How to Tune a Single Cam Bow

Properly tuning your single cam bow is a fairly simple process requiring some basic bow knowledge and equipment. When preparing to tune your bow, consider whether you are planning on target shooting or bow hunting. You will want to have the appropriate arrows prepared and on hand before you starting the paper tuning phase of your adjustments. Paper tuning your bow can be a little time consuming, but the time invested will pay off with increased accuracy.

Things You'll Need

  • Several paper targets
  • Target frame
  • Backstop
  • Allen wrench set
  • Bow square
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Hold the bow vertically in front of you at eye level.

    • 2

      Examine the alignment of the string, arrow rest and sight.

    • 3

      Adjust the arrow rest and sight if necessary.

    • 4

      Attach the bow square to the string. Rest the long limb of the square on the arrow rest. Adjust the existing nock point, or add a new one, at about 1/8 of an inch above the bow square's center-line.

    • 5

      Attach a paper target to the frame about six to 10 feet from the firing line. Make certain the backstop is directly behind the target, with enough distance to allow the arrow to pass completely through the target before hitting the backstop.

    • 6

      Shoot an arrow through the target, making certain to use your best firing form.

    • 7

      Examine the target. Look for the hole made be the arrow's tip, plus any additional tearing that may have occurred. The tear may be to the left, right, top or bottom. Take the proper corrective action.

    Rip to the Left

    • 8

      Adjust the arrow rest to the right.

    • 9

      Reduce the draw weight.

    • 10

      Use a lighter weight arrow point.

    Rip to the Right

    • 11

      Move the arrow rest to the left.

    • 12

      Increase the draw weight.

    • 13

      Use a heavier arrow point.

    Rip to the Top

    • 14

      Move the nock point down a little at a time.

    • 15

      Use a stiffer-spined arrow.

    • 16

      Check for interference between the arrow rest and the arrow's fletching. Adjust the rest to eliminate the interference.

    Rip to the Bottom

    • 17

      Move the nock point up a little at a time.

    • 18

      Use a more limber-spined arrow.

    • 19

      Check for interference between the arrow rest and the arrow's fletching. Adjust the rest to eliminate the interference.