3 under

[oldgun]

Just started with the bow in May I'm finding 3 under alot better. I find that I'm more on target and not as much effort to pull the bow. Any one else find these things as well? Also can you tell me where this method originated? People around here look at me as if I'm nuts but if it works who am I to argue!

[Smallwood]

i always thought i looked funny too! till i tried it! that's the only way i can hit anything now. i am much more accurate with it than split.
i anchor middle finger in corner of mouth and shoot instictively.
not sure where it originated... i have heard it called shooting 'apache' style, so maybe they invented it.

[Howattfan]

I too shoot 3 under and like it much better than split.  I am definetly more confident on my shots.

[BLACK WOLF]

I'm not sure who invented it...but I'm sure it's been around for a looooong time.

If people look at you and think your nuts for using it...they really don't know much about the tradition or history of archery.

I'm not sure why you feel it reduces the effort to pull your bow back...but if that's the sensation you're getting...awesome!

Shooting 3 under does place the arrow closer to your eye...so you use it more effectively...consciously or subconsciously...depending on your aiming techinique.

It also reduces your point on so you can use it more effectively at closer distances.

It's a great way to shoot...but I personally prefer split finger because it gives me more control of my arrow...when trick shooting or stalking.

Ray  

[buckeye_hunter]

Does the bow have to be tillered for 3 under, or can you shoot any bow three under?

[BLACK WOLF]

I believe it's best if you can get tillered for your shooting style. It generally will make the bow better balanced while at full draw and quieter upon release.

There's ways you can adjust that if you already have a bow that isn't tillered for your shooting style. If you have a bow with adjustable limbs like a DAS...it make tillering real easy  

Ray  

[Jacko]

I switched too 3 under tuesday just gone and gave it a good work out today . A lot of work to do yet , still working out the elevation but have 25 to 35 yards worked 75% worked out and 50% worked out for under 20 yards . My groups are 1/2 the size they were last weekend at all ranges . I am more consistent , 3 under seems more natural
 
regards Jacko

[Huntrdfk]

What about anchor points?  Do people consistently use the corner of their mouths or upper cheek bone?  It seems that with the upper cheek bone it would put the arrow a lot closer to your eye......

Is their a need to change nock points....ie, higher or lower?

Also,  those of you that do shoot three under, do you use gloves or tabs?


Thanks,

David

[vermonster13]

Whichever is more comfortable for you and consistent Dave.

Higher nock-point.

I shoot glove, but a three-under tab will work for you if you prefer tab.

I like three-under for real close shooting like turkey blind hunting and split for longer distance/stalk hunting.

You really need a good nock/serving fit for three-under or you can easily pull the arrow off the string which we know can lead to many bad things.

[Al Dean]

I shoot 3 under on my recurves and split on my longbow.  I have one recurve tillered for 3 under.  All that basically does is keep the nocking point low, 3/8" vs 5/8" on my standard tillered recurve.

[Double A]

so if switchign from split to 3 under on the same bow, the nock point needs to be higher or lower? i see references to both above.  if i shoot my bow using the same nockpoint every arrow is a foot low at 20 yards, in my inexperience i would guess i would need to lower the nock point to compensate or no?

[longbowguy]

I do both and switch back and forth for different archery games. For me the nocking indicator needs to be about a quarter inch higher for 3 under. I use the same anchor for both. Most bows, at least the 68 and 70 inch ones I use need no tiller adjustment.

3 under tends to make aiming easier at closer distances, split finger to make it easier at long distances. But even for close distance hunting and trick shooting many of us prefer split because it gives us a feeling of better control in handling the arrow.

For what it is worth, most of the better 3D shooters hereabouts use 3 under. - lbg

[CraigR]

The three finger under shooting method is commonly called "Apache Draw". I first learned about it 20 years ago reading some old Archery books. When I tried it out I found I shot a lot better than split finger. For me, it works well and that's how I prefer to shoot as well.

I spoke to one of the bow makers from Martin at a 3D shoot. I was shooting a Savannah longbow and I asked him if the tiller needed to be different for the split vs. 3 finger methods. He told me it didn't matter so I just don't worry about it.

I anchor at my mouth for all my shots. I'm not sure why this method works better for some people. Perhaps it brings the arrow up closer to the eye, or perhaps it makes the release a little different.