I tried a tab and it improved my accuracy so I bought one (Bateman).
My questions is:
I am getting serious contact on the inside of my index finger tip, right beside the nail. It must be from the arrow nock on release.
I know my finger will toughen up, but is this normal? Or is it a form issue?
Thanks
Joshua
Use a tie-on knock!
This will most likely get moved to the "Shooters Forum" but, like you, I get that nastly little blister right next to the nail when shooting with my tab. BowMike is correct, I switched to a tie on nock and this virtually eliminated the issue for me.
Are you possibly squeezing the nock between your index and middle finger? I use a tab with a no pinch deal that fits between those fingers just for that reason.
If you are using a brass nocking point make sure the gap were it squesses to gether doesn't have a corner exposed that is biting you.
BowMike suggests a tie on nocking point. I started doing that a few years ago and I'll not be going back to a crimp on style any time soon. They are easy to make and directions are in the how to section. Might be worth taking a look at it.
Does the type of tab you use have a spacer. the one I use for shooting has a spacer between the top and middle finger built in.
I had the same thing happening. I even rotated my nock pts and seriously came close to almost nearly thinking about contemplating string nock pts... ;)
Now keeping my fingers from squeezing the nock is an every-shot ritual I do right up there with grip, anchor and back.
I go back and forth between a glove and tab, but I just got my first Bateman tab (with spacer) and love it. It's too small so I just ordered an XL. But it's stiffness allows me to keep my fingers off the nock a little better. And the spacer is wider and softer than the saunders, neet and others I've tried.
It has a spacer. I will try a tie on nock once I dial in my tackle.
jhg,
My Bateman one over, two under tab has a spacer in it and I don't get a blister or any feel any type of discomfort when I draw and anchor. I have a 30" draw length and both of my recurves are 66" in length.
You could be experiencing a case of "finger pinch". Finger pinch will give you a sore spot right next to the nail on your finger.
What is your draw length and what is the length of your bow?
I have the same issue at times. The tie nock does help along with that I deepend my fingers on the string back into the first joint instead of my fingure tips. and surpisingly I have found I shoot more consistanly with the deeper grip!!
After I grip the string I always move my index finger up the string slightly. This prevents two things; the sore finger you're describing and putting downward pressure on the nock of the arrow as you draw. You will get a very clean release by moving the index finger up slightly.
60#, 62 inch longbow, 30 inch draw. Sounds like a combination of issues. I can solve this- I love the bow, an Apex Predator Ossabaw and it is a stud!
Joshua
I fought that issue for years.
Finally I just put tape around the spacer making it thicker. Works great!
Bob