Short Arms…..Bad Stance

[ELLIS]

I am new to crossbows and I am having trouble getting a rock solid stance. I only shoot 3D tournaments.

I am the proud owner of a 2011 Equinox as of mid June. My arms are a little on the short side. To get my elbow of the arm holding the forearm stock comfortably tucked into my side for support my hand would be holding air in front of the trigger guard and just behind the end of the forearm stock. I guess bolting a 2x2 piece of wood on the bottom of the forearm stock extending it back almost to the trigger guard would solve this problem but it would look plumb ugly…. But this would give me a deeper forearm stock allowing my hand to be in a more forward position to help balance the crossbow.

I am hoping to find a part out there in either black or Realtree AP that can be cannibalized to give me a pretty fix instead of the 2x2.

I am wondering if someone out there has had the same problem and would kindly tell me how they modified their crossbow.

[SScott]

Have you tried laying your hand partially under the trigger gaurd, sort of like this gentleman is doing with his rifle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h11HE5Vi ... DB87D1004D

This gentleman also supports the x-bow at the trigger gaurd:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEr4RhXIA2M

[ELLIS]

Thanks for the videos SScott. I will have to give them a try and see if I can find a comfortable stance that works for me.

I just found out that the 2011 IBO rules will not allow anything to be added to the bow that would aid in bracing, like a palm rest...so that is out...

[j.krug]

There are many shooters who shoot well without anchoring their arm to the side of their body. I'm sure it takes more practice and is a bit more challenging but it is doable. I'm not saying I'm an expert shooter but I do fine and I don't anchor my arm to my side.

Practice, practice, practice!!

[Dash]

The anchoring of the elbow works well for the shorter target style crossbows but difficult to do comfortably with the hunting style even with long arms. But for target shooting, a vixen or Ibex may be easier for you to steady as the bow is closer to you and feels much lighter to shoot. There's other techniques you can use to lock your upper body steady than just with the elbow though. I'd try other methods before trying to modify the bow.

[MarkMarine]

Of course, you can always order a custom stock from Agingcrossbower. His craftsmanship is displayed in a whole lot of member avatars throughout this forum. He can fit it to your individual length of pull.

[sumner4991]

Of course, you can always order a custom stock from Agingcrossbower. His craftsmanship is displayed in a whole lot of member avatars throughout this forum. He can fit it to your individual length of pull.

X2 . . .great stocks Mike has made.

Have you considered wearing something on your arm/elbow? Or gaining a lot of weight? Just kidding on the weight gain.

[CBRon]

For off-hand target use the highest scope rings you can find... that will lower the stock and put your elbow in your ribs... Ron

[ELLIS]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Lots to think about or to try out.

I have already done what you suggested CBRon, I put extra high scope rings on my scope to lower the stock a bit.

Thanks again!

Cheers,

Bill