It seems that to learn how to shoot a bow, you need to acquire only two items: a bow and arrows. Imagine the surprise of ignorant people when visiting an arms store, caused by many related accessories. The long list is confusing to buyers. What to choose, how to install, do you need customization? And this is not a complete list of questions that arise when buying an onion.
Professional sales consultants, of course, will help you make the right choice. Often they have to read actual lectures about the advantages and characteristics of this or that element. Only one thing is required of the client – to be ready to perceive a large amount of information. If the buyer has never held a bow in his hands before that, then, most likely, he will have to study the exciting world of throwing weapons from scratch.
The ability to handle modern bows equates to sporting achievement. However, not every shooter has to be an athlete. Archery today is a kind of symbiosis of scientific research and art. Athletes are the first to pick up new items, test them, and then share their feelings and comments.
The best discoveries, the best materials, and the best equipment are used to produce modern models of throwing weapons. As a result, bows are available even for beginners. Simultaneously, in a short time, all amateurs can achieve such results for which the shooters of past times spent more than a year of hard training.
The only condition is knowledge. Knowledge of what needs to be purchased and how to use it later.
1. We decide on a place
Before you start choosing among the many bows, the only model that will lead to high achievements, you need to decide where and how you have to practice shooting. This can be both independent training and shooting in specially organized places. The first option seems more affordable, but it will require a significant initial investment.
2. Choosing a bow
Whether a classic or a compound bow is preferable, it all depends on the shooter’s ambitions. If you plan to participate in competitions in the future and, as the highest goal, in the Olympic Games, you should buy the classics. If the bow is purchased for hunting or recreational shooting in organized places, then a compound is preferable. It’s easier to get out of it. However, the high power of these bows does not allow them to be used for “country” shooting. It is heavier than the classic version but more compact. Hunters will undoubtedly appreciate these qualities.
3. Buying arrows
Arrows are this accessory that every beginner seeks to save on. Of course, it makes no sense to buy expensive projectiles for shooting in the field, which are intended, for example, for competitions. However, do not forget that “the miser pays twice.” Some of the cheapest are aluminum arrows. But different companies offer different shells, the alloys of which are significantly different. The budget version is usually made of soft alloy, and such an arrow will need to be edited after each shot. It is tough to make a straightening without special knowledge and tools, and the services of a master will cost a lot, thereby nullifying all the savings. Therefore, the simplest and the cheapest aluminum arrows are perfect for children or for shooting at a distance not exceeding 12 meters.
When evaluating the characteristics of sure arrows, it should be borne in mind that aluminum arrows deform less when hitting the tip of another arrow or a pebble in the soil, and carbon arrows of the same price withstand better the deformations that occur when shooting at a rigid shield or wood.
Expensive aluminum/carbon and pure carbon arrow options are designed for professional sports shooting. As a rule, they are not of interest to amateurs since they have a rather high cost despite their excellent ballistic characteristics. However, if the customer is not concerned about the money issue, then the X10 arrows are the best choice.
4. Purchasing an arrow shelf
Previously, shooters used their own finger as a shelf for an arrow from a bow. It is also used in the case of operating some models of classic bows. But, if your goal is accuracy, then you simply cannot do without an arrow shelf. Before making a choice, you need to answer the following question: how will you pull the best compound bow string? If your own finger is used as a device again, then one type of shelves is needed. If the tension will be carried out using a release, then the other. It should be understood that the choice will be final since the shelves cannot be interchangeable.
5. Consider buying a fingertip, gloves, and release
Both the fingertip and the glove are designed to protect the shooter’s hand in case the string is pulled with the fingers. In most cases, they are required for classic bow owners. The glove is best suited for hunters, but it is preferable to wear a fingertip when shooting sports.
Do not pull the compound string with your fingers. This will negate all the advantages of this type of weapon.
You must use the release. There are two types of release in total: T-shaped and wrist, also known as a pendant. The first type is the most common. It is designed so that it is more convenient to hold it with all fingers and launch the boom using a button or trigger. The wrist release is attached to the shooter’s wrist using a specially provided strap, and the release is fired by pressing the hook with your finger.
6. Who needs a scope?
If you are a lover of shooting at flying targets when aiming is intuitive, with the determination of the lead, then, of course, the target is not needed. But if the shooter fires a shot from a stationary position, combining the aiming points, there is no way to do without sight. No athlete or hunter can be sure of the accuracy of his shot if his weapon is not equipped with a sight.
When choosing a sight, you should know that the more expensive the device, the better its optics and, accordingly, higher performance. In this case, it does not matter to which class the selection of the sight goes. The more expensive it is, the better.
7. Do you need a diopter?
Diopter or pip site is a necessary accessory only for compound owners.
8. Choosing an osprey
Osprey, like the previous accessory, is required for the compound. If the shooter wants to maintain high accuracy when shooting at long distances, then the scope is simply necessary for him. When selecting it, the same laws work as for scopes. The higher the price, the better quality this lens will have.
9. Loop – convenience in the little things
At first glance, you can do without a loop. But over time, you will appreciate the benefits that this minor accessory brings by tying the bow to your hand. Moreover, it is quite inexpensive.
10. Which quiver is better?
Arrows are not items that can be easily carried in a bag. Therefore, you cannot do without a quiver. Another question is which quiver to choose? The one that is worn on the belt or the one that is attached to the weapon? Here, everyone must decide for himself.
The quiver on the belt “does not spoil” the appearance of the weapon, and the quiver on the bow allows you to reload the weapon quickly. It is for this reason that the latter option is most preferred by hunters. If the aesthetic appearance of the shooter does not care, you should proceed to the consideration of the following details. The quiver must be reliable. That is, you need to purchase it in specialized stores.
The quiver can be removable. This can be convenient in certain cases. But this design is more cumbersome. Weapon quivers come in different sizes and weights. Previously, quivers designed for 8 arrows were common. Quivers for 4 arrows are now the most popular. As practice has shown, when hunting, more arrows are not required.
11. Why need a stabilizer?
A modern bow without a stabilizer is a sad sight. A quality, the expensive gimbal will make any mediocre bow worthwhile. Conversely, its absence will not help a shooter become a professional, even if the weapon itself costs exorbitant money.
Athletes opt for extended carbon fiber stabilizers equipped with tees or counterweight systems and can change weights. Hunters use stabilizers to help dampen sound and compensate for impact when fired.
12. Bow case
A bow, as well as arrows, you will not carry with you in a package or bag. A particular soft case is required for easy transportation. And if you are supposed to travel long distances, it would be wiser to purchase a hard case. There are also hard cases for arrows.
13. Shield
The shield is just a must-have accessory if you prefer to train on your own. To preserve the arrows and minimize the possibility of their deformation, you still need to shoot into a special plane. In practice, trees, stumps, or fences are not always the targets for long and effective use of one set of arrows.
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