Trad Gang

I was out back shooting my 66 Kodiak. Had fired about 40-50 shots no problem. FIre another arrow - it goes way right- and I look down and notice my bow unstrung. My heart fell in my sock. I know I didn't hear any loud crack or anything. Checked the bow over closely - I don;t see anything wrong. This ever happen to anybody else? Anybody got a reason why this happened? Only thing I can think of is maybe the new string is stretching out and it stretched out where it is too long and I need to wind it back down a little??

Maybe a stick or some debris got in between the limb and string on a previous shot? Hope the bow is ok, how is the string?

I have had that happen to me, but the string just stretched a 1/4" or so....How old is the string?& what kind of string ( B50, FF, ect:)

Brand new string - got it yesterday - it is B50 dacron.

check the length of the string... it should be anywhere from 3 to 4" shorter then the bow N2N ( just a guide line).... if it is to long just re-wrap it ( flemish twist )

Check the fit of the string in the nocks. Some string makers go overboard padding the loops. Since it's a new string, I'd start there first.

Y amay have a slightly twisted limb as well, string it and check it! Shawn

Hmm. Just inspected the bow a little closer. Measured the string - 56" ona 60 AMO (perfect). I see nothing wrong. Strung her up again, went out back, fired 10-12 times - no problem. Weird.

Do you have a tendency to grip the bow?  You may have torqued it enuf to do so.

Check both limb tips while coming to full draw, without an arrow, and see if there is twist at any point during the draw.

Well?  :saywhat:

thats a deep subject   :cool:

do you have a tillering tree? If so check it at full draw... If Not sit on the ground and put you foot on the handle and draw the bow... Check your limbs, tips &  string.

If a limb isn't badly twisted, which can throw a string, it's possible that you may not have had the string seated in the nock(s) properly.  Usually, it would come off on the first shot, or work it's way onto the nock, but I suppose it's possible for it to stay rather cockeyed through several shots and then slip off.  Good luck.  It's scary when that happens.

I see no limb twist at all- not even while drawing. This 66 I got is as close to flawless as you can get. I fired it a bunch more and it has not happened again.
Orion- you are right - it is very scary when that happens. I had such a sinking feeling. I was mometarily devastated but now I see no problem. Guess the string somehow just worked its way out.

You may check and see if the string loops are a little larger than your previous string. You dont want them any larger than they have to be to slide enough to string and unstring the bow.  I would also stand in front of a mirror and draw the bow while holding it vertically to full draw very slowly. If you notice one of the limbs leaning to either side very slightly during the draw thats probably what caused the problem. I have had folks bring me bows that were doing this and that is nearly always the problem. If so you have to try and isolate the area where the twist occurs, gently heat that area of the limb with a hairdryer or hot water(if it has good finish) until its so hot you can only stand to hold it about 5 seconds or so and twist it opposite the way it twists when you draw it. You need to twist slightly past the point of evening the limb out and hold it that way until it cools. This usually fixes the problem and I have never had it cause further damage to a bow. You will want to leave it strung for several days after this process so the limbs "get used to" the new shape. good luck with it!

Bill, bring that old unsafe bow to Baltimore, and I will give you a replacement for it. I would hate to think of anything happening to you because of your bow's unsoundness. Couldn't sleep last night, worrying.    

Killdeer

I would be far more incline to check the arrow rather then the bow....a bent aluminum...broken or bent wood shaft will jump or kick off the riser...causeing the string to miss the string groove and slip over the edge of the limb.....If the bow did not break it ai'nt the bow more likely the arrows.Also as mentioned above twisting the grip really hard will sometimes but not very offen toss the string as well.But that one takes alot of tork on the grip.....bowdoc

Bowdoc - You sir may be on to something. The particular arrow I shot only has 2 fletchings (the other feather had come off and I do not know how to put them back on). That arrow allways flys a little weird. I will also check to see if it bent.