So easy a Caveman can do it!

[Stykbow]

Originally posted by stickshooter - "I don't think it matters one above,three below,just start with shooting close and concentrate on form and the rest will come with a LOT of practice".

Amen to the above stikshooter, especially on the "concentrate on form" part.

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[tinman]

Yes, it's seen as an advantage by some because it's easier to repeat and has a visual 'point of reference'. That being the tip of the arrow which can be used like a sight pin or as a reference point for a 'gap'. That's why I recommend it to people switching from a compound to traditional (at least at first).

There'll plenty of time to learn to shoot instinctive and see which you like it better. My experience was that 3-under helped me get tight groups faster than shooting split-finger. BTW, I do shoot split-finger/instinctive 99% of the time (now) because there are advantages to that...but I still shoot a little better shooting 3-under if I practice it for an hour or so.

I really didn't mean to start a 3-under debate here...

1 - I say, try 3-under (if it works for you, it might be easier to learn at first...it may not.).

2 - Go to a 3D shoot and talk with someone who's shooting well.

3 - Start close and develop good form.

4 - It will test your dedication and commitment to going trad. It does take more practice to stay proficient and it will also make you adjust your personal effective range on game by 5-10 yards...or more if you currently take longer shots.

5 - Start with a light draw weight! 40-50#, or less.

I'll add one that I hated to hear/read when I first started...

Look for a light-weight recurve over a longbow to start with. With few exceptions, the riser mass and limb design makes recurves more forgiving, smoother and thus easier to shoot than a longbow. I was caught up in the history of the longbow and it's link to even the most primitive hunters of the past. I really wanted to hunt with a longbow so why not start with a longbow??? I soon realized that I, like many, shoot a recurve much better...as Chunky and Buff chuckle and ponder how poorly I must shoot a longbow.

[Wildman]

So Tinman, I have shot three-under for the past 6 years; are you saying that split finger shooters are smarter? (just using the commercial as a joke)

[tinman]

...are you saying that split finger shooters are smarter?

Yes!

[Wildman]

Lol!

[Frontloader]

Have to agree with Tinman. He is the MAN!

Well, except for Buff. He is in a league of his own.

[TradAg02]

So I guess that makes me good-looking and dumb?

Good thing I am not blonde.

[Buff]

I was not knocking 3 under shooters. If I could shoot better that way I would be using it.

[TradAg02]

The most important thing about shooting regardless of style/discipline is consistency. All those bells and whistles do is promote consistency when used properly.

Break your shot down into multiple parts and determine what you can do to make each part of your shot more consistent.

In my opinion the thing that separates the top shooters from the average guy just out flinging arrows is that the top shooter knows what they did, be it right or wrong to make the arrow go where it did.

Be patient and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

As a side note, be careful with the three under point of the arrow method. My bow is point on at 52yds, but three feet right. At 20yds that puts you in your neighbor’s ac unit.

[TradAg02]

So I guess that makes me good-looking and dumb?

Good thing I am not blonde.

Dang, I forget to put the smiley face things and now it won’t let me edit. So add these at the end of the post.

[Tejas Raz]

No known cure! It's an insidious disease!

Yes, it takes time and lots of practice, but the fun of it is unparalleled. Don't go down to your local indoor range to practice, find an open field and take your target with you. Or better yet, leave the target at home and pic targets of opportunity as you walk around. That's called Stump Shooting and this is where it's the most fun!

The biggest thing is to acknowledge that the accuracy will NEVER equal what you do with your compound and that the ranges that you will be accurate at are going to be MUCH shorter than you're used to. So what! It's the same way as switching from a rifle to a compound!

Trad shooting doesn't have to cost that much more either. Good bows can be had for less than $300! Go to www.Recurves.com and look at the Checkmates. Another great semi-custom bow for decent prices are made by www.ChaparralArchery.com Bruce is a great person and will help you immensely. His bows are FAST too! eBay always has used bows and many other online shops have used bows as well. A regular shop with used bows would be the best bet as the owner can assist you with your buy.

Keep the poundage down to 50# or under for your first bow. That's plenty of speed and you'll enjoy shooting much more and for longer times per session if you do.

Bottom line... Don't worry about the details too much. Just shoot and enjoy shooting for the fun of it! Everything else will fall in line in due course.


Great thread Tinman!


Here's my Chaparral Kaibab Deluxe along with introducing the bow to my nephew:


Tinman asked me to repost this post from the Campfire thread, over heere. So here it is. Additionally, the NASP teaches new archery students in the schools to shoot 3 fingers UNDER. They found that it works better for more students. Since I got my certification to teach from them, I'm switching to 3-under for all shooting now. If I ever make it to the Tx Championships, screw the score... I'll have fun shooting my stickbow anyway!

[Hog_Hunter]

Ok I looked into the Chek-mate bows. I really need to know if they are good bows or not. Does anyone have one? I really liked the looks of one of thier recurves. So I need input now about them. Anyone shot them, have one, good experiences, bad experiences, etc....

[Tejas Raz]

I have read many reports on the Checkmates with nothing but praise for them. Personally, I'd have no problem ordering one with what I've read. Bet you could search google and find reports in the various traditional forums.

Something else I've nearly forgotten... Chaparral has a try-before-you-buy program. Or at least they did when I bought mine. I also have 3 other friends who bought Chaparrals, 3 longbows and one bought the recurve as well. We're all happy with them! Another friend has been thinking about one as his other longbow has been returned to it's maker twice and it cost twice as much.

[Hog_Hunter]

Thank you. Well it looks like I am going to order me a new recurve and put the wheels down for a season.

[Chunky]

Wow, off the board a few days and look what happened.

Tinman, you know I luv ya, but I am going to disagree somewhat. I have helped "heap big plenty" guys with trad shooting....but I do not go out and recruit trad shooters. I think that is a mistake, and most will not stick with it.

That being said, I try to help any and all who show an interest on their own. I let them shoot my bows. I tell them how much fun it is, but I do not normally tell them they should go out and buy a recurve. I think a person has to reach a certain point in outdoor motivation to like trad. It has to become more about the method and experience and not about the taking of game or shooting tight groups. Just because you can get someone to a certain skill level with trad equipment, won't make him like and stick with it.

As far as the three under goes....a great many of the best shooters I have known have shot that style. I don't do it, because it feels awkward to me. I shoot trad because I like the style and I shoot split finger because it "feels" right. If shooting 3 under made me better but uncomfortable, why would I do it? It is only about hitting the bull, I would stay with a compound. If I were helping a brand new longbow owner, I would tell them to shoot both ways and stick with what works for them.