Let’s talk about bow peep sights — those small but critical (and sometimes frustrating) components that can make or break your shooting accuracy. I’ve installed thousands of peep sights over the years, and I’ve refined my process to eliminate rotation issues and ensure rock-solid reliability.
If you’ve ever dealt with a bow peep sight that spins when you draw or gradually shifts position over time, this guide will solve those problems once and for all.
Materials Needed for Bow Peep Sight Installation
Before getting started, gather these essential items:
- Bow press
- 18″ of BCY 3D serving material (for main tie-in)
- 12″ of serving material (for safety ties)
- Small piece of D-loop material
- Lighter
- 3/16″ bow peep sight (recommended for most hunters)
- Measuring tape or ruler
Selecting the Right Bow Peep Sight and Finding Your Position
First things first: you need to select the appropriate peep sight size for your setup. For most bowhunting applications, I prefer a 3/16″ diameter bow peep sight. This creates what I call a “perfect eclipse” where your front sight housing fits perfectly inside your peep aperture at full draw. This alignment maximizes accuracy while maintaining enough visibility in low-light conditions.
The key to eliminating peep sight rotation starts with proper installation. Quality bowstrings typically come with a small piece of serving material marking the true center of the string. This is crucial because your bow peep sight needs to be installed between equal halves of the string bundle. If you don’t have this center marker, you’ll need to carefully separate the string to find the exact middle.
For proper alignment, measure from your nocking point up to where your peep sight should sit. In my experience, approximately 6 inches works well for most adult archers, but this can vary based on your anchor point and face structure. The goal is having the bow peep sight perfectly aligned with your eye when at full draw with proper form.
Step-by-Step Bow Peep Sight Installation Process
Here’s where many archers go wrong – they rush through installation and end up with a peep sight that constantly rotates. Let me walk you through the bulletproof method:
- Place your compound bow in a press and relieve tension from the string
- Locate the center marker on your string
- Separate the string bundles at your measured position
- Insert the bow peep sight between the bundles, noting the angled orientation
- Gradually release the bow press to apply tension
After this initial installation, you’ll likely notice the peep sight isn’t facing directly back toward you. This is normal and requires a critical adjustment. For every complete revolution (twist) you add to your bowstring, the peep will rotate approximately one quarter turn.
Here’s a pro tip that’s saved me countless headaches: always add twists to your string rather than removing them. If your bow peep sight is facing left and needs to rotate 90 degrees to face you, add one complete twist to your string. If it’s facing right, add three twists and flip the peep around. Adding twists maintains string tension and performance better than removing them.
I always install my peep sight before finalizing my D-loop position. This allows me to make any necessary string adjustments without having to reposition the D-loop afterward.
The Bulletproof Bow Peep Sight Tie-In Method
The way you secure your bow peep sight is just as important as its position. I’ve tried numerous methods over the years, but this approach has proven most reliable:
Start with about 18 inches of BCY 3D serving material. Find the natural “V” where the string separates around the peep. This is where you’ll begin your first knot. Don’t start at the very top of the V, as this will create loose knots that slip over time.
Begin with a simple overhand knot pulled tight against the string. Follow with an underhand knot, creating an alternating pattern. Stack these knots tightly against each other, building a solid column of 22 complete knots. The technique here matters. I slightly angle each wrap toward the peep sight as I pull it tight, which creates denser, more secure stacking.
After completing the bottom tie, repeat the same process on the top side of the bow peep sight. When burning the tag ends with your lighter, hold them up and away from your other knots, then melt them down and press them between the final rows of knots.
What makes this method superior to fully serving in your peep is adaptability. If you need to adjust your bow peep sight later as strings break in or as weather conditions change, you can make those adjustments without destroying your serving work.
Creating the Critical Safety Tie for Your Bow Peep Sight
Here’s something many archers overlook: the safety tie. Even with perfectly stacked knots above and below, you need to secure the peep sight directly to the string to prevent it from ejecting during an accidental dry fire.
Take a 12-inch piece of serving material and lay it across the top groove of the bow peep sight. Wrap it under the string, pull both ends up and tie a square knot. Repeat this process on the bottom groove. This creates a cinch that physically locks the peep to the string.
For the finishing touch, use a small section of D-loop material to push your top and bottom knot stacks tightly against the peep sight, eliminating any gaps.
Perfecting Your Bow Peep Sight Installation
A properly installed bow peep sight might seem like a small detail, but it’s often the difference between consistent accuracy and frustrating inconsistency. The method I’ve outlined eliminates rotation issues while providing a secure installation that can be adjusted if needed.
Practice this technique on an old bow first if you’re new to peep sight installation. With a few repetitions, you’ll develop the muscle memory and confidence to execute it flawlessly. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your sight picture will be exactly the same on every draw is well worth the extra time spent on proper installation.
Remember, in archery, success isn’t built on major breakthroughs but on perfecting countless small details. Your bow peep sight alignment is one of those crucial details that separates average shooting from exceptional performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bow Peep Sights
What size bow peep sight is best for hunting? For most hunting applications, a 3/16″ diameter peep sight offers the ideal balance between visibility and precision.
How do I fix a rotating bow peep sight? Rotation issues typically stem from improper installation. Follow our tie-in method above, and adjust string twists to achieve perfect alignment.
How high should I install my bow peep sight? Most adult archers find success with the peep sight positioned approximately 6 inches above the nocking point, but this varies based on your anchor point and face structure.
Can I install a bow peep sight without a bow press? While technically possible, it’s strongly discouraged. A bow press allows for proper tension management and is essential for safe, effective installation.
massmonopoly