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Explained Archery

Archery library

Every archery guide

All 36 guides on bow setup, arrows, form, crossbows, charts, and safety — newest first.

Compound Bow Size Chart

Compound fitting guide Compound bow fit starts with draw length and a draw weight you can control. Axle-to-axle … Read more

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Archery Target Distance Chart

Beginner distance Quick answer: beginners should start close, often around 5-10 yards where the lane is safe and … Read more

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Backyard Archery Safety

Backyard practice Quick answer: backyard archery is only worth doing if local rules allow it and you can … Read more

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How to Aim a Bow

Aiming basics Quick answer: aiming starts with a safe target, repeatable stance, relaxed grip, steady anchor, and a … Read more

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Beginner Archery Guide

Beginner route Quick answer: start with safety, a manageable bow, matched arrows, a proper target and backstop, and … Read more

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Recurve vs Longbow

Traditional bow comparison Quick answer: recurve bows have curved limb tips and are usually more compact and efficient … Read more

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Compound vs Recurve Bow

Bow comparison Quick answer: recurve bows are simpler and usually easier to understand on day one, while compound … Read more

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Archery Equipment List

Beginner checklist Quick answer: start with a safe bow setup, matched arrows, a proper target and backstop, and … Read more

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Recurve Bow Size Chart

Recurve bow size is usually chosen from draw length, shooting style, and bow purpose. Target recurves are often … Read more

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Bow Draw Weight Chart

Beginners should start with a draw weight they can control smoothly, not the heaviest bow they can pull … Read more

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Why Do My Arrows Go Left or Right?

Arrows often go left or right because of grip torque, an inconsistent anchor point, poor release, wrong draw … Read more

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Archery Anchor Point

An archery anchor point is the repeatable place where your drawing hand, string, or release settles at full … Read more

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Archery Form Mistakes

Most beginner archery form mistakes come from gripping the bow too tightly, changing the anchor from shot to … Read more

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Arrow Spine Chart

Arrow spine is the arrow shaft’s stiffness. The right spine depends on draw weight, arrow length, point weight, … Read more

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How to Measure Draw Length

Use wingspan for a starting number, then confirm the fit with the bow in your hands. Draw length … Read more

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Can You Use a Bow and Arrow for Self-Defense?

A bow and arrow is not a practical self-defense tool for most people. Focus on safe storage, legal caution, and what to do in an emergency.

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How Far Will a Crossbow Shoot?

A crossbow bolt can travel much farther than most people can shoot accurately. Practical range is shorter than … Read more

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How Long Can You Leave a Crossbow Cocked?

Do not leave a crossbow cocked longer than needed. The safest answer depends on the manual and the … Read more

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Dry Firing a Compound Bow

Dry firing a compound bow means releasing the string without an arrow on the string. The bow unloads … Read more

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Best Wood for Bow Making

There is no single best wood for bows. Good bow wood is straight-grained, dry, and matched to the … Read more

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How to Hold a Bow

Hold the bow with a relaxed bow hand, pressure through the thumb-pad area, and fingers that stay loose … Read more

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How to Unstring a Recurve Bow Safely

Unstring a recurve bow with a bow stringer, inspect the limb tips, and check the string if you are replacing it.

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How to Level a Bow Sight

Leveling a bow sight means aligning the sight with the bow so the bubble level gives useful feedback. … Read more

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Can a Bow and Arrow Be Deadly?

A bow and arrow can cause serious or fatal injury. Safe targets, safe storage, and range rules matter every time.

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How Long To Get Good At Archery

Ever watched a Robin Hood flick, mesmerized by the titular hero’s archery skills and thought how cool it … Read more

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How to Measure Bow Draw Weight

Measure bow draw weight with a bow scale, the right draw length, and a safe setup before you choose a bow.

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How Many Arrows Can a Quiver Hold?

How many arrows in a quiver depends on the quiver style. Bow quivers usually carry fewer arrows than … Read more

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How to Remove Fletching Glue From Carbon Arrows

Remove fletching glue from carbon arrows carefully. Use the lightest method that gets the job done, keep heat … Read more

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How to Determine Arrow Length

How to Determine Arrow Length A safe arrow length starts with draw length, then adds enough shaft for … Read more

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How to Measure a Recurve Bow String

Measure a recurve bow string by checking the bow’s AMO length, confirming the maker’s recommendation, and checking brace height after installation.

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Can You Shoot a Bow Underwater?

A bow should not be shot underwater. Water slows an arrow almost immediately and creates safety and equipment risks.

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How to Measure Recurve Bow Length

Measure recurve bow length along the unstrung curve, compare it to AMO markings, and match it with your draw length.

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How to Change Nocks on Crossbow Bolts

Crossbow bolt nocks must match the bolt and crossbow. Check the manual before you replace one.

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How to Remove Arrow Inserts

Remove arrow inserts carefully and only after you know what adhesive was used. On carbon shafts, too much … Read more

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How Long Does It Take to Learn Archery?

How long does it take to learn archery? A beginner can learn safe handling and a first shot … Read more

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How to Store a Compound Bow

Store a compound bow uncocked, unloaded, clean, and dry. Keep it in a case or other protected spot … Read more

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