One of the myths of Trad Bows

[vermonster13]

Accurate bows. No such thing. What you want is a consistent bow. A bow that shoots the same speed when drawn the same length each time. Accuracy is all in the shooter, so long as a bow is consistent it will likely be able to shoot beyond most of our abilities.

Just had to get this out there as for I get asked often if this or that bow is accurate.    

[Bear]

I agree, but would point out that it is far more likely that a shooter lacks consistency than a bow. Other than wear-out factors, wood and glass cant help but do the same thing each time. Even bad tiller and twisted limbs bend the same each time.

The way that wood and glass is designed can have a huge effect on the human variable. Certain things make a bow more or less forgiving which translates to accuracy. A Black Widow TD recurve is simply more forgiving than a Hill longbow. It's in the design. All else being equal, if you give ten shooters of the same proficiency both bows for five shots each, I'm confident the BW shots are going to be more consistant / group better.

That said, I own neither. Just chose them as opposite ends of the spectrum.

[Tim Fishell]

But Dave it is so much easier to blame my issues on the bow!!      

[md126]

i think some bows can be considered more accurate than others by way of being more stable, smooth and very easy to point. all these things make a bow easier to shoot and therefore more "accurate" IMO.

i do agree w/ you about consistancy. it is a very important factor in shooting a bow well. in the end though, like VM13 said.... accuracy is in the shooter

[leatherneck]

HOGWASH!!!!! Every time I miss it's the bows fault.    LOL

Well said Dave, well said.

Mike

[bayoulongbowman]

I totaly disagree, bows do make difference , nothing could be futher from the truth. Certain bows from the time you pick them up and shoot, just shoot better, because they have less handshock and less finger pinch. just my 2cents...I just agree to disagree...marco

[vermonster13]

Marco I'm not saying certain bows won't fit different people better. But accuracy comes from the shooter. What you look for in a bow is consistency. Some deigns are better than others as are some materials.

[Curveman]

Some bows are more forgiving both through design and materials. That being said I amd shooting a longbow with a "D" shape and traditional "Howard Hill" riser, though my recuve is arguably more forgiving. That being said, I know a guy who shoots and old Bear with a twisted limb. He is how you say, "frugal" and won't part with it. Outshoots most of us though as he, and the bow, shoot consistently!  

[Guru]

But what bow wouldn't shoot the same shot after shot if the human factor was taken out?

[bayoulongbowman]

David , I  see what ya mean...oh yeah shooter has to do his part. But some bows make it easier..Im ineed of coffee,,,LOL ...

[jacobsladder]

Tim...you clearly didnt have any problems the last time you shot...must of been that firefly..lol......  I do think some bows are more forgiving of form error and some seem to point better than others....but if we all had perfect form then we'd be able to shoot any bow well.....have you ever noticed the very best shooters can pick up any bow and shoot well.....i sure wish i could!

[jacobsladder]

a matched set of arrows doesnt hurt either ...  

[bayoulongbowman]

ditto , Ladder...

[vermonster13]

Originally posted by Guru:
But what bow wouldn't shoot the same shot after shot if the human factor was taken out?

You look at the ones shot with a machine with a chrony. The greater the variance between high end and low end of speeds. Some will shoot over a range of 6-8 fps difference. Depending on the distance you shoot that can impact where you hit. A selfbow strung for a while over the course of day and with temperature changes (and some glass bows another reason foam cores are so popular with Olympic class shooters) can vary in their drawn poundage.

The closer the speed range is over a series of shots under different conditions for a given bow, the more consistent and thus accurate it will be for a shooter given that it is a good fit and as said above the arrows are matched well to it.

Not all of Blacky's tests ever see public print.    

[Bear]

Originally posted by Guru:
But what bow wouldn't shoot the same shot after shot if the human factor was taken out?

Yep, that's pretty much what I meant. But the bow design can help reduce the human factor.

[vermonster13]

Design, materials used, quality of finish, etc all have an impact on how consistent a bow is and how accurately you can shoot it.

[gsdmikko]

when drawn to the same length each time,,your limbs will recover the same each time,,one of the main causes for inaccuracy ( besides the archer ) would be string stretch..all in all though it boils down MOSTLY to the archer.."I know I came to full draw"//I know I anchored the same place I always do// My grip was identical as before/// It's gotta be my bow...NOT !!!!

[DWT]

I also agree some bow designs fit some shooters better than others I just bought a Black widow Psr and my first 3 ends were under the target in the dirt, nice groups but in the dirt nontheless. I just dont get along with the grip but it sure slings an arrow. I have a Robertson peregrine that has a fiftys style grip also but it is a little more positive and I can shoot the heck out of it.I also have shot a fox breed and shot it equally well with the same style grip in fact im having one built.  Alas the widow will be looking for a new home, dont worry for me as I have others to shoot.

[Arkansaslongbow]

if i may;

good made bows do make a differance as mentioned but i also believe that each must match his/her shooting style with bow chosen; i am also a firm believer in good form and consistent anchor; i believe one of the biggest problems is people trying to shoot too heavy of poundage,seen it too many times; beeing "over bowed" is common and equates to poor accuracy;

one must also "experiment" with different arrows as far as weight,lenght, material of arrow, foc,different grain fieldpoints/broadheads,style of broadhead, ect;ect;

i believe in practicing alot with broadheads as to my accuracy; so being said, isn't it great to have to be involved in all of this? it just gives me more reasons to be out and about shooting my longbow in which that gives me great pleasure......  

[Hornseeker]

"i think some bows can be considered more accurate than others by way of being more stable, smooth and very easy to point. all these things make a bow easier to shoot and therefore more "accurate" IMO."

Yeah, That...