How good should you be after 400,000 arrows

[DaveKS]

I had one expert archer tell me it takes about 400,000 arrows to be able to shoot 70 out of 100 arrows in a six inch group at 20 yards.

For the people whove shot that many, did it take you about that long to consitently shoot a 6 inch group at 20

[va]

Dave -

I thought it was after losing 400,000 arrows...

[madness522]

That might be a little high.  You would have to  shoot 1095 arrows a day for 40 days and 1096 arrows a day for 325 (1 year of shooting) to reach 400,000 arrows.  I can't speak for anyone but myself but I have never seen a day where I shoot over a thousand arrows.  More likely I shoot 50-100 arrows a day 3-4 times a week.  At my rate it would take me almost 200 years to shoot that many arrows.  But I more than likely can come close to 70% in a 6" circle at 20 yards.

[bgram]

Well if you shot 4 times a week, 100 arrows per session for 52 weeks a year, that equal 20800 a year.  400,000/20800 comes out to 19.23 years....I've got some catching up to do.

[JImmyDee]

Numbers like that floor me.  400,000?  That's a *lot* of arrows.  A *lot* of time.  I'd better be able to put 70/100 into a 6" diameter group at 20 yards...

It reminded me of Ed McGivern -- the "Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting" guy.  He wrote that it took him 125,00 rounds to learn a particular trick.  As I read it I was thinking, "How does he find the time?  Who's loading all those rounds?  I wish I had a rich wife..."

[DaveKS]

so whats your take?

how many do you think it takes to be able to shoot 70/100 into a 6 inch group at 20 yards

[vermonster13]

A good coach could make it a lot less for you.

[JImmyDee]

Originally posted by DaveKS:
so whats your take?

how many do you think it takes to be able to shoot 70/100 into a 6 inch group at 20 yards

More than I've shot so far.

I just pulled 60 or so after reading this and I'd guess that 70% fell inside a 12" diameter circle.  How many within 3" of my mark?  I'd say more than 1/5, probably fewer than 1/3 -- but nowhere near 7/10.

Oh, well: 300,000 more to go!

[jhansen]

I don't think you can put a hard and fast number on it.  Some people are just more talented and gifted with better hand to eye coordination.  I've been shooting on a regular basis for more than five years.  I don't know how many arrows I've shot but it doesn't come close to the number you stated.  There are days when I don't dare shoot more than two arrows into the target because I'm sure to break one by hitting it with another one.  Then there are days when about all I can claim is that I keep them all in the boiler-room of my 3-D deer.  Anyway, I think 400,000 is an unreasonable number.  Anyone with average ability and determination can do better than that.

John

[Terry Green]

I really like what jhansen said.

Also, when starting out, you NEED to shoot a lot of CORRECTLY shot arrows to burn your alignment and form into your subconscious, to learn trajectory, and to gain confidence.

Once you learn to shoot well, then  you don't 'have' to shoot that many....just make sure the ones you do shoot you make count, and they are executed properly.

I will say that I don't believe you will LEARN to shoot well by not shooting a lot of arrows.  You wont get better by shooting less.  Some will take more than others.

Always remember, the MOST important shot is the one you are fixing to make.

[BlkDog]

Although I have shot bows since I was 9 (now 36), I am still new to traditional.  Well unless you count that 2 year stint with a yellow fiberglass recurve when I was 9....anyway....  I would say if you focus on form and consistency (pay attention to Terry's posts-it works!), a few thousand TUNED arrows should get you there if you are dedicated, practice consistently, and regularly.  Although you need to keep it fun, practice smart..practice form, shot exectution, and if an arrow is off mark try to think about why.  Just shooting for sake of shooting may ingrain some bad habits.  If it isn't working out, maybe the focus is not there...take a break and try again later.  Take it one shot at a time.

Is this a good time to plug the tradgang video?  I saw the trailer and it includes some of Terry's pointers on alignment and form.  I am definitely looking forward to it!

[rt2bowhunter]

Dont try to play with numbers. Set your bow up tune your arrows work on form. Dont try to shoot to much poundage. Go out an shoot your bow an i promise It will come you will start to shoot where you look.Dont try to make shooting hard make it fun. As far as the 70% in a 6" group who cares.I worry about putting my first shot in the kill zone 100% of the time.

[Larry247]

I agree with rt2bowhunter,don't play with numbers. If you start counting every shot you make you'll warp your mind. Who ever said that may need to shoot that much, but i don't believe it. I've seen people that have shot for no more than a year do what that guy said it takes 400,000 shots to do.I'd forget I heard that and go shoot and have fun!  

[Rod Jenkins]

Originally posted by DaveKS:
I had one expert archer tell me it takes about 400,000 arrows to be able to shoot 70 out of 100 arrows in a six inch group at 20 yards.

No offence, but I would no longer consider, this archer an "expert"  :D

[M.P.]

Alright,5 more shots and I'll be an expert

[Artur]

The trouble with Experts is that you can have a room full of them -- and a room full of differing opinions!

I have also seen "newbies" who have out-shot "expert archers", many times. How did they do it, you might ask... With talent, skill, proper equipment (bow AND arrows), attention to detail, a smidgen of "luck" and some really good coaching from an excellent teacher! Some of them didn't need to shoot more than 800 arrows, either.

I admit, even after 20+ years, I still can't shoot like that, myself.... Hey, I have never claimed to be an Expert.

[Yohon]

"No offence, but I would no longer consider, this archer an "expert" "

Rod.......          :D

[Matt E]

I do believe your archer friend was trying to tell you, in a joking manner, that it takes a lot of practice.Correct practice can make someone a decent archer in a few months, incorrect practice won't make anyone a decent archer in a lifetime.

[BobCo 1965]

It would take me about 22 years to get to that number shooting 50 arrows everyday.

[curlis]

Right on Rod. Perfect practice makes perfect shots, not the number of shots.