Loading an Arrow....

[ClayCoArcher]

Hey guys.....

What techniques can you 'ol pros offer a rookie like me for nocking an arrow FAST....Such as would be needed for a quick second shot opportunity after a miss....?

I use a back quiver...I grasp the arrow by the nock, swing the arrow out and over my shoulder, lay it accross the bow's riser, slide it toward the string, and then fiddle with it, usually having to look down in order to get it nocked.  

I want to be able to keep my eye on the Target and quietly and efficiently nock the arrow...

Any tips???

[Frenchymanny]

Your arrow nocks have an index for the cock feather, so use it to proper position the arra, and you should be able to feel the nock on the string.

Good luck,
F-Manny

[blueline]

Personally I don't use the cock feather, They should fly great up side down!!! The only truly fast way is SLOW, practice, speed it up and do it in the dark. It will become second nature and you will end up with the most comfertable process for you.  I seeem to have better control of the arrow when I grasp it firmly around the feathers, I can get it nocked on the string and set it on the shelf without a lot of noise!!!!

Blueline

[smokin joe]

You might try this:
Hold the arrow by the nock and control the arrow with that grip. Use index nocks so you don't have to look for the cock feather and so you can get the index lump under your thumb. You will learn to feel for the string and the nocking point without even looking. Smooth, silent movement might be more important than speed in some cases.
Just my opinion.
Joe

[MOstate]

I use a four fletch and that really helps with getting a second shot off. Because there is no need to find the cock feather, just nock and go.
Joe

[wtpops]

The only way to do it quick, fast, quiet and the cock feather the way you want it to be is practice.

Set your self up a timer, set it for 20 sec, when you can get off 5 shots, put them where you want them and not fumble with tring to nock an arrow then you got it.

This not only helps you get a second shot off quick but is loads of fun.

With speed shooting 4 fletch is the way to go or train youself not to worry about how the cock feather lands,(with a tuned bow it does not matter)

Once you get there then do what smokin joe said, "silent movement might be more important than speed in some cases"

[GingivitisKahn]

I'm w/ MOstate - with 4 fletch, there is no wrong way to knock the arrow.  I guess there's no right way either, but I digress.

[Kingstaken]

There's a great tape call Hitt'em Like Howard Hill where Joh Shultz goes thru all the steps.

A must in my opinion for all new and old archers.

Send me ya addy and I will lend you the tape...

[ClayCoArcher]

Thanks Everybody!!

[dano140]

I would second the Hitt'em Like Howard Hill video. And practice, practice, practice.

I also put my nock under the arrow so I can pull the arrow on the string anywhere above it and then slide it down as I am getting my grip on the string.

Your mileage may vary.
Have a great day!
Dan

[GingivitisKahn]

Maybe the better question is 'how can I best get a second shot after I've wiffed the first'.

An undetected second shot (whether at deer or squirrels or whatever) is, IMO far superior to a fast second shot.  If you miss a deer, for instance and then he catches you whipping an arrow out of your back quiver and jamming it on your string - I don't think he's going to hang around while you try again.  Once he's seen you, and is hauling butt for the next state, you certainly don't want to be machine-gunning arrows at him.

[ClayCoArcher]

Very True....