Archery is quite famous for those who like hunting and target shooting. As with all types of weapons, shooting targets with arrows is not easy. It's impossible for us to just aim a gun at a target and then hope it will hit it right. The process or strategy of aiming arrows in archery will increase the probability of hitting the target. Prudence in aiming is the archer's way of overcoming the problem of missed arrows due to the pull of gravity or interference during the arrow release process. Check out Step 1 below to find out more.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Arc and Trajectory Preparation
Step 1. Set aside a few days
Practicing aiming takes several sessions! This is because fatigue easily affects the archer's accuracy and power, which can result in decreased performance. Setting up a few days for multiple shooting practice sessions will generally provide a better level of accuracy.
Step 2. Purchase the sight
There are many different types of aiming for the bow in archery. Choose the one that best suits your nature and needs. These sights can be found at sports and archery specialty stores. If you just want to shoot your target with arrows, choose a simple sight which can be purchased for around $40 (approximately Rp. 500,000, -). Sights for competition are worth 5 times this price and even more.
This guide is for fixed-mounted sights. This sight is the most common and is recommended for both hunting and casual (recreational) archery
Step 3. Attach the sight to the bow
Follow the instructions that came with the sights to make sure everything fits perfectly. In general, the sight will be attached to the handle (riser) by means of a bolt. Many bows already have holes for attaching the sight. Be careful in tightening the bolts so as not to damage the arc. The stake or aiming bolt must be parallel to the bowstring.
- The sight must be mounted perpendicular to the arc.
- After successful sight installation, rest the bow overnight. It is sometimes necessary to re-tighten the bolts after this rest period.
Step 4. Set the aiming peg in the center position
This will give you flexibility in any direction you need. The wrench or Allen key needed for setting the sight peg can be purchased at your local hardware store.
Step 5. Prepare the target and range of the trajectory
Ideally, practice every 9.1m from the target, at least until you reach 36.6m. If possible, use a track meter to maintain accuracy. Track gauges can be purchased at hunting supply stores.
Use a target that is durable and can take a lot of arrows. This is because getting used to using the sight on a bow takes a lot of practice
Method 2 of 2: Aim
Step 1. Install the first stake at a distance of 18.2 m
Advance to the closest distance from the target, usually on the 9.1 m line. Stand so that your body is perpendicular to the target, pulling the arrow with your bowstring. Look straight into the first position of the sight and aim at the end of the stake and then release the arrow towards the target. Repeat several times.
- Pay attention to the position of the arrows; whether right on target or not. When the arrow crosses the point indicated by the peg, you need to raise the aiming position on the bow handle.
- Repeat the above steps until the arrow no longer misses or passes over the target stake.
- Retreat to a distance of 18.2 m. Repeat the aiming steps, raising the position of the sight if necessary. After the arrow no longer crosses the top end of the peg, adjust the arrow so that it does not miss the left or right of the target by sliding the sight left or right.
- Don't be in a rush to expect perfect accuracy! This position may change again.
Step 2. Set the (second) stake at a distance of 27.3 m
Once you are satisfied with the accuracy of the top peg from 18.2 m away, backtrack to the 27.3 m line on the track. Look through the positions of the two sights and shoot some arrows towards the target. Perform the same adjustment steps as in the 18.2 m position.
- Remember, at this stage, it is important to move the entire crosshairs when making adjustments.
- Be patient and make sure that the position of the sight on the 27.3 m stake is as accurate as possible as this position will remain and will be the anchoring point of your sight.
Step 3. Backtrack again to a distance of 36.4 m
Release the arrow at the target by looking through the third stake at 36.4 m aiming distance. This time, when making adjustments, slide the peg instead of the aiming box. There will be no left or right direction of the aiming box, instead, focus on making sure the arrows from 36.4 m are on target.
- The distance between the stakes of 27.3 m and 36.4 m will be greater than the distance between the stakes of 18.2 m and 27.3 m.
- If it is necessary to re-adjust the left and right positions of the sights, return to position 27.3 m on the track to make changes.
Step 4. Recheck the accuracy of the shot at 18.2 m
Once you've set the 27.3 m peg and are happy with the 36.4 m peg setting, take a few more shots at 18. 2 m away. This time make adjustments to the position of the stake and not the position of the aiming box.
Step 5. Step back and aim at the next peg position
Depending on the type of sight you are using, you may need additional pegs for the 45, 1 m, 54, 2 m and so on. Move away from the target and repeat the steps above, setting is done by sliding the stake.
Tips
- Be careful in setting the sights. Do it gradually. Major or hasty changes to the sights' peg settings have the potential to shift the sights a lot and this will frustrate you.
- Perform aiming drills and settings. Arenas like this can be found in sports complexes.
- Make sure the bow and bowstring are aligned. Installing the sight when the bow or bowstring is new is susceptible to changes in accuracy due to changes in the strain on both.
- Prepare your own target trajectory. Do it in an open area so that no person or object is hit by a misguided arrow.
