I got my bow =D

[Scott Jacobsen]

I finally got my first bow (35# recurve) last night, after it was back ordered for a week.

I have a few questions though.

Are there any necessary accesories that I'm missing?  
Specifically:
-Do I need to add a metal knock to the bow string?
-What should I do to the arrow rest?  Do I need to add a metal plate or something to it?

Planning on getting some practice in this weekend.  Found a good spot and got the straw to set up a target  :D .

Scotty

[woodcock]

yes, you should add a nock at your desired nock height, which is more or less up to you. you can also make a nock out of extra serving.
as far as arrow shelf, you should get some kind of rest material, I like calf hair, but rug rests or plastic rests will work. 3rivers sells anything you need.
good luck

[tkytrac]

Remember if you are shooting instinctively it will be easier for you to learn while shooting off the shelf and not a raised rest.  The closer to the top of your hand you are the quicker/easier it will be for you to pick it up.

[eric-thor]

http://bowmaker.net/tuning.htm
print this out and start out the right way

[Killdeer]

I like a double nocking point tied on. You can use dental floss or even masking tape. Matter of fact, I have masking tape on the string of my new bow. It came with a brass nockset, and the first thing I did was take that off! They tear up tabs and gloves.

I have used masking tape for months at a time on strings. It's cheap, easy to move and replace, and is kind to your tab.

The fuzzy side of stick-on velcro makes a good arrow rest and sideplate. You can probably get that at a drugstore, or Home Depot, or Wal-Mart.

Killdeer  

[frank bullitt]

Killie, what else are you Masking?  

[Scott Jacobsen]

-Thats my current shelf

 
-Thats my knock (not much of a knock).


Is it fine to shoot off the shelf like that, or am I handicapping myself?

Also, any advice on how to set up some knocks on the string (or do I even have to?)?

[jackdaw]

the Killdeer has issued some pretty sage, albiet simple advice'''''the KISS principle applies here...keep it super simple. Just do as killie says and you'll be fine,cuz she hit the nail right on the head........john