Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Marks on September 26, 2013, 10:48:53 am

Title: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Marks on September 26, 2013, 10:48:53 am
I hear on hear a lot about folks switching from bow to bow often or making a bow right before a hunting trip or deciding which bow they want to take........
Does switching bow not affect accuracy? I know your brain does the work when it comes to aiming but wouldn't your brain shoot better on a bow it was familiar with? Some are faster/slower and produce different arcs for your arrow. I mean, I'm more comfortable in my truck. I can drive others but I don't feel as confident in them. Same with my guns, hunting dogs, atv, wife,   ;) ....etc
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: 4dog on September 26, 2013, 11:10:53 am
From all ive read and heard and discussed and tried my answer would be ...yes..but.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: JonW on September 26, 2013, 11:13:54 am
It affects me a little transitioning from one bow to another. A few arrows is all it usually takes though.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Joec123able on September 26, 2013, 11:15:00 am
I think it's like jonW said but I still like to stick to my one favorite bow
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: 4dog on September 26, 2013, 11:16:31 am
JonW told you the ..but..in my post...lol
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Josh B on September 26, 2013, 11:23:37 am
Switching bows doesn't affect my accuracy at all.  I can't shoot worth a hoot with any of them.    :-[  That being said, if you are in good practice, your form, muscle memory and all the other stuff being done properly,  your mind will adjust your aim pretty quick to a new bow.  The basics are the slow learning curve.  Josh
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: bushboy on September 26, 2013, 11:42:59 am
Like said ,a few shots usually makes the adjustments.my shooting is like my pool skills,some times I'm hot and sometimes not.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: adb on September 26, 2013, 11:47:33 am
All bows shoot a little bit different. It doesn't seem to take me too long to adjust, but I do have one bow I go back to every time. It's like an old pair of comfortable shoes. I try to fit the bow to the job as well... longer for pure target, and shorter for hunting.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: The Gopher on September 26, 2013, 12:00:33 pm
I'm sure it affects some people more than others, but...

BEWARE OF THE MAN WITH ONE BOW!
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: BowEd on September 26, 2013, 12:04:21 pm
Once in a while I shoot with a guy who used to shoot in these tournaments etc.He pays close attention to details and the deatails he will say are whether your hand placement is the same[pressure point,high or low on hand],how much different positive tiller the bow has compared to the other,center shot or not of course,but still he has a favorite that he hunts with alone.Because he says he just has confidence in that bow because he's been shooting it for years.I try to make my bows all shoot exactly the same.Same handle,same tiller,same arrow placement on shelf,and same draw length.Most times I come close but your right I think Marks that shooting one for a long time you get used to the way it shoots.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: BowEd on September 26, 2013, 12:05:47 pm
I think some of it is your hand to eye coordination for different stuations.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Marks on September 26, 2013, 12:43:51 pm
For target practice I understand shooting whatever bow you feel like but in a hunting situation where you are likely gonna wake up before daylight and sit a few hours in the cold and possibly release that one arrow in a pressure situation I would want that comfort bow in my hand instead of the one I finished a few days ago. Of course, I have yet to finish my first bow so what do I know ::). That's why I ask yall. I hope to have mine finished by bow season but I don't know that I will be comfortable hunting with it this late in the game.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Onebowonder on September 26, 2013, 12:54:01 pm
As you mentioned, using your normal bow, pick-up truck, or wife just feels somehow safer and more familiar.   ...but sometimes you get a yin to try out someone elses' bows, or pick-up truck, etc.   >:D >:D >:D  Your accuracy may suffer a bit, ...but it could be exciting!  ...or dangerous!!! :o :o :o

OneBow
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Bryce on September 26, 2013, 01:33:42 pm
Yes, bc every bow shoots a little bit different.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Marks on September 26, 2013, 01:48:19 pm
As you mentioned, using your normal bow, pick-up truck, or wife just feels somehow safer and more familiar.   ...but sometimes you get a yin to try out someone elses' bows, or pick-up truck, etc.   >:D >:D >:D  Your accuracy may suffer a bit, ...but it could be exciting!  ...or dangerous!!! :o :o :o

OneBow


I wondered if anyone would pick up on that.  ;)
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Del the cat on September 26, 2013, 01:56:41 pm
I find all my bows have a similar feel despite being different if that makes sense.
E.G I tend to tune 'em up to shoot the same arrows.
Some are fast faster than others but it doesn't take too long to settle in.
Del
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Jodocus on September 26, 2013, 03:52:47 pm
The confidence that comes with ones favourite bow is certainly as important as the routine.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: 4dog on September 26, 2013, 04:20:37 pm
We all did ,,, i hope  ...lol
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: rockrush69 on September 26, 2013, 04:26:46 pm
If all your bows are the same poundage and shoot simular and are the same wether center shot or off the hand ect. There should not be to much of a difference . Often i use different arrows for each bow i have . And when doi g that each bow i shoot the same and all are very on . . . A bow should have its own special arrows that go with it and it alonne .... arrows are more important than a good bow if you ask me.  So.  I would say yes it does affect your shooting unless you have everything sepratly worked out .
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Fred Arnold on September 26, 2013, 10:43:46 pm
I don't think any 2 bows shoot the same so there is bound to be a slight difference in accuracy going from one to another. That can be overcome by slight adjustments in grip, canting, and just shooting a few rounds to familiarize the slight difference. I have quite a few bows although not the 50 some that I had a few years ago. Most of my FG bows were similar in poundage and I shot the same arrow spine through most all of them only some maybe shorter or maybe 50-75 grain difference in point weight.
My selfbows so far have been quite a different story because I've missed anticipated draw weight, some are bend thru the handle and distance from center seems to make as much if not more difference in tuning than actual draw weight. One of the biggest problems I've encountered with selfbows is when I end up with a bow that is short of my 28-29" draw. I have a real problem with accuracy when I try to draw short. I generally give the bows away to someone with a shorter draw. My little neighbor girl got probably the best bow I ever made, a 51 1/2 ntn NA style osage that drew 35@24. The tiller was excellent and I had to reduce weight by removing wood from the sides because the limbs were getting awful thin. 
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: LEGIONNAIRE on September 27, 2013, 02:47:05 am
Yes it does. think of ita bow that shoots faster youll have to aim lower, where as a bow that shoots slower you gotta adjust for that and aim higher to compensate. there are other variables but thats the simpler more logical one I could come off right the top of my head. That being said, it takes a few shots for you to calculate the new bow.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: mikekeswick on September 27, 2013, 03:28:04 am
I have done a bit of 3d competition shooting and even won the Nationals with a bow I made the night before......literally finished it at about midnight then hit the sack. I only had about 50 or so 'practise' arrows through it. So it can be done BUT I did have a couple of misses that I should have nailed at longer ranges....the new bow just didn't quite have the poke at range.
However that was only a comp if i'd been hunting then I would have wanted to have put at least a few hundred shots down range with the combo to learn the trajectory at different ranges. Arrows are more important than the bow.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: BowEd on September 27, 2013, 07:37:54 am
Yeppers...Good arrow making is an art for sure.Especially wooden arrows.I usually keep a few carbides around to compare my flight to.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Pappy on September 27, 2013, 07:52:45 am
Not usually for bows I build for myself,most are close to the same weight and dimension and arrow rest right on the top of my hand,I do use a shelf but I make it so the arrow is right on my hand and paradox close to the same as far as center shot. I can usually tell from the first shot or 2 even before shot in and finished if the bow is going to be to my liking. I agree with Mike and Beadman on arrows.Old Indina saying " Bows easy to make,arrows heap big trouble"  ;) :) :)
   Pappy
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Marks on September 27, 2013, 11:22:52 am
Pappy I was hoping you would comment. I should have said it originally but you are the inspiration for this thread. He is the post you put in the Life is Good thread a few day ago.

Man it is almost here, :) :) Saturday morning and it's time to hunt Whitetail and Turkey. ;) >:( >:( Love this time of year,it is supposed to be a little warmer than I like but you have to take what the good Lord gives you. :)I have 3 bows set up and ready to go. :) Got Sappy Pappy [sap wood Osage bow from Shannon] set up last evening with 4 Hickory shafts/Turkey feathers and trade points that come in a 650 grain, :) :) they fly like darts. Not sure what I will start off with, but this one will for sure get to see the woods this season. ;)  Hope everyone is ready cause it's time.  ;) :) One more day and then off to the Cabin for 4 days. Sweet !!!!!!!!!
Can you tell I am excited  ;)
   Pappy

You posted it just 2 days before season (1 day now) and you don't know which of 3 bows you will start with. I would think you would have that narrowed down and really hone in on one bow. This isn't the first time I've heard similar situations. Its just the one that sparked the question. Also, I'm not critiquing. I'm asking more in ignorance.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: 4dog on September 27, 2013, 11:55:08 am
I have a hunting bow finished just early august if memory serves..its 63# and will punch a judo point right through a rabbit.so now i figure i have to use a lighter bow for smaller game so that makes 2 diff bows,, i dont see the issue , both bows shoot diff..but just a few arrows and im on track with either bow,,so does it matter switching, yes but,, its negligible and with enough practice time that becomes apparent.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: Dances with squirrels on September 27, 2013, 12:48:54 pm
I don't have a problem switching bows. I maintain continuity of the important aspects of design and construction and can switch between many of them from day to day.... even shoot different bows the same day that vary greatly in draw weight.
Title: Re: Does switching bows affect accuracy?
Post by: dbb on September 27, 2013, 01:21:43 pm
Of course it does,but as you compensate for a new bow so fast you never notice unless you are competing on ringed targets at higher levels.
A good shot hunting is hitting a palmsized target at relatively short distance but an Arrow in the outer area of that "palm" is a9 instead of a 10 in a tournament.

Weight balance tiller and more will differ in a primitive bow ,you are gonna shoot similar groups with similar bows,but it will be hard to get the last "edge"   if you shift bows a lot.