Tuning a Bow:
The Key to Consistent Shooting

Tuning a bow requires following some careful steps, but it isn’t that difficult. If you purchased your bow from a local dealer, they will probably help you set up your bow for free. If you want to do-it-your-self, or if you are re- tuning a bow that you have had for awhile, here are some instructions.

The first step is to make sure your “limb tiller” is the same length from the string at each end of your compound bow. Measure from the point where each limb meets the riser (handle part of the bow) out to the string. They should be the same distance from the string. If not, adjust one of the bolts until they are. If your cam and wheels are different sizes you should measure a line between the two axles. A string tied from one axle to the other will work best for that measurement instead of the bow string itself.

Nock Point

When your bow is drawn, you want to have your arrow resting at a 90 degree angle to the string. (If you have a drop away rest the rest will rise when the bow is drawn.) Your arrow should cross the center of the rest attachment hole as you look from the side as it sits on the arrow rest in a fire position. Make up or down adjustments to your arrow rest, if necessary.

Square it Up

This mark is where the bottom of the crimp-on nock set or the bottom of the top knot of your release loop should be placed. Remember that the string will create an angle which will pinch the arrow when you draw the bow, thus the fraction of an inch is needed to allow for that pinch. Crimp on your nock sets with nock crimping pliers, or attach the string loop according to the directions on the package. Leave enough distance between the two string loop knots for the arrow nock to sit snuggly at the angle of the string at full draw without being pinched too tightly. If it’s too tight, the arrow can be “spit out” by the string pinch.

Set your horizontal arrow rest position (left to right) by looking down on it from above the bow with the bottom cam on the floor. Align both limb adjustment bolts together as you look down from the top end. For release shooters, adjust your arrow rest right or left until it is in line with these two bolts (for most bows this will be center). You can also use a long stabilizer and line the arrow up parallel to that. The goal is to make sure your arrow is pointing straight out from the front of the bow.

For finger shooters, the arrow should be slightly to the left for right-handed shooters, since the string is twisted by fingers in the opposite direction. Now you’re arrow will be square with the bow and string and your nock point will be at a good starting point. Paper tuning might require some minor adjustments later, after sighting in your sites.

Make Sure Fletching Doesn’t Contact the Rest

Now you’re ready to sight in your bow by adjusting your sites.

Select the Best Arrows for Your Equipment

Appropriate spine and length of arrow is necessary to match your draw length and draw weight. Arrow manufacturers provide charts for their arrows that tell you the optimal spine and size arrow you should use for your draw length, arrow tip weight and draw weight. For example, you can find Gold Tip’s chart here: http://www.goldtip.com/build-arrow/default.aspx

Tune Arrows to Broadheads

Check Cam Timing

When your through tuning a bow it should perform for you consistently. Now all you need is practice, practice, practice in conditions that simulate hunting situations to be confident of a responsibly taken shot on an animal.

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