Shot the new bow...

[Bachflock]

I shot my new bow for the first time yesterday. Just in case - its a 2003 Pearson Diamondback I bought used.

Sorry to say it didn't go as planned. Turns out it was set WAY to heavy for me. I couldn't draw it after only 6 arrows. Pretty embarrassing and frustrating. The good thing that came out of it was my we were shooting a friend of my brothers range and he is semi-pro, shoots in competitions regularly. He drew it back and commented on how heavy it was set and said it was really aggressive. Made me feel a lot better.

Today I read up on how to dial the draw weight back. It certainly wasn't the process I thought it might have been. So, I gave it 4 full turns (each limb) and its right where I need it. Still takes some effort to pull it back but I shot 4 or 5 rounds of ten arrows before I needed a rest. Didn't do to bad either. I moved back to 15 yards and still kept some "ok" groups. I'm liking it so far!

[hutchies]

Keep shooting and your body will build up the muscles to handle that weight. In a week or two you will be used to the weight. As for the groups, get comfortable at 15, then move to 20, then 30. For most people 30 is the most they are gonna shoot in a hunting situation. You can shoot the first year in ameture class and from the 30 yard max stake. You will learn alot the last year.

[Bachflock]

15 yard photo...

Thanks for the tips hutchies...

Here's a photo of my groups at 15 yards. The centered group was shot with my nose on the string and the kisser button in the corner of my mouth almost on my cheek. The left group resulted after taking my nose off the string but having the button in the same spot. The two arrows on top of the target are from misses when one, I used the wrong pin on my sight and the second was a near miss off the left side of the target. Its goingt to take some work but I'll get there.

[Tony]

some of those arrows arent wooden ones are they? if they are i wouldnt shoot them out of a compound bow.

taking 4 turns off of each of your bows limbs , reduced the poundage by about 12 pounds. what is the max poundage for your bow? where did you by it? if you bought it from a archery shop, why didnt they turn the poundage down for you and set your draw length.

please take a picture of yourself at full draw. this will help us determine if your draw length is too long and how your shooting form looks. this is a big key to shooting much better.

Shoot Strong

Tony

[Bachflock]

please take a picture of yourself at full draw.

Now how am I supposed to draw the bow and take a picture of myself?!!!

Well, none of the arrows are wooden however I've already picked out the odds and ends. I've got about 6 matching arrows now and will stick with them. They're aluminum. I'll get a picture posted as soon I get one.

I bought the bow from a citizen... not a shop. Original draw was 28" before I adjusted the poundage. The max is 70 lbs and the bow was set to max or very close.

I took my son out shooting yesterday and shot myself as well. I'm seeing some improvement. I don't have a release and I'm thinking that will help immensely - for now I'm using an archer's glove and finger draw. I'm making a point to pay attention to drawing form - doing the same thing each time. I'm still throwing some stray shots but the other day I was keeping everything in about a 12" circle at 10 yards. Pretty sad but I'll get there.

I am WIDE open to suggestions and advice! Thanks for your patience.