Does the orientation of a crossbow affect its accuracy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the accuracy differences between vertical and horizontal crossbows, with participants noting that vertical crossbows tend to be more accurate for freehand shooting. Jerry, the original poster, argues that the vertical orientation provides better balance and control, potentially due to a "plumb bob" effect. Other contributors suggest that the differences in accuracy may stem from the physics of balance and the moment of inertia, indicating that vertical bows align better with the center of gravity, enhancing stability during shooting.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of crossbow mechanics and design
  • Basic principles of physics, particularly balance and moment of inertia
  • Familiarity with archery shooting techniques and styles
  • Knowledge of sighting systems used in archery, including pin sights and scopes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of balance and stability in vertical vs. horizontal configurations
  • Explore studies on the moment of inertia and its effects on shooting accuracy
  • Investigate the design features of vertical and horizontal crossbows
  • Learn about the impact of grip and hand positioning on shooting performance
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for archery equipment manufacturers, competitive archers, and enthusiasts interested in optimizing shooting accuracy and understanding the physics behind different crossbow orientations.

  • #31
johnbbahm said:
I had never seen a vertical crossbow before looking it up just now, but if you have
ever seen a slow motion video of an arrow being fired, it appears to oscillate on the
same axes as the string.
A bolt while shorter and stiffer may still have oscillations.
If the oscillations are on a vertical plane, the inaccuracy would look like
more or less drop, if the oscillation were on a horizontal the inaccuracy would show
up as an error off the center line.
This is just an idea and may be way off the mark.
Some of the new HD video cameras have a slow motion function, it might be worth a watch.

Hi John,
That is a good point, but I am shooting the same bow in V and H and the patterns are basically the same but much larger when I shoot it in The H position.
 
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  • #32
Can you try hanging a vertical stabilizer rod from the horizontal bow to help keep it more horizontal?
 
  • #33
JAG1118 said:
Hi John,
That is a good point, but I am shooting the same bow in V and H and the patterns are basically the same but much larger when I shoot it in The H position.
Hi Jag,
It's not the bow, but how the bolt is pushed out, I think the oscillation
may be lined up with the string, so the V has the error in the vertical,
while the H has the error in the horizontal.
 
  • #34
berkeman said:
Can you try hanging a vertical stabilizer rod from the horizontal bow to help keep it more horizontal?

I am sure that would help, I have to try it to see. I am trying to keep everything equal and adding a stabilizer is defeating the purpose of this thread, the difference in balance with H and V. I was looking for some scientific terminology that might help me with my question. There has to be test that have been done on objects for compairson. Right?
Thank you Berkman,
 
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