Dry Firing a Compound Bow
Dry firing a compound bow means releasing the string without an arrow on the string. The bow unloads too fast, and parts can be damaged. A dry fire compound bow accident can break the bow or weaken parts that are not safe to keep shooting.
Quick answer
If you dry fire a compound bow, stop shooting right away. Check the limbs, cams, string, cables, arrow rest, and any visible hardware before you touch the bow again. If you see cracks, twists, or a new sound or feel from the bow, take it to a shop instead of testing it with another shot.
What dry firing means
Dry firing means the string is released without an arrow absorbing the shot. The energy that should move the arrow has to go somewhere else, so it travels through the bow. That can be hard on the limbs and the rest of the system.
What happens when you dry fire a compound bow?
The bow can snap, jar, or flex in a way it was not built to handle. Strings can jump out of tune. Cables can shift. Cams can go out of time. An arrow rest, sight, or other mounted part can also take a hit. Even when damage is not obvious, the bow may still need a professional inspection.
What to do immediately after a dry fire
- Unload the bow and keep your hands clear of the string path.
- Look for cracks, splinters, bends, or loose parts.
- Check the string, cables, cams, and limbs.
- Do not shoot the bow again until it has been checked.
What to check before shooting again
Look closely at the limbs and limb pockets. Check whether the cam tracks look normal and whether the string and cables still sit correctly. If anything looks off, stop there. Do not try to dry fire compound bow parts as a test to see whether they still work.
Inspect before shooting again
- Limbs
- Cams
- String and cables
- Axles and modules
- Loose accessories
- Unusual noise or draw feel
If anything looks cracked, frayed, bent, loose, or sounds wrong, stop shooting and have the bow inspected.
Signs you should not shoot the bow
- A new crack, split, or splinter in a limb
- Loose or uneven cams
- A string or cable that moved out of place
- Unusual vibration, noise, or cam timing after the dry fire
- A rest or other accessory that was hit hard
How to avoid dry firing
- Keep an arrow nocked before you draw.
- Move slowly when setting up for a shot.
- Stop if you get distracted or lose track of the arrow.
- Use a routine so you check the arrow before every draw.
- Ask a shop for help if your setup feels awkward or unstable.
Dry firing and beginner archers
Beginners are most likely to dry fire when they rush. A calm routine matters more than shooting faster. Focus on the same setup steps every time so the arrow is already on the string before you draw.
Related bow setup pages
- Start Archery
- Bows
- How to Measure Draw Length
- Draw Length Calculator
- How to Hold a Bow
- Archery Tools
Frequently asked questions
What happens when you dry fire a compound bow?
The bow unloads without an arrow to carry the energy away, which can damage limbs, strings, cables, cams, and accessories.
What is dry firing a bow?
It is the release of a bowstring without an arrow on the string.
Can a bow shop fix a dry-fired bow?
Sometimes. A shop can inspect the bow and tell you which parts, if any, can be replaced safely.
Should I shoot the bow again after a dry fire?
No. Not until it has been inspected and cleared for use.
How do I avoid dry firing a bow?
Always nock an arrow before you draw and keep a slow, repeatable shot routine.
References
- BowTech owner manuals
- USA Archery safety
- How to Inspect Your Arrows – Archery 360