does anyone seem to get a better release and ultimately shoot better bare finger?    i have been messing with it a bit and that is what has happened to me.

I'm good only for a few shots without a glove then my fingers turn raw.I cant really tell you for sure because of this.

i can only shoot about 5 to 8 times like that right now but that first shot is ALWAYS on the mark when i shoot like this

Yeah I'm good for about 1 arrow!

Beaver,
Have you read the latest issue of "Traditional Bowhunter" magazine?
The interview with Roger Rothhaar is interesting, he says he uses two metal nocking points, one above and one below the arrow, and has two additional layers of serving where he grips the string as he always shoots bare finger, (unless it is very cold).
If I am reading the article correctly, he only double serves the string where he grips it.
His quote is:
"I use two metal nocking points (above and below) and add two additional layers of serving to the string where I grasp it split finger"
I think that means he doesn't double serve the exact nocking point, as he doesn't mention if he uses a special "wide" nock on his arrow to fit the extra thick serving.
I may try it, I need all the help I can get on my release....and my bow torque...and my lack of follow through..oh never mind.
Hope this helps.
John

He also talks about it on masters of the barebow.

Thanks Bear Heart,
Does he say if he practices "no glove or tab" all year or only hunts with bare fingers?
I haven't had the opportunity to see the video yet.
I do know that when I try it, I get a much cleaner release, I just can't shoot very many arrows without a glove.
Thanks again,
John

I most frequently shoot without a tab or glove. I get some callous across my fingers. Guitar players get the same. I do like the feel of the string and when hunting I just cut the tips off my gloves or use a mitten that unfolds.
Paul

hey sendero, thaks for the input about the article in tbm. i just got that one and will read it tonight.

I also frequently shoot bare fingered. Guess I am thick skinned.

I almost always shoot without a glove, it gives me a smoother release

What weight of bows are you guys shooting bare fingers with?

Mike

45-53pounds no glove

I used to shoot my 64# Jeffery bare-fingered.  

After a few years away from shooting (and some health issues), I have had to drop down quite a bit in draw weight. I haven't yet started shooting my 50# Turkey Creek bare-fingered. Mostly because of the smaller diameter of the D97 string I have on it.

I've been known to shoot gloveless as well. It really helps you slow down and not just fling a bunch of arrows for the heck of it. I really like to do it when I'm practicing with BH and am only shooting one arrow at a time. I will say it hurts like heck though wen the temps fall into the teens or below!

No thanks folks.  It's a good way to damage tendons in the fingers and a tab or glove is cheap.  If you're having trouble with release, that will not fix it permanently....there are other issues and more than likely it's lack of back tension or similar form anomaly.

Years ago I knew some field archers who shot with bare fingers. Their bows were in the 35lb. range. They also complained it took a month to build up their fingers from the winter lay over.
I tried it once. About 6 arrows and I was convinced I wasn't man enough to shoot bare fingers.

thanks guys for all the info.   but the way i am not talking about shooting hundreds of arrows bare finger,  i am talking about that first few shots,  and that first shot is the one that counts ....right.