Losing hope

[Iowabowhunter]

A fellow member on TG here has been extremely gracious in sending me arrows, field points and numerous tips hints and advice. He even spoke with me on the phone each time I called with any questions. What this boils down to is the bow I have was handed down to me by my grandfather, it is a Hawkeye Indian recurve, marked 50# @28 inches. I got a string made by Tom at Barefoot Tradition's here in Des Moines, a GN quiver (also from Tom) and some arrows online. I bought GT Trad 35-55's and left them full lenght. Thru trial and error, I have concluded that these arrows aren't going to work out. I tried a few of the full lenght, but mostly I have them cut at 29" (I draw just a little under 28) I tried field points ranging from 85-300 grains, and for the life of me cannot get good arrow flight. Ryan was gracious enough to send me some heavier spined GT 55-75's and other numerous arrows, along with most of the different field points. I have shot other bow's owned by friends and relatives, and can get them to shoot strait and have true flying arrows. For some reason, whoever shoots this Indian cannot get it to cast an arrow properly. My plan was to buy a Bear Montana longbow using the proceeds from my 2nd job, but unfortunately my wife and I came upon some financial struggles and that plan was nixed. I do love traditional archery, I do not however feel comfortable trying to harvest something with this bow, as the arrow flight with broadheads and field tips is unacceptable. Even target shooting has become stressful because with the bad arrow flight I seem to be unable to find any semblance of accuracy     I am hoping that things work out and I am able to purchase a different bow, any prayers would be appreciated! In the meantime I will continue to glean any helpful tips from the site, and will love the stories! Shoot straight and good hunting!

[steadman]

Keep your chin up Jacob, things will get better  

[caihlen]

I have a Martin ML 10 68 " 50 @ 28 that you can have for the shipping.  Say the word.  Couple of spare strings too...

[Iowabowhunter]

Thanks man, I am praying they do. At the end of the day our families and each other are still healthy, so we still find things to be greatful for. I realized that I spelled "length" wrong numerous times in my post     oh well. I do get to shoot the Montana at my 2nd job "Bass Pro" so that is nice!  

[steadman]

Hey look at the post above yours    Good things happen to good people  

[Rob W.]

I would find someone in your area to take a look at it and watch you shoot. You could also post some pics or video of the bow setup and shooting. A 35/55 with around 175gr. up front should fly fine. I would look at other factors instead of the arrow.


Rob

[Caughtandhobble]

Keep at it bro... The 3555 with 175 should work out just fine for your setup or at least be reasonably close. Good Luck!!!

[varmint101]

Man if you can watch those classifieds when you get enough extra cash.  I've almost pulled the trigger several times on a $200 Montana.  They don't shoot bad!

[J. Holden]

You didn't note trying anything other than different tip weights.  Have you tried adjusting your nock point on the string?  I would also second someone to watch you shoot or video yourself and post it.  There's a wealth of information on this site.  Hang in there and keep us posted.

-Jeremy  

[Iowabowhunter]

I absolutely am just stunned by the generosity of the ladies and gentleman trad bowhunters. People I hardly know (if at all) willing to help one another out makes me proud to be a bowhunter  

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I almost gave up when someone asked if what my brace is at.  Turns out it was a simple solution but I never thought of it.  

Keep at it and things will improve.  

I would PM the post above yours, even if you only borrow the Martin bow  until things improve, sounds like a great gesture.

Good luck and dont give up.  Keep your chin up and things will improve at home sooner or later.

[Iowabowhunter]

Forgot to mention that Jerry! I tried a different string that was hand made at the trad archery shop, moved my nocking point from 1/8th all over, from 6.5-over 8" bh. What is worrisome was that much more accomplished trad archer's couldn't get the bow to shoot well, using the same and even some different arrows. I am beginning to wonder if there is an almost unnoticeable limb twist from the humidity in my grandpa's basement?

[randy grider]

I assume you are shooting feathers, and not plastic vanes ?have left the arrows full length? Add 100 grain inserts, than heavy points, and I bet they fly good. If all else fails put big feathers on, 5 1/2 " high profile, or even uncut if you have to.I have never shot an arrow out of a bow regardless of spine that flew bad with big feather fletchings. The plus to that is they sound really cool with big feathers!  DONT GIVE UP !

[randy grider]

I'll second the post about brace height too. A low brace hieght can cause really crappy arrow flight. A fat string will as well. The nocks should be just tight enough on the string to cling, but fall off if you lightly bump the string.

[Iowabowhunter]

Yep I am Randy 5.5 inch shield cut, they look really nice actually lol white barred cock feather and red barred hen feathers, they just unfortunately don't fly well! I made the mistake of putting insert glue on so I am afraid that the inserts aren't coming out

[2treks]

I would look at the tiller, If savvy shooters can't get it to shoot well either then something is up with the bow,it sounds like you checked/adjusted what you can.
measure from each fade out to the string, it should be equal or better yet, about 1/4" more on the top.
what kind of rest do you have on the shelf?

Also, I would try some other arrow material like wood or maybe aluminum.
The secound hardest shaft I ever tried to tune was a GT.(1st was grizz stick)

CTT

[Iowabowhunter]

Yea thats what a much more accomplished and seasoned trad bow shooter said as well. It looks like a rug I would say? It isn't too hard but is stiff enough not to allow the arrow to fall down to the riser shelf either.

[Wickles]

Try a bear weather rest, it just might fix your problems.

[Iowabowhunter]

PM sent caihlen   :D

[2treks]

I will check your bow out for you if you would like. Just let me know.
I think it would be cool to use your grandpas bow.
That Martin will be sweet as well. Nice offer Caihlen.
CTT