How to Tune a Longbow

Whether you use your longbow for target shooting or hunting, you will need to customize it to account for height, strength, strings and other conditions.Tuning means adjusting the arrow, string and bow for optimal performance. While it may seem that there is nothing to "tune" on a longbow -- especially when compared to the fancier and more complicated compound bow -- this is not the case. The main difference when tuning the longbow is that, unlike the compound bow, the tuning must be done by hand.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow
  • String
  • Bow stringer
  • T-square
  • Nocking pliers
  • Brass nocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      String the longbow with the bow stringer. Let it sit overnight. Letting the bow sit after it has been strung loosens the bow's fibers and makes it easier to draw. The bow will also be less likely to splinter or fracture due to stress if it is allowed to sit.

    • 2

      Measure your brace height -- the distance between the string and the bow handle at the deepest point -- with the t-square. If the brace height is different from what the manufacturer recommends, twist the string until it matches that figure.

    • 3

      Begin shooting arrows in a quiet place. Adjust the string a few twists up or down and shoot arrows between each adjustment while listening for the quietest point. The quietest point is dead center between the top and the bottom of the bow. By finding this point, you are essentially finding the "sweet spot" that shooters talk about when tuning bows. This spot ensures maximum performance with minimal chance of equipment failure.

    • 4

      Find the correct nocking point. This point tells the archer where to rest the arrow on the string. As with the brace height, this is a matter of trial and error, so do not crimp the nocks too tightly until you are sure it is the proper place. Start by attaching the nock 1/2-inch above the shelf. The shelf is the handle on the bow that the arrow rests on; it's also known as the arrow rest. Shoot some arrows and look for any up and down movement while the arrows fly. This type of movement is known as porpoising. Adjust the nock incrementally until you eliminate this movement.