The odd stray arrow?

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Steve - R
Cub Poster

Posts: 28
No Commercial Interest
Location: West Midlands. UK

Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:49 pm Post subject: The odd stray arrow?

Hi all I am using my Merlin Max 2000 with finger release. Today I was practiing, as you do, when every now and again I shot a stray arrow. My grouping was ok for my experience(7" circular @ 20yrds) but every now and again although I was aiming at the group the arrow landed 2' away It's like I was aiming at the back stop Any ideas? Could plucking the string cause this?

Club:
Bow: Petron basic recurve
Sight:
Arrows:
Accesories:

Merlin Max2000

Mjollnir
Grand Master Bowman

Posts: 2707
Club Committee Member
Location: Cambridge

Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:11 pm Post subject:

2' out at 20 yards is a huge kick. There could be many causes for this, but I doubt a slight kick of the string from a poor release is one of them. Ignoreing the obvious like a arrow loaded 180 degrees out, I would say it is more likely a stance problem like locking your shoulder forward, or some other form of over tension in your bow arm, but this is just guessing. Is the 2' miss in one consistant direction? _________________ My shoes are too tight, but it doesn’t matter, because I have forgotten how to dance.

Club: Cambus Archery Society
Bow: SF PRO riser, with SF Carbon limbs
Sight: Sure-Loc Quest-X
Arrows: Easton Navigator FMJ 460 spine
Accesories: Merlin Triad Stabilisers

Steve - R
Cub Poster

Posts: 28
No Commercial Interest
Location: West Midlands. UK

Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject:

Yes, it always goes off to the right. I am right handed. It's always a real shock, like how the hell did I miss that far out with the sight on the group. Oh, one more thing I noticed some arrows seem to swerve to the left then hit the target

Club:
Bow: Petron basic recurve
Sight:
Arrows:
Accesories:

Merlin Max2000

Dawn
Global Moderator

Outstanding Contribution Award Winner
Posts: 4344
Club Committee Member
Location: Long Eaton, Derbyshire

Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve What arrows are you using ? are they matched to your bow? Is it the same arrow that misses every time, and is it the same arrows that swerve ? Lots of questions I know but I wonder if some of your arrows have a slight bend in them or even if they are not matched to your bow. You may have to number your arrows if you haven't done so already then you will be able to see if its the same ones doing the same thing, or if its something you are doing Hope this helps _________________ aka Cherrie Secretary Black Arrow Field Archery Club

Club: Black Arrow FAC & Duvelle Bowmen
Bow: Marksman KG1 with nice blue riser
Sight: need glasses to read
Arrows: ACC
Accesories: stabiliser

Samick AFB with wood & feather arrows

kirk
Moderator

Owlethall Bowmen Moderator

Posts: 955
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Location: Lancashire

Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2008 11:39 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve, sounds like you could have a tune problem. Try shooting a bare shaft into your group at 20, this will amplify any tuning issues. Sounds like under-spined arrows, try winding the bow down a few turns and see if the arrow shifts to the left. Try a deep hook release to stop any chance of plucking the string, and shoot slow and steady giving your muscles time to recover between each shot.Keep your bow vertical (no cant) this can cause left and right hits and follow through the shot, don't drop your bow arm. _________________ JUST SHOOT IT Owlethall Bowmen Secretary

Club: Owlethall Bowmen
Bow: Mathews Conqest 3...Hoyt GameMaster Hybrid...Kota TD AFB
Sight: Apex five pin
Arrows: Easton Maxum...SS XX78 2213 - Gamegetter 1816 - redline carbons
Accesories: sims products

Steve - R
Cub Poster

Posts: 28
No Commercial Interest
Location: West Midlands. UK

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:05 pm Post subject:

Ok, arrows Easton XX75 platinum & A/C/C. Its the XX75 that swerve & miss now and again( yes when it misses I re load it & shoot again, it's ok second time). Today I have noticed a pink line on the riser where the fletchings have been catching, I loaded them with the cocking feather downwards, thats right isn't it? So tonight I used only the A/C/C arrows. Also instead of using my fingers I used the release aid that come with the bow. I have to say I need a new release aid, the one I have looks like the handle off an umbrella ha ha, it sometimes catches too The jaws are open but the string is caught on the one side, it makes my heart stop when that happens & I have to carefully re close the jaws. The A/C/C's gave me good success, I was happy anyway I do have to say though, when I go to retrieve the arrows they are all leaning in the target to the left! I am a novice & there is more to this archery than I ever thought, I do love the challenge though. Your thoughts please.

Club:
Bow: Petron basic recurve
Sight:
Arrows:
Accesories:

Merlin Max2000

Ratfighter
Global Moderator

Posts: 739
Staff Shooter
Location: the Ratcave

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject:

If you are loading the cock down, does this mean you are trying to use a launcher with finger release? If you are then stop. a launcher will not deal effectively with the lateral forces you impart using fingers. If you don't mind a few words of wisdom, reading back through your posts I am concerned that you have bought a compound and are trying to teach yourself about it. This does concern me and I honestly feel you should book yourself a session with a recognised archery pro shop to get the equipment optimised and give you a rundown of the basics for compound shooting. The consequences of lack of knowledge and poor equipment set up could be fatal. I may be off the mark but my concerns for your safety are very real _________________ MERLIN ARCHERY CLUB GETTING RATTIER BY THE MINUTE

Club: Merlin Archery Club
Bow: Merlin XS x2
Sight: Axcel 3000 Viper Scope
Arrows: Navigators & Gold Tip Ultralight Pro's
Accesories: Apollo launcher, CC Porter release, Merlin Triad stabiliser

Bows now sporting my own strings!!!! yummy!!

Steve - R
Cub Poster

Posts: 28
No Commercial Interest
Location: West Midlands. UK

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:33 pm Post subject:

Yep, you are dead right, I am trying to teach myself compound I think you are right about the arrow launcher, is that 2 prongs that face forward on a spring? Most of my local clubs have already started this years courses. The only 2 other options are an evening class & I often work late or Sunday field shooting which I have not been to yet. I know the compound is powerful but I never thought I was in any danger

Club:
Bow: Petron basic recurve
Sight:
Arrows:
Accesories:

Merlin Max2000

Ratfighter
Global Moderator

Posts: 739
Staff Shooter
Location: the Ratcave

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject:

Steve, Anything that propels pointy things can be dangerous, to you or some one else. You don't have to wait for a club course, you could take a trip to Merlin and book some time with Chris or Ben, the equipment would be optimised to your requirements and an hour's tuition is @ £25. You would walk away safe in the knowledge that your equipment is fit for purpose and with a real insight into how to shoot a compound. Learning to shoot on your own can lead down blind alleys, develop bad habits and cause issues that will take months to cure. Of course Merlin aren't your only alternatives, Bowsports, The Archery company, CBA and a host of other pro shops offer this service. This would be the best £25 you spend and ultimatley will allow you to get on with ENJOYING your archery rather than worrying about the mechanics of it _________________ MERLIN ARCHERY CLUB GETTING RATTIER BY THE MINUTE

Steve - R
Cub Poster

Posts: 28
No Commercial Interest
Location: West Midlands. UK

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject:

Point taken. Bowsports is the closest to me. I will give them a ring tomorrow.

Club:
Bow: Petron basic recurve
Sight:
Arrows:
Accesories:

Merlin Max2000

Dawn
Global Moderator

Outstanding Contribution Award Winner
Posts: 4344
Club Committee Member
Location: Long Eaton, Derbyshire

Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:14 pm Post subject:

Good advice there Steve Best of luck and do let us know how you get on wont you _________________ aka Cherrie Secretary Black Arrow Field Archery Club

Club: Black Arrow FAC & Duvelle Bowmen
Bow: Marksman KG1 with nice blue riser
Sight: need glasses to read
Arrows: ACC
Accesories: stabiliser

Samick AFB with wood & feather arrows