Gapping off the riser

mlnielsen · Apr 22, 2015

The aiming method I've been using is by putting my point on the target and taking a shot. I then adjust my aiming spot to compensate for left/right and up/down. I know that at 50yards I aim at the top right corner of the target, at 45 at the bottom right corner, and so forth. It is challenging at shots over 50 and under 30 because I aim in the trees or dirt. And when I go to the next target, the trees/dirt are different, and I have to guess where to aim.

Someone suggest gapping off the riser as an alternative aiming method. This would take away the variable of changing targets and backdrops. I kind of get it, but I'm not quite sure how to do that, because there aren't features on my riser to line up like cross-hairs.

I installed an elevated rest and plunger, and I need to work on my left/right tuning. I suppose I can get that adjustment dead nuts and line up thee point and bullseye. What I'm not sure about is the elevation at a variety of yardages.

I read about putting tape/marks, or a matchstick/sight on the riser. Then shoot a LOT until I engrain the sight picture in my noggin. Not sure if that is the way to go.

Can someone 'splain it to me?

Bowbender Mike · Apr 22, 2015

A couple quick things first, you want to get your bow/arrow tuned to shoot down your line of sight so you don't have to hold off right/left. I shoot 3 under with a fairly high anchor, this makes my gaps smaller and easier to repeat.

If you can judge fractions of an inch at arm's length this should come fairly easy to you. With your bow hand held out, hold your thumb and pointer finger 1 1/2" apart. Check it with a ruler if you want, with a little practice you'll get pretty good at it. My 20 yard gap is 1 1/2" from the top edge of my arrow tip to the center of my target. 30 yards is 3/4". At 40 yards, the top edge of my arrow is on the center of my target ("point on"). This is an example, but I hope you get the idea.

rsarns · Apr 22, 2015

every 5 yards from my point on is a 1/4 " gap at the end of my arrow. 40 yard point on, at 35 yards I am 1/4 below the X, at 30 yards I have a 1/2 gap etc.... Beyond 40 is 1/4 higher per 5 yards. Until I get to 55 yards, that is my plunger button, and my shelf is 88 yards....

Zulu · Apr 22, 2015

I use the diameter of my arrow. Sort of imagine 3 arrows on top of each other at 15m for example.

rusty craine · Apr 22, 2015

There are two different methods here. Gapping at the riser. This is using the arrow at the arrow pass to gap from. The other is gapping off the riser. This is using where the sight pins would be if you had a sight with pins.

As stated above both need your arrow shooting down the line.

mlnielsen · Apr 23, 2015

I found a site that explains the concepts fairly clearly.
https://charlesarcheryblog.wordpress.com/tag/aiming-with-the-riser/
I think my method is "Pick A Point" or "Gap at Target". I think what I want to try is "Gap at Bow". I'll try a few styles this weekend.

Also, I shoot one eye closed, 3 under, index finger at the corner of my mouth, string touching the tip of my nose.

I have a 31.5" draw, so I shoot the longest uncut 500s I can afford (not much).

Gapping off the riser

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