Main Discussion Area > Shooting and Hunting

Off the Hand vs. Off the Rest

(1/3) > >>

WhistlingBadger:
Thomas from Wyoming, here.  Morning, everybody. 

A bit about me:  I've been hunting with traditional gear for about 20 years, and using primitive gear (bamboo-backed hickory longbows) for about three.  I am really trying to improve my consistency lately:  My goal is to be able to consistently hit a tennis ball (or a rabbit head, or a deer heart) from 30 yards a year from now.  So, those of you that can shoot that way, expect a lot of questions from me.

My current question:  How does shooting off the hand vs. using an arrow rest affect accuracy?  All my longbows up to now have lacked an arrow shelf.  I enjoy shooting off the hand because it feels more traditional, I enjoy the contact with the arrow, and doggone it, I just bought a really cool armguard/bowglove combo.

OTOH, accuracy is my main concern, and if using an arrow shelf would help with that, I'd go with it.

This has become an issue lately because my favorite hunting bow (a bamboo hickory flatbow from Rudderbows) delaminated on me a couple weeks ago, so I'm in the market, and trying to decide which way to go.

Any input?  Thanks!

Thomas

aaron:
I bet a rest would help your accuracy. Accuracy is about doing the same exact thing every time- same draw length, same anchor, same bowhand placement, etc. The rest will help you with that. Hitting a tennis ball consistently at 30 yards would be awesome!

Pat B:
If you like shooting off your hand add a Floppy Rest, which is a thin piece of leather at the arrow pass that will keep the arrow placement there consistent. If I can find a pic of how to make one I'll post it here.

GlisGlis:
from internet

PEARL DRUMS:
I prefer a shelf on a hunting bow for more reasons that just accuracy. When you HAVE to hold your arrow and bow at all times it eliminates the use of that hand/arm. I like a hunting bow to hold its own arrow when I cant. Also, I would warn you to steer clear of anything Rudder, but since they are closed down that's not a concern. Stay away from ultra cheap all wood bows, they are just that. A solid, dependable, well made self bow will cost $350-400 plus.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page