When to tune?

[BigCountryOK]

Ok, I'm starting back into trad archery after 20yrs of wheel bow.

Right now I'm just using the blind bale to get my form down.  I'm still about 3 weeks out from even trying to hit anything.

On thing that is bothering me is that I know when I do move to a target that my set up will most likely be out of tune. I only have about two dozen xx75 2114 that I'm shooting out of a 45# recurve.  From what I understand I've overspinded.

I'm worried that it will hinder me developing my instictive point of aim.

As soon as I'm ready to try to hit something, should I use gap shooting at close ranges and bareshaft tune my setup then go back to instictive, or should I just shoot what I have until I'm hitting consistantly then tune the bow and relearn the arrow flight?

[vermonster13]

Do you live near anyone that can help you?

[Encino Man]

What is your draw length, what length are the arrows cut to, and what weight points are you using?

[BigCountryOK]

28" draw.  The arrows I'm using are cut to 29.5" with 125gr points.  I have about a dozen that are still unfletched and at full length.

[olddogrib]

If you like aluminum at that length, I guessing 1916 w/ 100-125 grain points or 2016 w/145gr or heavier points is going to be close.

[hvyhitter]

At that length try some heavier points. Those 2114s are only a tad stiffer than 2016s so you should be able to make them work pretty good. I would try 175 to 200 and see how they fly.....once you get consistant you will be better able to tell how well thay may work.

[BigCountryOK]

I appreciate the feedback.  My real question though is should I try tune as soon as I'm ready to shoot at a target or wait until I get consistent with instictive shooting.

To tune now I would simply gap shoot by pointing the arrow tip at the exact same spot every shot.  Then based on how the arrows grouped together I could make changes.  I wouldn't be trying to hit anything specific, just putting the arrow tip on the same exact spot shot after shot.

[Bjorn]

There's nothing like a properly tuned arrow. But Vermonster asked a key question-can you find an experienced trad archer to help you-and no, you won't find that person at the local wheelie bow shop.

[BigCountryOK]

Originally posted by Bjorn:
There's nothing like a properly tuned arrow. But Vermonster asked a key question-can you find an experienced trad archer to help you-and no, you won't find that person at the local wheelie bow shop.

I think I can track someone down. Is the thinking that they should walk me through it, or tune it themselves to get close and I can tune it later?

[bornagainbowhunter]

I would let them walk you through it.  If they tune it, it will be tuned to them, not you.  I would tune you arrow to your bow as quickly as possible.  You are developing the ability to hit now, wither you know it or not.  It is all part of learning.

God Bless,
Nathan

[Bjorn]

My thinking would be that they can walk you through it using tools like the arrow tuning section at acs bows, and stu's calculator to help you become self sufficient-at least that would be my goal.
I am sure others here could help you too via pm's if you don't find someone locally; but it is more fun to shoot with others anyway.
I would tune at the earliest opportunity, rather than waiting and 'compensating' for out of tune arrows.

[BenBow]

Agree with the above suggestions and my opinion on your question about using the tip of the arrow on a spot to do your bare shaft testing is a good one. It will give you more consistent results and unless your form and instinctive shooting is really good, which I get the feeling it's not as good as it could be, your arrows won't tell you the truth. Use the point, get the bow tuned, and then when you do start shooting targets you will know its you and not the setup when you miss. Nothing slows down learning instinctive shooting than inconsistent results.

[ammoeater]

You can also make a quick pin sight for your bow.  Measure the distance from where the arrow nock is when you anchor to your eye, then measure the same distance from your bow shelf up the limb.  Tape a toothpick at that spot on the back of the bow with the point of the toothpick positioned approximately where the arrow is in your sight window.

This should have you shooting fairly consistent groups and take the "instinctive" part out of it...

[Gil]

I would suggest to just keep shooting some more until you are very consistent  with your form and quite comfortable with it.You cannot tune properly if you are struggling with your shooting(form and release errors).Then you can tune if you are shooting ok.Just make sure that the bow is set up at least with a proper brace height(within specs)and your nocking point is around 1/2" above level or something,and that your serviing is the right thickness for your nocks for the meantime.