Inspecting Arrows and Bows

Revision as of 18:21, 8 February 2017

From the Book of War

• 4.9.8.6. A draw stop is required and must effectively stop an arrow from being drawn more than twenty-eight (28) inches. It should protrude at least one-fourth (¼) of an inch away from the arrow shaft .
  
• 4.9.8.6.1. If the base of the head of an arrow prevents the archer from drawing beyond 28 inches (71.12 cm) the head of the arrow acts as the draw stop.
  
• 4.9.8.7. Arrow/bolt striking surfaces may not easily pass more than one-half (½) inch through a two and one-half (2 ½) inch diameter hole. No part of the arrow/bolt’s striking surface may be less than two and one-half (2 ½) inches in any direction.
  
• 4.9.8.8. All arrows/bolts must contain a penny, or solid metal blunt of an equivalent gauge and circumference, perpendicularly secured at the end of the shaft.
  
• 4.9.8.8.1. All arrows/bolts using modular technology must create a semi-permanent connection point through the means of threaded screws, epoxy, glue, or strapping tape; the head must be secondarily secured at the end of the shaft with tape.
  
• 4.9.8.9. The arrow’s/bolts striking surface must be constructed of open-cell foam.
  
• 4.9.8.10. All arrows/bolts must have at least two full fletchings.
  
• 4.9.8.11. The striking surface of an arrow/bolts must be free of tape.
  
• 4.9.8.12. The arrowhead should not have excess axial or lateral movement and must be secured at the end of the shaft in such a way that they will not come off if firmly twisted or firmly pulled.
  

How to check Bows and Arrows

Suggested Supplies
The following are suggested supplies to ensure a smooth arrow check. This can apply to both realm and event checks.

-Bow Scale/Draw tester
This should be a calibrated scale for the purpose of testing bows. These can be found at many archery supply stores or at online outdoor retailers. A fish scale or other measuring device should be avoided.
-Fabric Tape Measure
-2.5" Template
Fabric Tape Measure
If you have more then one multiple checkers can be put to work at once.
-25' Tape Measure
An excellent way to measure the 15' shooting distance. Can also mark the shoot line.
-Mini Zip Ties
Used for marking failed arrows. When placed between the draw stop and the nock but not tightened completely, it provides a clear and easy to remove notice of failure.
-Fail Stickers
If a more precise noting of failure is needed, stickers provide the arrow owner the needs to correct the failure.
-Pass Stickers
Each passed arrow should be marked in some manner. A popular method for doing this is a price gun. For multi-day evens, a different color mark on the same sticker can be used to denote passing.
-Bins
Bins are used to separate failed arrows. Each should be clearly marked with the reason for failure. The most common include Draw stop, fletchings, head wobble, and length. A "See Head Check" bin is a good idea if more information is needed.
-Rope
Several pieces in different lengths. These can denote the shoot area, section off check sections, create a drop or pick up pile.
-Good Signage
Let archers know where to drop off and pick up arrows, what sections of check is doing what, where head checker can be found.

Testing Procedure

• Bows:
  

-Must be strung before bringing to weapons check. Don’t string their bows for them.
-No excessive protrusions like stabilizers or arrow rests
-Use same arrow for all bows. Have a designated "Check Arrow" for the check that is 28" from valley of knock to draw stop.

• Arrows:
  

a. 2.5″ template.
b. Two full fletchings
c. Stable head, no wobble
d. Check for no metal or tape under open cell
e. Shaft not cracked, bent, or split
f. Nock not broken
g. Draw stop at 28″ and minimum depth of ¼. from arrow shaft. The drawstop must actually prevent the arrow from being drawn past it. Draw stop measurement is from the valley of the nock.
h. Check that a modular arrowhead is firmly attached to the shaft and cannot twist out.
i. Check for any shifting sounds or clicking that may indicate that the foam is separating from the blunt.
j. Hit testing at 15’.
k. Use a bow that is 35#, or as close to 35# as possible. Testing back cannot see the arrows. Hand covers back of neck, other covers kidneys. Thumbs up for a good arrow, thumbs down for a bad arrow. Arrows fail for hit if there is significant residual pain for at least ten seconds after impact. Another measure is if the arrow back would tolerate getting shot in the head with the arrow.
l. If a back fails an arrow, the arrow fails.
m. If a back requests a reshoot, it goes to retest with other back. If it fails a second time, then the arrow fails.
-Rotate your arrow backs. Getting shot by a lot of arrows in the same spots eventually makes all the arrows feel bad.
-Watch for excessive bounceback. Excessive bounceback is defined as the arrow hitting the back and bouncing either to or past the shooter. Questionable arrows should be retested against a different back. Failing that, it should be checked against a flat-faced shield.
-As arrows are failed they should be marked and put aside in the proper bin. Passing arrows should be grouped together in another location for easy pick up.

Remember, Archery is one of the most dangerous aspects of this sport. Be sure to be thorough and careful with all arrows.