I know the old way was an inch or so from the nock for finger shooters but release is a different ball game so does a 1/2 in from the nock seem too close ?
Nope that is definitely not too close. I use the first hash on my Bitz jigs and it's just fine... physically the further back the fletch the better it should stabilize the arrow.
thanks fellas , thats why i became a member, for the good advice and others personal experiences that have worked
With 2" Blazers I use the third hash on my Bitz. Any farther back than that and one of the vanes will touch the corner of my mouth at full draw.
I have tried moving the fletching further back but then...I shoot with gloves year round and had a hard time handling the arrows from the nock end. OK, call me "Clutz". My Blazers are one half inch (4 small marks) from the end of the Bitzenberger clamp.