Intermediate7 min read · Updated June 2026
How to Set Up a New Bow From the Box
Installing a rest, sight, stabiliser, peep and D-loop, then setting nocking point and centershot — and knowing when to visit a pro shop.
By the Archery Care Editorial Team
If you've bought a bare or partially-built bow, here's the order of operations to get it shooting.
Install the accessories
- Mount the arrow rest, sight, stabiliser, peep sight and tie in a D-loop.
- Set the nocking point square and the centershot to the manufacturer's starting spec.
Set draw length and weight
On a compound, set the draw length (often via modules or rotating cams) to your verified number, then set draw weight with the limb bolts. Never back limb bolts out past the manufacturer's minimum.
Initial paper tune
Do a basic paper tune to get clean arrow flight, then sight in. Anything that needs a bow press — installing a peep, changing the string, cam work — is best done at a pro shop unless you have the right tools and experience.