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GAP Illustrated

Discussion in 'Traditional Archery' started by Double Creek, Mar 12, 2009.

  1. Double Creek

    Double Creek Weekend Warrior

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    I've seen a few references to GAP shooting in a few threads and thought this illustration may help... When I first got started I had a decent idea of what GAP was, but it really sunk in when I saw it illustrated by Rod Jenkins in Masters of Barebow. I can't remember his exact illustration, but this was close.

    I never realized the gaps would be the same at distances closer and further than maximum GAP, but its simply physics. Looking at the picture helped me.

    Basically, if I haven't shot for awhile, I can hit a 3-D course and say ok, at 24 yds, I need to hold about xx inches low. If I've been shooting daily, I don't even have to consciencously think about the gap, I just shoot off of my sight picture.

    Let me know what you think.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Double Creek

    Double Creek Weekend Warrior

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    I don't remember now, but I think the gap changed by about 1 inch per yard. So if you know maximum gap is at 20 yds, you can quickly guestimate the other gaps.
     
  3. BobCo19-65

    BobCo19-65 Weekend Warrior

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    On the picture, I think it is close, but I think that it is important that the line of site and point on is where your eye, the tip of the arrow, and the target are all on one line. Along with the arrow trajectory curve, there is also a curve that runs under the point on which shows the actual gap that occurs when shooting distances less than the point on.
     
  4. BobCo19-65

    BobCo19-65 Weekend Warrior

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    Bob Wesley is also well known for his gap system. He has a book and video out.

    Personally, when I start thinking about the gap I look down at my arrow and everything gets screwed up.:confused:
     
  5. Burnie

    Burnie Weekend Warrior

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    That is pretty much it. I like the kiss principal. I just shoot at about 10 yards and see where my arrows are hitting at a particular gap, then slowly move back adjusting my gap as I go, till I get to about 20 yards.

    I have noticed with me, the longer i shot (number of years) the more natural it is to estimate gap. Most of the time, when I shoot in a new bow, I put the target at 15 yards and just shoot instictively.
     
  6. Double Creek

    Double Creek Weekend Warrior

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    Yes BobCo, it is very important to point out that your line of sight and the arrow tip intercept at point on. I was hoping most guys knew how to figure point on. But you are correct, that is important!

    Burnie, I agree, I'm not as much a dedicated gap shooter as I once was, but it does help a lot when tuning. It did for me anyway. Otherwise you never really know what to change.
     

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