Can form problem cause nock issues?

[OutbackMan]

Basically three times in the last two weeks I've had this happen...but in 10 months of shooting a recurve prior to this it never happened.  Also, I'm pretty good about checking arrows and nocks for any damage during shooting especially if I know I've clanked some together.  My nocks are tight enough to hold on string but come off when I bump string.  Bow is Bear A Mag 56" and 50#@28" and I've got around a 29.5" draw.  

First I had a Easton Super 3D nock (pretty sure that's the kind) that upon release the arrow fell to the ground (yea...basically dry fired my bow.    :(    )  When I picked it up I noticed the left edge of the nock was bent outward at a 90 degree angle.

Second was w/the same kind of nock.  Same thing happened, but nock not totally bent as badly, just slightly over widened (yea...basically dry fired it again.    :(    )

Third was a standard GT nock (I'm shooting GT Trad 55/75) and it had the left side of the nock completely shear off (yea...basically dry fired again    :(    )

One time during these three occurences I actually felt the nock (one of the Eastons) come off the string as I reached anchor and I was able to let down and re-adjust.  That nock seemed fine, maybe a touch loose but no damage, which makes me think maybe I'm doing something w/my string hand to cause this???  I shoot split fingered.

I've really been working on not torquing the string during the draw lately and not sure if any changes I made would/could cause these type issues.  I know w/o pics or video any ideas may just be shots in the dark, but any and all info welcome.  Thanks...and sorry this is so long and rambling.    :D

[Wapiti Bowman]

OutbackMan said:

 

I'm pretty good about checking arrows and nocks for any damage

As you said, w/0 pix or vid, it's tough to know exactly what's going on; but I have to believe that in these instances you missed some prior nock damage. Perhaps it was not as severe as the end damage, but enough that the consequence was total failure.

As you didn't say, I have to assume that you use one nock point, and that you nock your arrow below the nock point? I'll also assume that you use the metal "squeeze on" nock points so common in the industry?

My recommendations: get rid of the metal "squeeze on" nock points and use a'tie on' nock point. There's probably a "how to" in the, what else,   :D   "how to" section of the Forum.

I fit my nocks so that they have a sliding fit, but will not stay on the string when I let go of the arrow. I, too, shoot split finger. I set my middle finger firmly against the bottom of the nock, when setting my 'hook',so that it applies light pressure to the nock against the nock point. My index/top finger makes little to no contact with the top of the nock, so that I am not pinching the nock between my fingers. I have never had a "dry fire" using this method.    

You might also check your drawing hand at full draw in a mirror, or have a friend check it for you to insure that the back of your hand is flat and that you are not torquing the string.

Good Luck, and Good Shooting!

[OutbackMan]

You are correct...I am using one metal nocking point and nock the arrow below the point.  I had been using a tie in nock, but think I did it wrong as I was unable to twist it up and down to adjust height, hence why I was back to the metal one.  I've had these occurrences using both types of nocks, but may try the tie in again.

Thanks for the info...

[AllenR]

Another thing that you could try is to tie in a second nock below the arrow.  There are a couple of videos on YouTube that show arrows sliding down the string during the power stroke.

As WB posted, it can come from your finger placement.  I had that problem until I figured out to do it about like he posted.