ingrigued by the longer draw length offered, and more "mechanical" release. In addition, it would allow me to keep the use of my right handed bows. However, I  believe it would preclude gap shooting.

Thanks for the advice.

[McDave]

I would imagine that with an almost blind right eye, your left eye would become dominant, even if it wasn't before.  Blank bale sessions will work fine for becoming accustomed to shooting left handed. I think you will find it far easier than you imagine to switch sides.  You will need longer distance shots to practice gap aiming, but good form should come first anyway.

Sorry, have no experience with the Mongolian draw or release.

[ChuckC]

you can do it.  Give yourself time and practice.  It will feel weird at first, coming to an anchor point,  then after a time, you will recall that it "used to feel weird".

The aiming part is the same rightie or lefty.  More practice and finding the right stuff for you and your style. Then, all of a sudden, you are a lefty shooter !

Try it
ChuckC

[Alex Lewis]

Thanks for the input and encouragement. Sounds like the switch to left handed shooting shouldn't be exceedingly difficult.

I have been considering making PVC kid's bows for my nephews. Maybe I will make a simple left handed training bow for myself while I am at it.