Big Jim Buffalo gripping question

[Blog on Bottom]

Hi all-
Just got a Buffalo, what a nice bow.

First question: The grip is not a pistol grip, but yet it is not a straight grip either. Best I can tell, it is closest to a "locator" grip as described by Fred Asbell. It seems that it is probably more shaped than Asbell's locator grip.
As I am learning to shoot it, will I be better off shooting heel down (as in longbow) or heel up (as in pistol grip)?

Second question: My first week shooting is showing a lot of shots going left also. I realize that isn't an up/down issue, what is it? Is it from too weak a grip perhaps? Or...a wrist that is bent/broken? My string hand follow-thru seems to be good.

Thanks!

[McDave]

There are many reasons for left misses, but as you seem most concerned about the grip at the moment, it could be that you are exerting a torquing force on the grip as a result of not being comfortable with it yet.  The force of the bow handle at full draw sould be entirely against the V between your thumb and forefinger, with no sideways forces.  When I press with my thumb against the side of the handle, I get left misses.  If this isn't it, we can go on to the next possibility.

[Blog on Bottom]

Thanks. Well, I had a couple of paragraphs typed last night and then my internet provider suffered and attack and we've been offline ever since.
I think you are correct about the torquing, but I am not sure about the cause or the cure. I have begun shooting only at 10 yds and less, and have concentrated on form. Elevation is now right on, but still about 6 inches left.
Asbell says in his book to grip a longbow with force and his illustration shows more of a grip on the side of the bow. He describes a heel down grip, as opposed to a thumb/forefinger grip (which you suggest, and with which I've always had good luck on with pistol gripped recurves).
I'm going to keep experimenting until I bring it over. I'm open to the rest of your reasons for left misses  

[Blog on Bottom]

Also, I've ensured that my follow-thru is back rather than out to the side...

[McDave]

I shoot longbows with contoured grips that I can hold the same as I hold my recurves.  The cause of torquing the grip is when your hand puts a twisting force on the handle.  It doesn't have to be much; with me, just pressing my thumb against the handle is enough to torque it.  The cure is to have the handle ride in the V between your thumb and forefinger with the weight of the draw pressing against the meaty part of your hand between your lifeline and your thumb, and very little other contact between your hand and the handle. I wrap my thumb and forefinger around the handle to avoid having to use a sling, but I try not to grip harder than I need to keep the bow from falling out of my hand.

Those who grip the bow like Asbell describes must have some other way of avoiding torque, but I don't know what that is because I don't hold the bow that way.

[damascusdave]

Why not give Big Jim a call or send him a pm on here...sure he can give you some suggestions about how that bow is meant to be shot...I agree with McDave on how to shoot a longbow with a locator grip...I shoot them exactly the same way as I would shoot a recurve with a similar grip

DDave

[damascusdave]

Big Jim is big on using beavertail on his grips...if yours has a beavertail wrap I suggest trying tucking your fourth and little finger against the grip (the beavertail helps to cushion those fingers)...there are those that argue tucking will lead to torquing the bow...I think it helps to avoid torquing by creating a good bow hand angle and giving consistent contact in the web of the hand

DDave

[silverarrowhead]

If and when I miss left, it's because my head is not cocked to the right and looking down the shaft towards the target.

[Blog on Bottom]

I am going to PM Big Jim. Thanks for the input. I also did a google on arrows hitting left and it returned three or four good threads on this forum. I read them and they were very informative also.
I think one of the first things I need to do is ensure my arrows/bow are tuned properly. That will eliminate the arrows too stiff theory, while being good practice.

[Blog on Bottom]

Got an email from Jim, he said whatever is most comfortable, but most people shoot them gripped low and firm. I did that the other night and seemed to get good consistency and more than halved the average distance to the left. Of course, that could be my brain compensating, but I'm not going to worry too much if it's consistent and knowing that I still need to tune it. Thanks for all the good feedback.........

[damascusdave]

Glad things are starting to work better for you...sounds like you are willing to do what it takes to become the best archer you can be utilizing any and all resources...one thing I learned a long time ago when I took the International Bowhunter Education Program is that before you can be an ethical bowhunter you have to be a competent archer...that takes thought and practice

DDave