I put a sight on

[Glynn Sluder]

I have been trying to get my point up on the target with a higher anchor. Sometimes it worked just fine even though it felt very strange and I had trouble getting my back into it while looking for the spot on my cheek.

Several times while concentrating on the bull I slipped back down into my comfortable old anchor and blew the end with a high 1 or miss. I decided to put a sight on to see what would happen, thinking it was going to be very easy and that I would probably shoot a lot higher score.

I am at the age that I have an unfilled 'script for bifocals. Instead just using "readers" for close stuff, I see real well downrange usually. That night I had had a rough day on a dirty remodel I was working. Between that and the indoor lighting I was doing some squinting to see the pin head in the bull. At any rate my ends were the same or lower than usual. Different sights might make it better, but it actually adds another step to the shot for me.

After taking the sight off I went back to my old anchor and gap and it felt so good! I then shot a better score than I had up to that point. The next range session I just stayed with the "old way" and again shot my best target to date, a 259-8X. That is not going to get me into any tournaments, but I am thinking that my reasons for shooting indoors right now is to work on form for all my endeavors. I am still seeing improvement too, that keeps it exciting.

The point that I wanted to make was that the brain is and can be every bit as accurate as a physical sight in my case. Up to the level I'm at anyway.


Has anyone tried other sights and apertures and gotten other results? I have been kicking this and stringwalking around some for hunting.

[Glynn Sluder]

I looked at the apertures again today, don't think I really gave the sight much of a chance the other day. I'm still wondering what kind of scores I could get to if I got comfortable with it.

Also handled a couple of the decked out FITA rigs that were there. Don't think that is the direction I'm going, they are so bulky and awkward. When I drew them back I also got a lot of pulsating, like the limbs were bouncing. Just my inexperience I guess.

Have decided to save up for the Zenit after staring at it for hours yesterday on Alt services site. It is a lot of money for me. Limbs look like they will be as much or more unless I go with used, but what the heck. I will just put off retirement indefinitely.

[Desert Archer]

Glynn,

I can't really comment on your sight experiment as I have never shot a single arrow using a sight. I will pass on what Viper (Tony Camara) always tells people. Using a sight will highlight your form errors because it takes away the aiming component. If you don't have to guess/estimate where to aim any more, and you miss, the only culprit is form mistakes. (smiley face goes here)

Dave

[barking mad]

I use a sight on occasion when tuning. There is not a single instrument that would be more ruthless and unforgiving in showing you what you lack in form and technique. If you have even the slightest hint of target panic, you'll know it soon enough. Very humbling.

There are several (...err, trad?) people in our club who disdain Fita archers because "it's so easy when you shoot with a sight". Yeah right..

-bm.

[BigCnyn]

I love to put on a single pin to bareshaft.. The sight takes the "peeking " away from me. I will focus on the pin-target sight picture and stay in the shot.. Then remove it to shoot daily.

[Glynn Sluder]

Tuning is a real good reason to have a sight when you start thinking about them expensive arrows and cutting on them. I guess Dave doesn't ever really cut an arrow though. :)

I just have this feeling that I could shoot a 300 if I used a sight. My partner says no, that there are compounders who can't do it even with a release and let-off. That makes me want to do it even worse.

I don't want to look back and wished I'd tried something but didn't because of trad peer pressure. There is surely learning of some kind to be taken away from it, even if it is the knowledge that you don't want to pursue it.

[Desert Archer]

Glynn, don't take my comments as any kind of put down or discouragement. I'm all for trying anything you want to and as I mentioned, Viper was a big proponent of using a sight (even a taped on match stick) to check your form. Heck, I know more Olympic recurve shooters than I do traditional or barebow recurve shooters.

Dave

[BigCnyn]

ccc

[BigCnyn]

The above post was not to sound obnoxious, but we can accomplish many things, with time , attitude and commitment. Glynn get after it.... I have not seen 3oo accept by the unlimited and bow hunters, Compound guys around here.. Never seen an Oly style shooter do it here in Southern Idaho.. I would like to , but, have not.. So its in your court Play ball like you want to.. Good Luck and keep us posted..

[Glynn Sluder]

BigCnyn, I saw your 300 score the other day. If I think I can do it, then there's plenty of reason to think you can. :)

You guys are so modest, it cracks me up. I take what you say very seriously and appreciate your sharing all the stuff you've heard and learned.

Sites like TT and forums like this bringing people from all over the world together to talk about what we love to do is simply great.

[Glynn Sluder]

OK, bought an aperture site and tried it the other day. It really does take away all your excuses and makes you expect a bull. When that doesn't happen, you are analyzing everything and replaying the shot. Makes you more determined to remember every part of the sequence on each shot so you don't look so bad. :)

We have two more months before I can realistically get back on the Field course, so I am going to give this some of my time. Think I will put my 10 or 12 inch stab on to steady things up as well. I think it is going to pay off, shooting is shooting in the end and I can't wait to see if my Field scores are helped. Same with my Trad 300 indoor.

I'll put up my scores as I go along in case any of you want to play along. It'll be good.

[Glynn Sluder]

Experiment is over for this year anyway. I cannot overcome my canting of the bow and it's detritus effect in conjunction with a sight. I need to go to an under the chin anchor or similar to get my back into the shot and keep the string in position and plumb up and down.

I still think I can do very well with it, but believe now that it demands a complete different set-up. It will be an expansion of my archery being. :) Right now it is driving me crazy and not doing my other shooting any good. Very frustrating.

I am going back to shooting my Trad indoor 300 and see how high I can get a personal score this next couple of months. Field is very much on my mind. Even though there is very little competition clear on up to the National level I am still driven to be the best I can and it is so fun.

[Desert Archer]

Field is very much on my mind. Even though there is very little competition clear on up to the National level I am still driven to be the best I can and it is so fun.

I love that kind of talk! (big smiley face goes here)

Glynn, if my cold doesn't get any worse I'm supposed to shoot the field course this afternoon. Probably won't be good for more than 14 targets but at least I'll be out there in the sunshine, watching arrows fly.

Dave

[Glynn Sluder]

Dave, did you get out and shoot today?

Every now and then we get a 50 degree day here and there. I would try to go then, but half the target faces would be missing or torn up. Since I shoot with the range captain :) I will get him to pull some out when they set up January's 3-D shoot.

I'm kinda worried about where my shooting is going to be compared to August, but anxious to try and make some gains this spring too.

[Desert Archer]

Dave, did you get out and shoot today?

No, dang it. Cold just got worse so I tried to do the smart thing and stay home. Got bored and went out to the shop and tied a nocking point on the new string I made for the longbow. While it was curing (glue drying) I fletched some arrows. Kept checking the indoor/outdoor thermometer and when it hit 72 I couldn't stand it anymore. Put up the target and played with the new string on the longbow. Shot maybe 30 or 40 arrows and felt like a horse that was rode hard and put away wet. Dang I hate being sick (LOL). Packed it in, came in the house and started drinking tea. Trying that Zicam stuff out too. Hope it shortens this 'cause I ain't havein' any fun. (smile)

Dave

[Scooter]

Only desert dwellers can get sick in 72 deg weather. :)

It was 0 F the other night here.

Sorry Dave and hope you feel better. Musinex D works pretty good if you are congested.