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Author Topic: Anchor finger - index or middle?  (Read 3866 times)

Offline BijanO

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Anchor finger - index or middle?
« on: October 17, 2017, 08:40:00 PM »
Does which finger you use for anchor make a difference if you shoot instinctively? In reading "Shooting a stickbow" the author suggests strongly the index finger.

While it does make for a more comfortable anchor (the thumb doesn't get in the way) I'm wondering why the middle finger is so popular.

Offline RJonesRCRV

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2017, 09:37:00 PM »
I use middle finger since it sticks out further at anchor, thus easier to locate to the corner of my mouth.

Use what you find most comfortable and repeatable shot to shot.
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Offline SAM E. STEPHENS

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2017, 10:05:00 PM »
Middle here just works better for me and how I shoot...

,,,Sam,,,
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Offline Red Beastmaster

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2017, 11:50:00 PM »
Middle. It gets the arrow closer to your eye.
There is no great fun, satisfaction, or joy derived from doing something that's easy.  Coach John Wooden

Offline woodchucker

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2017, 04:18:00 AM »
I shot years ago with my index finger at the corner of my mouth. It was more comfortable as my thumb was under my jawbone, but it was mainly to clear those big "aviator" glasses, that were "styling" at the time, LMAO! If you gap shoot... Your gap will be increased dramatically, and your point on will probly be increased about 20yds or so. Shooting truely instinctive your sight picture will open up a bit. Nothing you can't get used to though!?
Last 10 years or so, I've been shooting middle finger, and going back & forth between split finger & 3under. Play around & see what's most comfortable for you...
I only shoot WOOD arrows... My kid makes them, fast as I can break them!

There is a fine line between Hunting, & Sitting there looking Stupid...

May The Great Spirit Guide Your Arrows..... Happy Hunting!!!

Offline David McLendon

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2017, 05:14:00 AM »
Middle
Lefties are the only ones who hold the bow in the right hand.

Offline PICKNGRIN

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2017, 05:54:00 AM »
I went to the middle quite a few years ago after using the index finger for many years.  I like the middle, it gets my eye a little closer to the arrow, I think I shoot better using the middle.

Offline Joeabowhunter

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2017, 06:51:00 AM »
switched to middle to get arrow closer to my eye

Offline RedShaft

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #8 on: October 18, 2017, 06:54:00 AM »
Middle for me also.
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Offline 9 Shocks

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #9 on: October 18, 2017, 08:51:00 AM »
Middle.  Works with my facial geometry.  I have tried my index finger and it just doesnt align me properly.
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Online Stumpkiller

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #10 on: October 18, 2017, 10:09:00 AM »
I have a canine that bumps out in just the right spot so that my middle finger fits behind it at full anchor (slit finger); and the line of my thumb lays snug against my jawbone.  

Work with what you've got.
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Offline carbonflyr

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #11 on: October 18, 2017, 11:25:00 AM »
when i started it was index finger then after about 5 yrs. i switched to middle finger,now i'm thinking of switching to ring finger.

Offline Buckeye1977

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #12 on: October 18, 2017, 11:32:00 AM »
I started with middle finger and then switched to index because it was more comfortable for me
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Offline Bowwild

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #13 on: October 18, 2017, 11:36:00 AM »
Index for me. I tried to switch to middle but felt too weird after so many years using index anchor.

Ironically, this small change felt too weird but I switched to LH shooting in 1997 after shooting RH for 28 years.

Offline KeganM

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #14 on: October 18, 2017, 11:49:00 AM »
I use both fingers as well as my thumb. Middle finger in the corner of my mouth, thumb behind my jaw, and index  cupping the bottom of my cheekbone.

Online Pat B

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #15 on: October 18, 2017, 12:28:00 PM »
It really doesn't matter which finger where but the consistency of your anchor.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!
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Offline Sirius Black

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #16 on: October 18, 2017, 05:53:00 PM »
Middle.
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Online Trenton G.

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #17 on: October 18, 2017, 06:23:00 PM »
I started out middle, but then over time realized that I was putting the corner of my mouth between my middle and index. I noticed in a picture the other day that Byron Ferguson does the same thing. If only I got the same results.

Offline Zradix

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #18 on: October 18, 2017, 06:51:00 PM »
When I use use my index I tend to pluck the string.
I put about 70% of string pressure on my middle finger and around 20% on my ring finger. My index basically just goes along for the ride.

...I shoot split btw.
If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting.~Aristotle

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Offline Woodpuppy

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Re: Anchor finger - index or middle?
« Reply #19 on: October 18, 2017, 07:21:00 PM »
Anybody use their ring finger?
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