new shooter ,old problem

[Blackhat]

I had posted earlier on the pow wow forum.  I have an old Ben Pearson fiberglass recurve.  I bought it in 1966 or so.  It was a blue light special.  A 60 inch super jet bow at 45 #, with 3 stamped metal tri blade arrows.  I had hunted with it for a while in high school, mostly target shooting then at hay bales.

Well I have dug that 41 year old bow out of the closet and restrung it.  I'm back to shooting at hay bales again.

I'm shooting right now at 10 yards at a paper plate target.  If I shoot with an anchor and sight down the string I shoot about a foot to the left.  If I just instinct shoot I'm getting on or the edge ot the plate.

I'm shooting 2117 easton stalkers with 100 gr field points.  I'm shooting split fingers 1 above 2 below.  I used a t square to geta point on my string off my shelf and nocking about a quarter inch above the mark.  Occasiolally the arrow but will kick right and go left of the target.  Is the spine to stiff on the arrows?  What should I be shooting.  I have about a 30 inch draw.  I'm not sure what draw weight/inches  the bow is based on?  

I'm 59 years old and I'm enjoying shooting again.  There wasn't a challenge with a compound.

[30coupe]

Your bow will be rated at 28 inches of draw, so at 30 you will be at about 50-51 pounds. With 100 gr. points, your arrows will probably be spined a bit stiff, depending on their length. First try 125 gr. points and see if that weakens them enough. I think 2016's would shoot better out of that setup. Cut to 30" BOP, they fly like darts from my 48# Kota.

By the way, welcome back!

[Blackhat]

Thanks for the info 30coupe.  It has been a while since I have shot a traditional bow. I got the 125 gr points and they seem to help can't seem to find the 2016's at wally world.  Will tryna local archery shop on Tuesday for sure.

[Terry Green]

Draw a black circle the size of a quarter in the middle of the paper plate.....then shoot....then report back.

[30coupe]

2016's are not popular with the wheelie guys, so you won't find them at Wallyworld. I got a couple at Gander Mountain...all they had at the time. 3Rivers carrys 2016 shafts $31.99 for 6 (bare shafts).

I agree with Terry. That's how I test them too.

[Blackhat]

:D  I found 2016's at an archery shop.  I put 125 gr. field tips on them.  At 10 yards I'm hitting the paper plate 4 out of 6 times.  Still working on the black dot in the center.  I was told to use a canine tooth as an anchor point.  That is working well also.  I'm having to use a new draw technique.  I'm getting a sharp pain in my right forearm when I'm at full draw.  My little finger is a bit sore. So I'm using three fingers below and one above to draw the string and arrow back.  No pain.

[TSP]

I suspect you mean your drawing forearm.  It may be sore because you could be tightening your draw fingers and your arm during the draw...and that may be affected by how you are gripping the string.

Try this:  Use only 3 fingers on the string...1 above and 2 below.  Hold the string in the first CREASE of your fingers (not on the finger pads), with the tips of your fingers turned back towards you...to form sort of a 'hook' shape with those three fingers.  The string should be nestled into that first crease during the draw and your three fingers should be canted at the same angle as the bow limbs (if limbs are vertical then fingers should be straight up and down; if limbs canted 10 degrees than fingers should be canted at 10 degrees, etc.).  Try playing with it to get a comfortable feel of the string sitting in that crease and the fingers in line with the bow limbs at your cant angle, then try drawing back to full anchor without releasing just to see how that feels in the hand and on your face.  Adjust if necessary so that your face anchor point won't interfere with the three fingers as they uncurl (I like my draw fingesr not even touching my face...only my thunb joint/knuckle actually touches anchor).  

I'll bet you'll notice that both your hand and your forearm will feel stronger using this method, your forearm muscles more relaxed and more in line with the arrow...kind of like turning your arm into a rope, with a hook to hold the string.  This method of holding the string is called the 'deep hook' and is used by many good archers.

Once it feels good at your anchor then try a few shots close to the bale.  Its just a matter of focusing on that black spot on the plate, drawing to full anchor and simply pulling through the anchor slightly at release so your draw hand or fingers don't creep forward (that last part is often called 'maintaining back tension' since you are using your back muscles, NOT your arm muscles, to finish the draw and allow the release).  

If your focus is on the spot and the fingers/hand/forearm are kept relaxed with a positive pull-through at release, the string will simply drop away from your relaxed fingers, the arrow should fly nicely off the bow, and that sore forearm (and pinky...the 4th finger that isn't needed now) might just go away.

Try it and let us know how you're doing.

[30coupe]

TSP is right on. I would add keep your practice sessions short. I would probably limit them to every other day until you can shoot without pain. Your muscles need time to heal. More isn't necessarily better if your form suffers for it. This is not a race! If you intend to hunt with your bow, take your time and build your skill and confidence. When you are ready, go for it.

[Rusty in Fla.]

Blackhat,
   You might want to try a few little things and see if something changes for you. A different anchor point might help too. Personally I hook my thumb behind the joint on my jaw. It's what works for you.
   You might also try some 2018's and see if they work any better. Once you get the correct spine you'll notice a world of difference in your groups as well. that's a real confidence builder.

   Rusty <><

[Blackhat]

Thanks guys.  That's a lot to chew on.  Haven't shot in the past 2 days.  Will try the deep hook and see how that helps.  Will try a session tonight.

[Blackhat]

Shooting at Quarter size black dots with a 1/4 inch white spot in the center at 10 yards.  If I concetrate on the white dot I can put 6 out of 6 on the plate with 2 very close to the black dot.  Occasionally I lose concentration and miss the plate.  I can't explain the calm that comes over me after shooting.  Is this normal?
 
Just bought a new bow.  A PSE Sequoia longbow 50# @28" 68" long.  Let y'all know how it shoots after I get it set up.  :D