Author Topic: Couple of questions from an FNG (Read 959 times)

Guy · « **on:** October 06, 2005, 03:27:34 AM »

I'll be receiving a new recurve in a few weeks, a Bear Supermag with 65 lb draw, and I have a few questions.

First, how do you aim these things? I don't want to add any sighting devices. I'd like to learn to do it the way it was done "back in the day." I know you don't sight along the arrow as you would a gun barrel, although I did once see a technique that involved using the arrow tip as a reference point whe aiming. Any suggestions?

Second, what's an acceptable level of accuracy? My primary experience is with handguns and with those I'm satisfied with a 4 inch group at 25 yards offhand, iron sights. What's a decent standard for accuracy? I'm under no illusions about being Robin Hood, but I'd like to be able to shoot reasonably well.

myronman3 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2005, 02:40:12 PM »

just like throwing a ball. look where you want the arrow to hit (pick the very spot) draw, focus, release. start ridiculously close. concentrate on focus, and release. when you start doing well, increase the distance a bit. go slow. as you get better, increase the distance.

the biggest thing is...know what your limitations are and stay within them. if that means passing on a shot, you pass on the shot. your ethics will become your best friend. but that is already happening to you- or you wouldnt be drawn to traditional archery.

shoot heavy arrows with good, sharp broadheads.

check in and keep us posted, looking forward to hearing from you about your progress.

HAVE FUN!

wijim · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:01:25 AM »

i hope you are strong. 65#'s is very heavy for a guy just gettin into recurve.

i shoot 65 with my compound and 55# with my recurve...but use a 45# takedown recurve for extended practice sessions.

in aiming...make your anchor point on your face so that the string is right directly in front of your eye....and watch the level of your arrow as you draw....i think its easier to use that as well as figure a "sight picture" in relation to your riser (as you get used to where it will impact) as opposed to using the tip of the arrow. (some guys swear by that method and shoot well with it as well.)

but your form is imperative to maintain, which ive really come to realize this year. keep a straight back, bring string to draw to your face as opposed to bringing face to your string. the length of trad archery equip is forgiving, but the light weights, lack of sights and lack of let off is not forgiving at all.

consistency and tons of practice is the key.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2005, 03:11:23 PM »

In addition to what Wijim said, don't overdo the length of practice sessions. Three rounds of 6 arrows every evening will do more than getting to the point where your muscles are tired and you lose control of the bow. Think about getting a light bow for practice. That used to be fairly standard back before they came out with wheels on bows. Folks would have a 35# or so bow to keep their form up, then use the heavy bows for practicing a couple of weeks before a tournament or hunt.

-WH-

Guy · « **Reply #4 on:** October 10, 2005, 04:07:13 AM »

Quote from: myronman3

just like throwing a ball. look where you want the arrow to hit (pick the very spot) draw, focus, release. start ridiculously close. concentrate on focus, and release. when you start doing well, increase the distance a bit. go slow. as you get better, increase the distance.

the biggest thing is...know what your limitations are and stay within them. if that means passing on a shot, you pass on the shot. your ethics will become your best friend. but that is already happening to you- or you wouldnt be drawn to traditional archery.

shoot heavy arrows with good, sharp broadheads.

check in and keep us posted, looking forward to hearing from you about your progress.

HAVE FUN!

Yeah, I gave that aiming technique some thought. Right now I want to keep things simple and use stuff I can pick up at local stores. Would you suggest aluminum arrows or wooden ones over carbon? I've shot this particular bow before with carbon arrows at a target about 100 feet away. My shots would usually go too high. I wasn't sure if it was my release or aiming being off or using light arrows. Many of my shots would go to the left, but I chalk that up to my sloppy release. I think I wasn't keeping my bowhand steady on release.

myronman3 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 10, 2005, 03:04:11 PM »

use heavy arrows. either wood or aluminum. carbon is too light unless you can add weight to it. i have done it successfully with wheely bows but my longbow is a bit more finicky. i just shoot wood arrows with mine but they can be very hard to find locally; so some heavy aluminum arrows are going to be your best bet.

wijim · « **Reply #6 on:** October 12, 2005, 08:57:37 AM »

i use aluminum....myronman is right...carbons fly just horrible out of them...i tried that. best release advice is...try n do it cociously as crisp as you can with minimal string roll. no way to describe how to do that other than get as close to the finger tip as is comfortable.....

Mac11700 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2005, 05:56:42 AM »

Quote

Right now I want to keep things simple and use stuff I can pick up at local stores.

I certainly hope you mean local Archery Stores...otherwise you may or not be getting the correct spined arrows for your draw lenght..many times what is marked on the bows we buy..isn't the correct weight...and when we go to buy arrows on the cheap..we end up with the wrong ones...and accurcy suffers...

I advise you to go to a real archery store in your area...and get fitted there...they can determine the correct lenght and spined arrow for your bow..and most likely be able to help you learn to shoot better..by watching you shoot and offering helpful tips right then...

Mac

muskyhunter · « **Reply #8 on:** October 16, 2005, 04:09:42 PM »

I agree with the others. I would buy another recurve with a 30-45 lb draw at your draw length and use that for a while. Then step up to the 65 lb. 65 lbs is a lot.

If you watch ebay, you should be able to pick up one cheap.

Tuffcity · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:34:30 PM »

whew... where to start. :grin: The biggest thing to get squared away is decent, consistant form. There are a few topics here that outline some shooting tips but you'll probably want to start by standing close to your target and just getting the feel of a proper draw and a smooth release. Be close enough that you can shoot with your eyes closed and the arrows hit the backstop. Video tape yourself and/or have some one watch and give you feedback.

Make sure your arrows are spined properly for your bow (and you'll need decent form to achieve this) Just because a bow says 55# and weighs out at 55#'s doesn't mean it will shoot 55# spined arrows well. Example: with my 'curve I pull about 55#, but I shoot a carbon that spines around 75# and it likes wood arrows that spine at 90# or better. But I also draw an honest 30" and shoot a non-dacron string (dyna 97). All these things have an impact. As a side note, carbons will shoot well from a trad bow. :grin: if all is tuned and form is good.

Once it all comes together at 10 yds start stretching it out. It's just like instinctive shooting with hand guns, only easier. :grin:

RC