Release for trigger finger injury advice

[Team4LongGun]

Hunting buddy's index finger is severely injured. Was using a Scott Shark. Which thumb release would you recommend for hunting, so he can draw and fire with no involvement with index finger?

TIA

 

[Billy Goat]

How limited is his index finger?

Like, he can grip and hold a release fine?

There's a few options that are thumb buttons but still have a wrist strap too.

For a relatively cheap hunting release that is still decent, I like the spot hogg whipper snapper. From there, they get a lot more expensive and feed into individual preferences.

Here's an example of one that can likely be used without any use of the index finger.B3 Exit Hunter Thumb Release (Green Anodize) – Lancaster Archery Supply https://share.google/SuJovGNN88gKAwS8q

 

[Team4LongGun]

How limited is his index finger?

Like, he can grip and hold a release fine?

There's a few options that are thumb buttons but still have a wrist strap too.

For a relatively cheap hunting release that is still decent, I like the spot hogg whipper snapper. From there, they get a lot more expensive and feed into individual preferences.

Here's an example of one that can likely be used without any use of the index finger.B3 Exit Hunter Thumb Release (Green Anodize) – Lancaster Archery Supply https://share.google/SuJovGNN88gKAwS8q

He can't use it at all. His finger went sideways in a freak work accident, and the tip to first knuckle is broken/torn and surgery may be needed if it doesn't heal in splint. They don't want to do surgery as it will limit range of motion/usage permanently.
The rest of his hand is fine, that's why we figured a thumb release will be good. I just never used one all these years, and wanted to get some guidance on what to try and what to avoid.

 

[jimh406]

I don't have a favorite. I rotate the release into my thumb instead of pressing with the thumb. In any case, I found this article that lists a lot of different ones.

Archery Thumb Releases: 61 Tested – 5 Chosen - North American Bow Hunter

Explore the world of archery releases as a bowhunting fanatic tests 61 models, sharing insights on the best thumb releases for every scenario

nabowhunter.com

 

[Ice-kub]

Can he use his middle finger and not his index?

 

[brca005]

https://scottarchery.com/products/verge

Why not something like this?

Or like Ice-kub said, to use the middle finger on his current release?

 

[tipsntails7]

I couldn’t imagine using my thumb release without using my index finger, majority of the weight goes in it and some to the middle.

I would think using an index release and using your middle finger would be much easier, especially if he has zero history with a handheld. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[MO-CHSPKE]

I have a B3 Alpha with a two-finger trigger. I lost the original and ordered a single finger and two finger replacements. I've messed with using my middle finger to activate it. They just screw in and out of the B3 index releases. Might be something to look into.

 

[Billy Goat]

He can't use it at all. His finger went sideways in a freak work accident, and the tip to first knuckle is broken/torn and surgery may be needed if it doesn't heal in splint. They don't want to do surgery as it will limit range of motion/usage permanently.
The rest of his hand is fine, that's why we figured a thumb release will be good. I just never used one all these years, and wanted to get some guidance on what to try and what to avoid.

It sounds to me like it would be difficult to grip any hand held, as they are mostly drawn with the index and some middle finger. I draw predominantly with just my index, but everyone is a little different. My suggestion would be something like I linked above because it can be anchored to the wrist and drawn like an index, but then shot like a hinge or command. They also make a hinge that attaches the same way.

 

[Blake C]

Stan axis

 

[HairyScandinavian]

https://scottarchery.com/products/verge

Why not something like this?

Or like Ice-kub said, to use the middle finger on his current release?

This is what I was thinking, good wrist strap for drawing and use the middle finger to fire.

 

[butcherboy]

I wouldn’t recommend him shooting a handheld with a broken finger. A wrist release and use the middle finger. Better yet is to let that finger heal first and then see what he can do.

I got hit and thrown by a bull in 2023 2 1/2 months before an OIL archery elk hunt. 5 staples in my head and a fractured right elbow. I didn’t shoot for almost two months. When I could I turned the poundage down and worked into it. Ended up at 65 lbs and I normally shoot 70-75 lbs.

 

[LostArra]

He might want to try a Spot Hogg Keeton release. Hand held with wrist strap and is easily shot with middle finger.
Randy Ulmer is a bit over the top in promoting it but you can see how it works using middle finger.

 

[BLJ]

I have a Scott Pursuit that I use without the wrist strap.

I use my middle, ring and pinky to draw.
My index finger hangs off instead of my pinky.

Low poundage (54) but works for me.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Thanks Gents. I have relayed the advice over to him, I'm selfishly hoping he is back up and shooting soon!