Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I bought some weeks ago a traditional style longbow with wood arrows.The Bow is 62" and I use it for Target-Style shooting. My draw length is 29" to 29,5 ". One difficulty I have with the stick bow is a kind of finger pinch while anchoring. I try to use an high elbow but due to a inward rotation of my wrist, at the anchor point my index finger is nearly always pinched in the nock of the arrow. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong?

A: This sounds to me like a short hunting recurve bow and not a Longbow. A longbow is, as its name implies, is quite a bit longer and is normally about 72" in length (some can be longer or a couple of inches shorter). For Target-style shooting the 62" bow is much too short and that is one reason why you are experiencing 'finger pinch.' Take a look at one of your friends shooting theirt target bow and observe the angle of the string at full draw; then get one of your friends to draw your bow to the length that you draw (DO NOT PULL LONGER) and notice how much more severe the angle is and how is presses down on to the fingers. Do not use a high elbow which will only make the 'finger pinch' worse. These short bows were made principally for hunting or Field Archery and are not ideal for target shooting. I think you should try to get hold of a longbow of 72" and try again but, only buy a draw weight you can handle. Remember that a 40lb bow is much harder to draw at 62" than one of the same weight at 72". You mention getting the 'shakes' after drawing the Stick bow after a few arrows have been shot. The length of the bow and the extra added effort to draw it could be the answer.

Q: Would you please tell me the colours of the Target Archery face and how they score

A: The face is divided into five concentric colours (from the middle out: Gold, Red, Blue, Black and White). Each colour is then divided into two. The Gold counting from the innermost ring counts in FITA as 10, The outer Gold is 9, The inner Red is 8, the outer Red 7, the inner Blue 6, the outer 5, the inner black 4, the outer 3, the inner White 2, the outer 1. For the full FITA round the total score obtainable is 1440 (In Britain the basis for our handicap system is based on this figure of 1440). There is also an extra ring in the the centre of the Gold, scores 10 but is counted an an X to help sort the scores. e.g.: two archers score the same number of points, say 1320 but one has more hits in the centre X; he would be declared the winner.

In British National Rounds each colour is a whole score: White = 1; Black=3, Blue = 5, Red = 7 and Gold = 9. This is known as 5-Zone scoring

Q: I shoot a recurve bow and my question is concerning the bowstring. I have heard Archers say that if I buy a string that has been waxed already I should not put any other wax with it.

A: By all means you should wax your string. A silicone based synthetic wax is reccomended especially with synthetic strings. Having applied the wax, get a piece of soft leather and rub it up and down the length onf the string to allow it to penetrate the fibres better. This will reduce the fibre to fibre abbrasions thereby extending the life of your string. Another good point often overlooked by Archers is to lubricate the serving also and a good tip is to check your bracing height Before taking your bow down. This could show whether there is any wear or excessive creep in the string. We all check our bracing height before shooting so why not check it after shooting. Also, especially for begginers or novices, when taking your string down off the bow do not let it just hang so that it can unravell its twists.

Q: I wish to take up Archery and would be obliged if you could give me the name(s) of reputable Archery dealers in Britain.

A: First, it sounds as though you intend to go out and buy yourself a bow. Don't!!! It is important for you to be taught correctly to shoot; so my advise to you as elsewhere in this section, is to and get lessons first. You don't give me the area in which you live but, you should be able to find out clubs in your area by visiting your local library or sports centre. If they are unable to help you, you can contact me (we are here to help) or you can go to the society of your choice. With regard to dealers in Britain (and around the world) those mentioned in these pages are reputable dealers and can be relied upon. Helpful telephone numbers can be found on the links page

Q: I am shooting a 66" bow using 29" arrows, my question is am I shooting the right length bow as I do seem to get fingerpinch?

A: Shooting a 29" arrow for Target Archery and using a 66" bow is not ideal. You should be using at least a 68" bow. A rule of thumb that might be applied to Target Archery is double the length of your arrow and then add twelve. e.g. Length of arrow is 28" x 2 = 56" add 12 gives 68". This is a reasonable formula to follow and should avoid fingerpinch for target archers. Most manufacturers make bows up to 70" long which usually is of sufficient length to suit most of the longer arrows; however, some manufacturers do make bows of 72" and sometimes more for the really long arrow shooters. Try to shoot the bow best suited to your arrow length as going too long can cause a loss of cast.

Q: I am about to start Target Archery and I wish to know what bow to buy.

A: Don't. It is advisable to go and get lessons first. As the question above shows the arrow length decides the bow length (and possibly weight) you need to shoot. Get yourself on a good beginners' course (G.N.A.S.) and learn to shoot to a form and technique. When you have completed the course (usually of six lessons) your instructor will get you to draw up a bow with a measuring arrow which will denote the approimate length of your arrow and from this the length of bow can be arrived at. Under nocircumstances buy any equipment until you have completed you course.

Q: I have recently bought a LongBow of 80lb; I am finding great difficulty in handling a bow of this weight. Can the weight be brought down?

A: In certain circumstances the weight of a bow may be brought down by a few pounds. Contact if you can the bowmaker or, failing this go to the dealer from whom you bought your bow and ask if and how much the weight could be brought down. It is probably necessary, if you wish to come down to a more manageable weight, say 60lb, that you will have to trade in the heavier bow.

Q: I am interested in taking up archery but, I have been put off by stories that it is extremely expensive to do so. Is it necessary to pay £500 or more to get started?

A: No! It is definitely not necessary to pay such a large amount to get started, especially in England. Again, be advised by your instructor who should be able to advise on the lower priced quality bows. Also, by asking questions at the local stockist, he/she should be able to advise you and keep you down to a reasonable sum, say £270-320 for a virtual complete set of equipment. However it is possible to put together your equipment over a period of time by buying the not-so-necessary at a later date. Perhaps your initial trip to the Archery Stockist could result in a bow, arrows and a quiver, bracer and tab and leave the rest to a later date. You can always put a strip of sticky tape down the back of the bow and stick a pin in for a sight!!! Or also Santa may provide!!!

Q: Do I have to be physically strong to take up Archery?

A: No. Being fit could be important, but even here people can shoot at all ages and physical well being. Disabled Archery is a thriving section of the sport and people shooting from Wheelchairs compete against completely able bodied individuals. In fact even the blind can shoot a bow and arrow, I know because I am head coach of an organisation for the blind. As with questions above it is important to get good instruction to start with and learn the technique of shooting rather than relying on pure brute strength.

Q: I wish to make my own LongBow. Is it possible to get the necessary timber laminations without going to a timber yard?

A: Yes, certainly. Most Archery dealers have supplies of ready laminated woods (usually hickory, degame and lemon wood) in stock. The price varies from dealer to dealer, so shop around. If you are going to make your own bow it is a good idea, and very helpful, to get the information from earlier issues of 'The Glade' in which one of the World's foremost bowmakers, Chris Boyton, explains exactly how to go about it.

Q: I have recently bought a Target Recurve Bow but I find a problem in getting a comfortable grip position. I have a wide grip and I wonder if going to a narrower grip would be beneficial?

A: As a general rule it is better to have a narrower grip than a wide one. Over the years it has been seen to be more beneficial to have a narrower/small grip as hand placement can be more definite. A wide grip quite often makes it very difficult to actually feel the bow as well as the narrrower one and also spreads the bow hand wider. When buying your grip try placing your hand into the bow with your life line running alongside the grip and when drawing up make sure that you have a good, positive feel.

Q: I live in the United States and wishing to take up Archery I visited my local store. I was advised by the assistant that I required a Compound bow of 80lb peak draw weight. This I bought along with arrows, a sight and other accessories and I left the shop without any further information other than being shown how to draw up the bow. I now find that the bow is far too heavy and indeed, I have no idea how or where to put the arrow and how to set the sight. Please help.

A: This is a "dodgy" question as I have no idea of your physical strength or size. However, my feeling is that an 80lb bow is far too heavy for someone who has never shot a bow before to handle from the start. I can only suggest that you take the bow back to the dealer and ask him to take it back or, if the stockist will not take the bow back, that you try exchanging it for one with a weight you can handle. Either way, do go to a club and learn how to shoot and handle a bow properly.

For those about to embark in Archery I can only say please do not follow the example of the above. I can only repeat most emphatically that it is important to go and get instruction before ever buying your Archery gear. I can think of very little worse than paying good money for equipment that you have no idea how to use.