Are you new to archery and need to string your bow? Stringing a bow is a basic skill that an archer will need to learn when using a recurve or longbow. Removing the bowstring after shooting also helps extend the life of your equipment. While your local archery shop can help teach you how to properly string and unstring a bow, you have come to the right place if you want to learn how to do it yourself! Here is how to string a recurve bow.

Different Methods of Stringing a Recurve Bow

There are three main ways of stringing a recurve bow or longbow. The easiest and safest way is by using a bow stringer. However, there is also the step-through method as well as the push-pull method. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s go over each one in detail and how to perform them.

How to String a Bow with a Stringer

A bow stringer is a specialized tool that assists you in stringing your recurve or longbow. This simple device helps you safely and easily string and unstring a bow. While you can do it without a stringer, this is by far the easiest and safest. Here are the necessary steps to string your bow with a stringer:

1. Prepare Your Bow For Stringing

If you have a takedown style recurve, fully assemble and prepare it. Next, find the top string loop. You can tell the difference between the top and bottom loops as the top is slightly larger. Start by sliding the top (larger) loop over and down the top limb of the bow. Now place the bottom loop into the string notch of the bottom limb. Once these are in place, you’re ready for the bow stringer.

2. Bow Stringer Placement

Just like the bowstring, place the bow stringer on the top limb. Place the “saddle” end of the stringer over the limb behind the string loop. The saddle end is flat so that it will lie flat on top of the limb. Next, place the pouch end over the tip of the bottom limb tip. This end is enclosed to hold the bow tip and string in place. The bow is now fully prepped and ready to be strung.

3. Stringing Your Bow

Move the bow towards the ground and stand on the bow stringer with both feet. Your feet should be about should-width apart. Grab the bow by the grip and pull it straight up. This flexes the limbs and allows for more slack in the bowstring. Now, slide the top string loop up into the bow’s string notch. Then again, slowly move the bow towards the ground to remove slack from the bowstring.

This part of the process may seem overwhelming for new archers. If you are having trouble, please reach out to your local archery shop for help. They are generally very helpful and willing to teach the proper technique of stringing a bow.

4. Ensure A Proper Fit

After stringing your bow, the last step is to check to ensure that it’s strung properly. Now, with the string taut, remove the bow stringer. Check to make sure the string is properly secure in each string notch. Be careful to keep the bow pointed away from you during this step. This way, if the string happens to slide off, the limbs will release away from you. If everything checks out, you are now ready to shoot your bow!

How to String a Bow Without a Stringer

Step-Through Method of Stringing a Recurve Bow or Longbow

The step-through method is one of the most popular ways of stringing a recurve or longbow without a stringer. This method involves using your body as leverage to flex the bow, allowing for proper string placement. It’s a quick and easy method that does not involve the use of a bow stringer. The step-through method involves four simple steps:

1. Prepare Bow, Connect Bottom Loop

The first step again is to properly assemble your bow if shooting a recurve. When ready, start by placing the bottom string loop (smaller end) into the string notch of the bottom limb of your bow.

2. Step-Through the Bow

Next, hold the bow out in front of you and step through the bow and string. This is where this method gets its name. Place one foot through the bow and the other leg on the other side. Hold the bow between the front of one of your legs and the back of your thigh on the other leg. These will be your anchor points in order to bend and manipulate the bow.

3. Place the Top Loop

Now bring the top limb of the bow towards the string. Using your own body as leverage, bring both the limb tip and string together and connect them. This is the part that will challenge most new archers, as you must generate enough force to get the bow and string together. For more leverage, lean forwards and use your back end to help push against the bow. This bends the bow and allows you to slide the bowstring into the string notch.

4. Ensure a Proper Fit

The last step is to inspect the bow to ensure both ends are properly secured. The string should sit perfectly within each string notch. As before, make sure the bow is pointed away from you, just in case the string does slip. This ensures the limbs release their energy away from you. Once they are seated correctly, you’re finally ready to shoot your bow!

Push-Pull Method of Stringing a Recurve Bow

The last method of stringing a recurve bow or longbow is called the push-pull method. This is generally considered easier to do than the step-through method, although it uses the same basic principle. Try out the push-pull method by following these simple steps:

1. Assemble and Prepare Your Bow

Prepare your recurve by assembling it and preparing your string. Start the stringing process by placing the bottom loop of the string (smaller end) in the string notch of the bottom limb. Ensure that it’s properly secured in the string notch.

2. Prepare to String Your Bow

Place the bottom tip of the bow on the instep of your dominant foot. Be careful not to actually step on the bow or place your weight on it. You do not want to damage the tip of your bow. Now, hold the bow grip with your dominant hand. Place your other hand with the palm on the outside of the limb, and place the loop in between your thumb and forefinger. You are now ready to string the bow.

3. Push and Pull the Bow

Now pull back on the bow with your dominant hand and push with your other hand (on the limb). Slide your thumb and forefinger up and slide the string into the string notch. If you are not quite strong enough to accomplish this, you can also use your right elbow on your hip to gain a little more leverage and power. You must use enough force to bend the bow in order to get the top string into the string notch.

4. Inspect the Bow

Just like every other method, the final step is to inspect the bow to ensure the string is properly secured. Both string loops should be safely in place. Point the bow away from you in the off chance that the string slips. This ensures your safety in the chance the string slides off the string notch. If properly strung, however, you will not have to worry about this.

Which Stringing Method Should You Choose?

All three stringing methods are simple and easy to learn with a little practice. But which one should you choose? If you have the option, use a bow stringer because it’s the best way to go. While it does require the use of an additional tool, it’s much safer and won’t damage your bow. It might also take a few seconds longer than the other methods, but it is well worth the added security and peace of mind.

If you find yourself without a bow stringer, the push-pull method is your next best bet. This method keeps the bow straight and avoids twisting your bow. If you are not physically strong enough to perform this method, the step-through method can then be used. No matter which method you decide, make sure to get plenty of practice.

Conclusion

Stringing a bow is an essential part of owning and shooting a recurve or longbow. While it is an easy process, it can seem challenging to new shooters. By following any of these three methods, you can quickly and easily learn to string your bow. Once you have it down, you’ll be ready to shoot at a moments notice!