First shooting

[Mx6klze]

It was very fun. I havent shot a bow in about 6 years, and that was for about 30 mins at school camp (I was very good though :)). This bow is very fast, Ive been rifle hunting before and the arrow gets there just as quick as a bullet would, I love it. Im not sure if it is very quiet, I cant seperate the sound of the bow from the sound of my arrow hitting the box.

Anyway im going to search through this site and google and see any tips on setting up the bow sight etc. Starting to get the hang of setting up the sight. Either way, ive fired 3 shots into a cardboard box, and they all hit the box. All shots were to the right of my Texta drawn target. Hey how about I just show a photo :).

My box. Like my grouping :).

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t105/sik_turk/DSC00074.jpg
The bow
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t105/sik_turk/DSC00073.jpg
Do you think this is safe enough to practice in my backyard. That fence is your standard just above head height (im 174cm) fence, on top of a 100cm retaining wall. With an even bigger fence behind that. And im shooting from about 10 metres away.
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t105/sik_turk/DSC00075.jpg

[Mx6klze]

Figured out how to setup the sight. I hit the dead centre after about 5 shots from 10m. A few more times of doing that, and I should be sweet to take it back to 20 metres :). This is great

[special]

Make sure you keep your target low..below the retaining wall height....Im not game to shoot in my yard..heard too many stories about hitting neighbours thru the fence...and keep the bow pointing down a bit as you draw...if your d loop fails..or anything else for that matter..you may send an arrow into the great unknown....just for safety,remmember its a weapon..not a toy;)

[Mx6klze]

Make sure you keep your target low..below the retaining wall height....Im not game to shoot in my yard..heard too many stories about hitting neighbours thru the fence...and keep the bow pointing down a bit as you draw...if your d loop fails..or anything else for that matter..you may send an arrow into the great unknown....just for safety,remmember its a weapon..not a toy;)

Of course mate. I missed the box once, and it went into the retaining wall very low, it wouldnt go through the fence either, it is pretty thick and even if it does, it is in a corner so it would just plow into another fence. I need to find something better then a cardboard box with a bag of rags, or just need to find more rags. My practice arrow fletching is now pretty rooted.

Oh, and what D loop :).

I still need to get my draw and arrow sight adjusted. I dont think im even holding the bow optimally. Hit on target a few times, just by varying my stance etc, but then my sight goes right out of wack(where im not even looking through it) and im just shooting instinctively. I think I might pay a visit to an archery range if I can find one nearby. Just to get everything setup and adjusted right, as well as some invaluable advice.

[EcoMuse]

When I first started out, I researched myself senseless...everything from drawlength to brace hieghts and back again. The following site had some very useful info (as of course did everyone on this site):

http://www.huntersfriend.com/

Have a good look under the Technical Help tab.

[Mx6klze]

I visited that site when I was deciding what type of bow I should get. Makes sense to visit it again to decide how best to now use it. Cheers mate.

[Clemo]

Make sure you keep your target low..below the retaining wall height....Im not game to shoot in my yard..heard too many stories about hitting neighbours thru the fence...and keep the bow pointing down a bit as you draw...if your d loop fails..or anything else for that matter..you may send an arrow into the great unknown....just for safety,remmember its a weapon..not a toy;)

To true, I used to practice at home, not game to these days. I have had arrows clip the edge of a target and spray off in any direction. These days I go to a range or to work after hours and practice inside the precast concrete shed. I now alot people practice in back yards, but you never think anythink will happen untill its to late.

[Mx6klze]

Note to anyone reading: You are more accurate shooting instinctively then with a non properly alligned sight.

I think I should be ok in the backyard, hitting a cardboard box, I dont think it can fly off anyway. Although I have had 2 dramas, one was hitting the irrigation hose, and once into the retaining wall needed 2 people to pull out.

[special]

If you can join an archery club you will get invaluable help and knowledge from the coach...our local coach has helped me enourmously

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn301/special4444/bows.jpg


Pictured is our AIS accredited coach working with some youngun's....Thank God these highly experienced archers are willing to pass on their knowledge to promote the sport...I cant imagine how long it would have taken me to get to this level without them....A big thankyou from me to all these guys and gals willing to missout on range time to farther the sport;)

[Mx6klze]

The university of New south wales (I think) has a training program setup. $35 for 10 hour course over 5 weeks or something, doesnt seem too bad I reckon. Im definately looking into it. Going bunny hunting this saturday by the look of it.

[special]

To join our local club you must do 6 hours with the coach over 3 saturdays...costs $60...only $10 per hour.....a mere pitance to be guided by a rep shooter and coach...and in our case at least...the coach is more than willing to help setup and teach you to tune your equip and give followup help;)

[dh63'sdad]

Mate,

Welcome to the world of archery.

I am going to be critical here but do not let that detract you from the sport.

Firstly shooting in your yard with properties behind is unsafe. Your fence may stop the odd poor shot but too many things can go wrong that would allow an arrow to clear that fence. I have seen a bow failure put an arrow 15m up a tree in about the same distance.

Secondly, from the pictures I do not believe that your bow is set up correctly. I do not see a nocking point that ensures that your arrow is fired from the same position each time close to centre shot. (though having another look it may be behind the arrow in the photo)

Also I am assuming you're shooting fingers as a I see a finger tab and an absence of a D loop. I am a firm believer that those prong style rests are not ideal for finger shooters as there is no side ways cushioning of the horizontal arrow movement which occurs when releasing with fingers. There is quite often significant fletching contact with the rest on release which may explain your damaged fletches. Not consistently nocking your arrow at the same point will also cause this.

And last, if you can't draw and anchor to the same point each time your sight position will never appear the same. Even instinctive shooting requires consistent form.

Now as others have already suggested find your local club, get the bow setup properly, instruction on the basics like safety, bow handling and correct form and enjoy. Do it soon before bad habits develop. They can be hard to coach out.

Lets us all know how you go.

Graeme

[Duane]

To true, I used to practice at home, not game to these days. I have had arrows clip the edge of a target and spray off in any direction. These days I go to a range or to work after hours and practice inside the precast concrete shed. I now alot people practice in back yards, but you never think anythink will happen untill its to late.

Too true, bought some new broadheads a while ago, wasn't sure how they would fly, 1st shot skimmed the edge of my target and now I have a nice triangle shapped hole in my garage door! :)

[Mx6klze]

Mate,

Welcome to the world of archery.

I am going to be critical here but do not let that detract you from the sport.



Not at all, I need the honest advice :).


Firstly shooting in your yard with properties behind is unsafe. Your fence may stop the odd poor shot but too many things can go wrong that would allow an arrow to clear that fence. I have seen a bow failure put an arrow 15m up a tree in about the same distance.

I dont intend it to be permamanent. My only real drama is bow failure, I shoot from fairly close (10 metres) and the box being on the floor, it goes straight down. I havent even gone near hitting the fence, all shots that are missed or deflect off the target (which is a cardboard box, it isnt hard enough to send an arrow flying) go about <15cm off the ground into a retaining wall. Once I find a range that is close, I will defiantely be going alot with my mate. Really I just wanted to give the bow a test, and practice adjusting the sight.


Secondly, from the pictures I do not believe that your bow is set up correctly. I do not see a nocking point that ensures that your arrow is fired from the same position each time close to centre shot. (though having another look it may be behind the arrow in the photo)
No nocking point yet...I just line up the arrow flat from the rest then onto the string. I had a feeling it wasnt ideal.


Also I am assuming you're shooting fingers as a I see a finger tab and an absence of a D loop. I am a firm believer that those prong style rests are not ideal for finger shooters as there is no side ways cushioning of the horizontal arrow movement which occurs when releasing with fingers. There is quite often significant fletching contact with the rest on release which may explain your damaged fletches. Not consistently nocking your arrow at the same point will also cause this.

Yes fingers and I want to stay that way. The rest came with the bow. I will invest in something different if you think it is neccessary. Any suggestions :)?


And last, if you can't draw and anchor to the same point each time your sight position will never appear the same. Even instinctive shooting requires consistent form.
I have got that sorted out now and the sight was alot easier to set up. Im now hitting the same spot again and again very consistently, my hole in the box no longer holds an arrow, just goes right through:).


Now as others have already suggested find your local club, get the bow setup properly, instruction on the basics like safety, bow handling and correct form and enjoy. Do it soon before bad habits develop. They can be hard to coach out.

Lets us all know how you go.

Graeme
Has always been the plan. There are quite a few beginner courses and I intend to join next week. Im on uni exams atm so not much time for mucking about.
Thanks for the help Graeme, I appreciate the advice.

[dh63'sdad]

For a nocking point you can use dental floss to build one up around the serving. This point will be set properly when someone shows you how to tune. A little higher than centre should do for starters.

I used a Cavalier Free flyte rest when I shot fingers. I'm sure there are newer ones around now or maybe a rest and plunger button could be an option.

As for shooting in your backyard, in the end its your call I'd just hate to see you on the news....:(

Graeme

[special]

Idealy the bottom of the nock should be 1/8" above horizontal with rest

[Mx6klze]

http://www.abbeyarchery.com.au/p/CACAR396/Cavalier+Free+Flyte+Micro+RH.html

$55.....I suppose it will save in fletchings in the long run. The rest didnt strip the fletching until it went through the box though.

Special, that is what it says in the manual that came with the bow. Looks like next saturday will be the go to book in for a beginners course at UNSW. Im in hills area of Sydney, and that seems to be the closest. Apparently Blacktown range was around, but they moved to Liverpool....

[dh63'sdad]

There is also a cheaper version without the micro adjusts.

[Mx6klze]

There is too, my mistake for not searching further.

[special]

Measure the axle to axle (centre of cam to centre of cam)lenght...if under 39" i would reckomend a fallaway...too short for finger shooting

[Luke]

My favourite finger bow that I've had for 12 yrs is only 36 and it shoots like a dream :o

[dh63'sdad]

I'm with Luke on this one. 36" was still OK for me.

If finger pinch becomes a problem with shorter ATA bows I know many just drop one finger off and shoot with two.

Graeme