So I got my arrow shafts today. Got the best flight with a full length 2117 with 25 gr insert and 175 FP. Was able to consistently hit 3-4 inch 3 shot groups at 20 yds if I did my part with bareshafts. I loved my experience with Magnus broadheads last year and was initially going to run 150 gr stingers with a 100 gr insert however now I'm looking at the woodsman from 3 rivers. They come in many flavors but the 2 I'm looking at are either the 6 pack 150 screw ins and the 125 glue ons with 75 grain steel adapter.

Bow specs
66" Kennym R/D longbow
51@29.5"

I'm not looking for extreme foc but I want a good all around setup. Will be used for MI whitetail, Turkey, coyotes and unlikely but possible feral hogs. The only certain aspects of the build are 4" shield cut bearpaw feathers, nocturnal nocks, and the shafts. Would like to stick to one of those two heads due to budget friendly.

Thanks in advance Cody.


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3 to 4 inch groups at 20 yards with bare shafts?

I say put some feathers on them and get er done.

Roy is right... stick feathers on that rig and go hunt. But, save a couple or three arrows out so you can try out that second combination you described. Whichever works best, be sure to post pics.

Groups were with field points just so we're clear on that. Judging by the comments I'm probably gonna wanna stay as close to my current weight up front? Will 25 grains in either direction hurt?  I know jumping from 125 to 175 made a large difference.


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I find that I can usually get away with 25 grains, but I wouldn't get far from your bare shaft point weight.

sounds like you don't need any critiquing.

Thanks for confirming my thoughts. Guess I'll order the glue on woodsmans with steel adapters. That will put me at 225 instead of 200+/-. 


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If you're grouping bare at 20 yards I don't think +/- 25 grains will show up much in flight, maybe in penetration but that's as attributable to the different heads as anything else. I'd say you're set, but it wouldn't be a "set up" reply without the obligatory "razor sharp heads in the right spot and you're good to go!" Good luck!

Now you need to fletch 3 of those arrows and shoot the bare shafts with the fletched shafts and see if they group together.

Good point, Ben.

You've gotten all the advice you need buddy. Just pick one of those Woodsmen and go kill something.

My cousin is relatively new to trad gear and asked my opinion about how to best "rain proof" his fletching for an elk trip. I told him that if he bare shaft tested and got good results... don't worry about rain proofing them. If they shoot well bare shaft, it's one less thing to worry about.



Be sure to show us your hunting pics here!