Shooting to the Left

[Coach Jones]

Guys I have only had my bow for about 2 weeks now and I am starting to shoot some better groups (not much experience at all shooting traditional).  Anyway, my groups tend to be just a tad left.  I am assuming it is just me and my form, aiming, and torquing at this point.  But please let me know if you think my arrows are okay.  

Arrows: 29 inch 35/55 Gold Tip Traditionals 50 grain insert, 175 grain tip, 5 inch feathers, and an arrow wrap.

Bow:  Great Northern Ghost 51@28 (I draw only 26 inches consistently) 7 1/2 brace height.

Your shafts would be too stiff to my notion, which assuming you're right handed, would make your arrows fly left.  If they're a "tad" left it would be interesting to see what a .600 spine would do.

[redant 60/65]

Coach I'm thinking along with Jim, your proably pulling about #45 with your draw. either go to a longer 3555 or weaker spine, the weaker spine will proably be closer for you.  :cool:

[Wapiti Bowman]

C J,

I also shoot the 35-55 GT Trads, 28" BOP, shooting a 45# Toelke Whip Classic. (aggressive r/d). My total arrow wt with wraps, 4" helical fletched shield feathers, and 200 gn points, is 500 gns. (I'm using the std 10 gn al inserts). This set up shoots down the middle for me. However, if I shoot them with my 40#, Mohawk, (mild r/d) they group to the left of center.

I also have some bare shafts made up, but I'd put the 50 gn brass inserts in them so I use 175 gn pts, and they will also group in the center, at 10 & 20 yards.

With your set up and arrow length, your arrow spine should be weaker than mine. So, before I spent more $$$ to make a change, I'd stay with what you have for a while. Two weeks isn't a long time in the world of Trad shooting!  

Enjoy, and Have Fun!  

[Jeff Smith]

I see alot of people shooting trad gear never actually reach full draw, they draw short. For a right hander it can cause arrows to hit to the left as the string is released the bow arm pulls that direction.With glass bows alot are cener shot or close and spine is less critical so error is in the shooters form. 26" seems short for an average size person. Just an opinion and we all know what they say about that.
Jeff

[Coach Jones]

Actually, my shooting has improved.  I am sure it had something to do with my grip or release.  I did try some 145 grain tips and seemed to shoot better groups.  Those tips would make the arrow stiffer I would assume.  I also raised my nock and lowered my brace to 7 3/8.  Must have found the sweet spot.

As far as draw, I only draw 27 on my compound.  I am 5'8 so not quite average size.

[stickhead]

Try a bare shaft tuning to get a true idea if your arrows are stiff before you buy new shafts.If you go to A&H Arhery I think they have a step by step on bow tuning that might be helpful.

[mahantango]

Hitting left for a right hander usually does indicate too stiff spine, but if you reduced point weight and got better groups then something else is going on. When I hit left, it is almost always because I short-draw and/or let my string hand creep away (to the right) from my face so that the arrow is no longer directly under my eye. Think of moving the rear sight on a rifle way to the right.

[KumaSan]

I was shooting 3555's, 28.5" long with a 125 gr tip, and the  bow is 46#. They have always been tuned correctly for me. Perhaps you need to try building out the side strike plate a touch with electrical tape. If this works, remove the side plate and use the 3M foam tape to get the same thickness.

[Coach Jones]

No problems at all now.  After I lowered the brace and set the nock height to 5/8 she shoots great.  My draw length has increased to 26.5.  According to my wing span my draw should be 26-27 inches.

[mambashooter]

I shoot 35/55's with a 125 gr tip and my bow is 50 lb.My draw lenght is 26.5. Somedays I shoot to the left also,but I haven't changed anything. I find that the next day it isn't a problem. I think it is more a form problem than equipment problem  in most cases. Like hitting a golf ball..we don't swing the same each day..and somedays we don't have it shooting a bow. I think we can make this sport more complicated than it needs to be. My motto: Have fun and don't think so much.