Some good points on a volatile topic. Developing good form is crucial and the best is to dial it in on a blank bale- see "Masters of the Barebow 3"

I've seen some very good instinctive shooters that are lights out at 20 yds, soso at 30 and not consistent past 35- which is about what an avg guy can expect, IMO. The longer shots benefit from a reference system.

Few instinctive guys can hang close to an avg gap shooter at tournament shoots where pinpoint accuracy equates to higher scores.

Dave / John

Remember, that sight picture that you are seeing (above) is for a certain distance.   Move closer, or farther, and the gap changes.  At some point, the gap is "point on" (no gap at all) and beyond that, the gap is above the intended target.

CHuckC

I don't think there is any "Aiming vs. Instinct."  It's sort of like saying "Back Tension vs. Form."  Aiming is a part of instinctive shooting, just like back tension is a part of form.  Just because you're not lining up a sight (or arrow point) with a target doesn't mean that you aren't aiming.  We've all had the experience of missing the target even though we were concentrating on it.  The "concentrating" is the aiming, and the missing is because we weren't lined up, or blew our release, or.......

This might be helpful.

 The Gap Compromise

Another one that might be useful. Obviously, these are to help you better understand gapping.

 Gapping: The Method to the Maddness

don't worry about that, develope a great deep hook,develope a great brace arm/follow through.let the rest take it';s natural coarse..i assume you want to enjoy archery and are not a competitive indoor hairsplitter,read  byron fergusons book, "become the arrow....best practical advice out there.

The videos by Ranger B are the best I have seen to explain gap shooting.

In the end it's up to each person to decide what 'pointing method' works for them.  If your current method produces good results (based on your personal objectives, not someone else's) then you have found a good method.  It's really that simple, no need to overcomplicate it.

from what i've been reading, and based on my study of psychology - "aiming" whether split vision, gap etc - is a conscious calculation, whereas instinctive, is where you relax your conscious brain ( assuming good form has become a motor engram that it happens at an unconscious-competency level of function) and let your brain work out the "aiming Process". it's just a switch from conscious to unconscious method of getting the arrow to your target.

A good analogy in aiming would be likened unto Bowling - you consciously line up your arm going backward, then as it moves forward, you focus on it lining up with whichever arrow lines up the ball to the pins - where instinctive would be likened to throwing a baseball or football. you never look at the ball while it's in your hand, you don't focus on any gap etc. you simply look at the person, and the ball goes there.

In the end, it boils down to what kind of personality you have. some people like calculated, logically thought out processes, and I would say gap shooting or any other "aiming" style would fit them better. Me, I like listening to my body (even in the gym, I don't have a "routine", I do what feels natural). I like the feeling of trusting in the unknown, and getting great results.
hope I'm not beating a dead horse here    

Most instinctive shooters I know and hunt with are proficient way beyond 20 yards.  Its all in how each individual is programed by God....again, some are better at gap (conscious) and some are better at instinctive(subconscious).  

You have to decide what works best for you, but there is no limitation to instinctive at 20 yards.

Your first post mentioned sighting down the arrow or instinctive. If you are shooting 3 under that is an easy way to start. But I might add you can sight down the arrow AND shoot instinctive too. A lot of people do that.

I agree with ChuckC. Well said.

I use a form of gap style or "gun-barrelling" as well, until I shoot at aerial targets. Then all gap aiming goes out the window and my "instincts" kick in.

They are completely different, from a target rule of thumb, meaning.

When using sights/aiming, you never take your eyes off the back sights/down the arrow,(the target is blurry, if no scope is used), or you are shooting blind.

Instinctive is, you never take your eyes off the target(your sights are blurry/the arrow), or you are shooting blind.

If that makes sense.

Sorry tomato,  common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too.  The sight/pin is blurry.

NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.

Arne

QuoteOriginally posted by moebow:
Sorry tomato,  common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too.  The sight/pin is blurry.

NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.

Arne

Then I would for sure have to disagree.

If you take your eys off the sights, then you are not using the sights, not matter what is taught.

just saying.

The worlds top shooters will tell you the same thing.

If you remove your eyes from the sights you are shooting blind.

QuoteOriginally posted by TomatoLane:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by moebow:
Sorry tomato,  common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too.  The sight/pin is blurry.

NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.

Arne

Then I would for sure have to disagree.

If you take your eys off the sights, then you are not using the sights, not matter what is taught.

just saying.

The worlds top shooters will tell you the same thing.

If you remove your eyes from the sights you are shooting blind. [/b]

If the shooter in this pic,was looking at the deers head,and not his sights  I guarantee he will miss his target.

 

Do some homework before you get too far out on that limb there tomato.  First, the deer's head is NOT the target so...

"The worlds top shooters will tell you the same thing."  Are you really sure about that??

Second, check out any book that deals with archery and sight shooting (one suggestion is Larry Wise's "Core Archery" page 50) and MOST others.

You are certainly free to believe what you want, but it isn't "mainstream" OR commonly taught.

Arne

QuoteOriginally posted by moebow:
Sorry tomato,  common theory for using sights is to focus on the target too.  The sight/pin is blurry.

NOT saying some don't focus on the sight, but most coaches will advise focus on the spot to be hit and the sight to be blurry and floating.

Arne

This is what you are talking about arne.

the target is still in the sight ring.If I looked at the target outside that sight ring I would miss.


   


   

Well this is what I would call floating.

The sight ring is part of the sights is it not?

I wouldnt aim my compound bow without looking through the sight ring would I?

Or have I been doing it wrong?

And just compensated?

Should I look outside my sight ring when aiming my Bow?