Some Interesting Facts About Archery
August 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
People have been involved with archery for a minimum of four thousand years, but very nearly certainly for a lot longer than that. Sections of composite recurve bows have been found dating back to the second millennium BC, but the parts that were found were the non-wooden, composite parts, usually of horn.
The wooden parts ordinarily rotted away thousands of years previously, but a wooden longbow from the same era was found in Somerset. Most probably, people had been using all wooden, single section bows long before they started constructing complex composite recurve bows.
The skill of archery has always enthralled mankind and, in spite of the fact that guns have made archery obsolete, it still fascinates people today, although nowadays archery is practically exclusively used for sporting purposes. It is a thriving sport and hobby and is the national sport of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
If you are interested in taking up archery, you will first have to decide which type of bow you prefer. Among other types, there are the longbow, recurve bow, reflex and decurve bows, deflex bow, pyramid bow and crossbow.
To a certain degree, the arrows are not interchangeable either. For instance, a longbow can cast a three foot, heavy-gauge arrow, whereas a crossbow shoots a six inch bolt. The bows also had different uses although there was a certain degree of overlap.
For example, longbows were the heavy, rapid-firing armaments of their day, being able to fling a heavy, armour-piercing arrow hundreds of yards; whereas a short recurve bow was ideal for assault from horseback. Crossbows took less ability to use but were slower than a bow.
There are diverse kinds of arrow too. Historically, arrows were made of wood with a sharp metal tip, but these days arrows can be made of aluminium or carbon fibre. The arrowheads are different for different applications as well. A simple brass tip is sufficient for everyday shooting whereas a ferocious, slashing broadhead is used for killing.
The majority of people who take archery seriously use carbon fibre arrows these days which is the typical arrow shaft in use at the Olympic games. The flights are usually of bird feathers and are used to stabilize the arrow in flight to minimize wobble. Plastic flights are also to be had as they are less prone to damage.
The Welsh (and English) longbow was perhaps the most powerful hand bow widely used. These longbows were typically six feet or more in length and made of one section of seasoned yew (or other woods). The draw weight of a Welsh longbow at the time of Henry VIII was between 160 -180 lbf and that would shoot a heavy three ounce arrow up to about 280 yards.
An explanation of the damage that one of these arrows could inflict was given by Gerald of Wales in the 12th century:
“… in the war against the Welsh, one of the men of arms was struck by an arrow shot at him by a Welshman. It went right through his thigh, high up, where it was protected inside and outside the leg by his iron cuirasses, and then through the skirt of his leather tunic; next it penetrated that part of the saddle which is called the alva or seat; and finally it lodged in his horse, driving so deep that it killed the animal”.
It took years of practice to draw and shoot one of these longbows bows perfectly.
Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on various subjects, but is presently involved with archery recurve bows. If you would like to know more or for special offers, please go to our website at Kids Archery Set.
A Short History Of Archery
August 19, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Bowmen have played a major role in warfare and hunting for thousands of years. Primitive bows were made of a single piece of wood, but composite recurve bows were being made from Greece to China as far back as the second millennium BC.
Recurve bows, those with the ends facing the ‘wrong way’ when unstrung, are more powerful inch for inch in length than one piece wooden bows, which made them more suitable to confined conditions such as on horseback, in a chariot or in wooded areas.
Bits of composite recurve bows, usually made from horn, have been discovered in many parts of the world. Early arrows were made from naturally straight twigs or pine needles with napped flint tips affixed. Wooden bows did not preserve so well and exemplars are rare.
It seems that archery was being developed in the early Mesolithic or late Paleolithic Age. Archery was especially well developed in some Islamic countries and in Asia, where Zen Buddhist monks used archery as part of their meditation techniques.
In the first days of archery, there were miscellaneous sentiments about archers. In those days, people battled hand to hand with swords and spears and some of the traditionalists reckoned that archers were cowards because they attacked from a distance out of immediate danger. This point is made quite clear in ‘The Iliad’, Homer’s account to the siege of Troy.
There are or were many types of bows made to suit different fighting or hunting requirements. Some varieties of bow are the; long bow, short bow, recurve bow, composite recurve bow, reflex bow, decurve bow, deflex bow and crossbow among others.
The longbow was extremely hard to learn to use and the archer needed considerable upper-body strength. The bow was often six feet long with a weighty three foot long arrow. The draw weight for maximum power was around a hundred pounds and the use of the bow on a battlefield was as long-range artillery.
The heavy arrows and vicious armour-piercing arrow head would rain down on the enemy from a hundred yards or more and pierce shields and armour as if were not being worn. Shot horizontally, the three-foot arrow could pass through a couple of people.
In fact, the longbow was so essential to the triumph of Great Britain that a law was passed making it obligatory for men over a certain age to practice with their longbows every Sunday on the village green in order to develop the required skills and upper-body strength in case war came.
The arrows are made to suit the different kinds of bows and the different bows and their specific arrows are suited to different kinds of hunting - whether you are hunting men or animals.
There are essentially two types of shooting: instinctive shooting, which is very difficult as the archer does not take his eyes off the target, but does not sight down the arrow; and sight shooting where the archer uses sights to align the arrow with its target. Most people find sight shooting simpler.
Owen Jones, the writer of this article writes on various topics, but is presently involved with archery recurve bows. If you would like to know more or for special offers, please go to our website at Kids Archery Set.
Track Down A Hunting Video Website
July 21, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Whether you are a newcomer to the sport of hunting, or an experienced hunter looking to up your game, you can get all the advice you need at a hunting video website. These sites provide clips and DVDs to purchase and download, covering a range of topics from how to care for your gun, what equipment you will need for specific types of hunting, and where to go for your next expedition.
There is a hunting video website for most types of hunting you may be interested in, from duck and other waterfowl hunting, to African big game and even fox hunting. Most hunting video websites will stock DVDs with tips on hunting in different conditions, such as snow, desert or African safari. Often this type of hunting video shows footage of a hunt. An expert takes the viewer step-by-step through it, providing information on tracking as well as on the hunt itself. Most interesting are those that involve international travel to exotic places, as these can spark your interest in travelling far afield for a different type of hunting adventure.
Africa provides hunters with an adventure that will always be remembered. There are new challenges to be faced in big game hunting in Africa, and a hunting video on African safaris can provide insight and tips that will make your trip a successful one. Some hunting video websites specialise in African safari hunting videos and information.
Your weapon of choice will determine which hunting video you choose to purchase. There are videos for bow hunting, with information on the different types of bows, how to care for your crossbow, and tips for a good hunt. If you hunt with a rifle or shotgun, you will find hunting videos that guide you through gun safety guidelines, the different types of guns and ammunition used for different hunts, as well as gun cleaning tips. Some of these hunting videos are instructional in their format, with step-by-step instructions for cleaning a gun or crossbow. These can be extremely useful to the beginner, as can the safety cautions provided on many of the videos.
You may like to combine your hunting with a visit to a foreign country, providing the opportunity to experience a new land as well as a totally different hunting adventure. Most hunters will contract the services of a professional hunter, but you can learn a lot from a hunting video filmed at the location you intend visiting too. Climate and terrain differences, as well as new game with different habits will be covered in this type of hunting video, affording you the opportunity to do some homework and arrive for your trip armed with some knowledge.
Some hunting video websites feature promotional footage of game lodges and hunting safari accommodation. These are great for previewing lodgings and facilities before booking a hunting trip. A hunting video like this can prove very useful. Before you go out on your next hunt, or plan your next expedition, track down a hunting video website to find all the information you need for your trip.
Author: Vilkovo.eu Вилково Please visit our hunting video website http://www.huntingvideo.info/ where you will find great collection of fishing videos. You will find a comprehensive choice of dear duck fox hunting videos you can also check our sea fishing videos
Could Bushcraft Survival Skills Save Your Life?
July 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Bushcraft survival, or the creative use of things in nature for survival, is more than just a hobby.Many see it as entertaining, particularly as we think of media survivalists like Ray Mears or Les Hiddins. But why would it be so useful for the average person to know how to build natural shelters, carve with bushcraft knives, make natural cordage and start a fire with sticks? Wasn’t that just something early American mountain men or the ancient Indians needed to know but not those of us living in modern society?
So, is there really a practical use for bushcraft survival today? In fact, people who love the outdoors like hikers and fishermen often express interest in the art. This makes sense as various situations could result from the pursuit of these hobbies which would render the enthusiast in trouble if he or she didn’t know how to survive with minimal gear.
But what about the rest of us? Unfortunately, everyone now faces the very real possibility of disaster scenarios in this new terrorism age when the actions of a few people can put hundreds of thousands or even millions in peril if they don’t know how to survive. A mastery of these skills can actually mean the difference between life and death for you and your family.
So how do you learn these skills? Fortunately, there is plenty of information available via the internet, on videos and books. The problem is that many think they’ve got it because they’ve read about it. When it comes to bushcraft survival, there’s no substitute for knowing by experience how to practice the art. You can do it, it just requires practice.
Bushcraft survival offers a great sense of satisfaction to children as they learn to be creative in problem solving using natural things which are available. It’s also a terrific family activity in that it’s fun and productive and gets everybody out in nature all at the same time. In the future, we’ll take a closer look at specific skills like natural fire starting and water procurement. Hope you can join us!
To find great resources onBushcraft Survival and read more of Griz Garzo’s articles, visit http://www.bushcraftsurvival.net.
Learn The Reliable Tips For Hunters
June 19, 2010 | Leave a Comment
As exceptionally tinted leaves bedazzle the fall landscape, hikers and hunters across the nation will head over to mountains, forest and fields, but several, sadly, are poorly trained for the beating their feet will take. Hunters and hikers will frequently navigate the most rugged terrain.
Walkers, hunters among others who have fun with the outdoors frequently hardly understand how demanding it can be to tolerate continual, strenuous walking on unsteady terrain. Walking up and down sloping hillsides and wandering through muddy, slick fields and wooded areas places tension on the muscles and tendons within the feet and ankles, specifically if you have not conditioned decently just before reaching the trail.
The best equipment for walking up and down in the woodlands is a high quality pair of well fabricated hiking boots. This purchase in quality boots will prevent sprained ankles or strained Achilles muscles.
It is wise for hikers and hunters to make the investment in top-grade hiking boots. Strong, well insulated and moisture-proof boots with steel or graphite shanks provide terrific ankle and foot support that provides lessening stress and muscle tiredness to prevent down injury risk.
In wet and crisp, cold temperature, donning suitable socks can help avoid blisters, fungal infections and frostbite. A fine synthetic sock for the initial layer retains dry feet and lessens rubbing that forms blisters. With the second layer, wool socks supply warmth, catch moisture away from the skin, and help make the hiking boot cozier. Wool allows moisture to evaporate faster than cotton, so fewer blisters grow.
What goes on if your feet or ankles hurt during a hike or hunt? Pain usually occurs from overuse, being out of shape, or perhaps from just walking. If you are not familiar with walking on sloped or uneven ground, your legs and feet will get tired and trigger muscles and tendons to ache. To prevent a serious injury, such as a severe ankle sprain or an Achilles tendon rupture, rest for a while if you start hurting.
Moderation can be another good strategy to follow when first starting out in the forest. Evaluate hiking to skiing in that beginners should take on much easier trails until they become better conditioned and more confident. Using common sense in starting easy will make your hunt more comfortable and enjoyable.
Hunting expert and Author Ethan O. Tanner explains the different types of top grade hiking boots the determining factors in best hunting equipment for your hunting and hiking needs.
The Cutting Properties of a Bowie Knife
April 10, 2010 | Leave a Comment
A Bowie knife is one of the most versatile of outdoor knives. There are limitations, however, to even the most flexible of cutting tools. The size, heft and thickness of the blade all play a role in this. The materials of which the blade is made play a significant role, as well. There are advantages to a Bowie which make them more flexible than other knives, however, and which work to the user’s advantages.
Smaller Bowie knives are the most practical for actual precision cutting tasks. Not only are these knives much more agile and precise, they’re usually made of better materials and are much easier to sharpen. Bowies of between 6 and 10 inches are excellent for most outdoor sports. They even make fine cooking knives, though they are a bit thick of blade for very precise, gourmet cooking. The clipped point adds an even more agile section to the blade which is great for dealing with fish and game.
A larger Bowie knife is usually made of less-expensive materials. Oftentimes, the advantage of these materials is that they are harder and able to withstand more abuse without breaking than high-carbon steel and high-carbon stainless steel, the preferred materials for expensive Bowies. Remember that these knives are not suitable for cleaning game, especially small game, and that they’ll hack a fish to pieces rather than fillet it. As flexible as a Bowie is, size presents some limitations.
Remember that using a knife outside of its strengths is an invitation to disaster. Bowie knives which are small should not be used for hacking, chopping or for dealing with bone when cleaning an animal. The blade will invariably be damaged and, given the extreme use, it may slip or break. Such accidents can cause very serious injury, especially if one has a very sharp, very high-end knife in their hands.
Remember that safe cutting requires a sharp and clean edge. A Bowie knife should always be maintained to a sharp edge and protected against corrosion. No matter what type of blade one has or how expensive, it will become little more than a shiny stick without proper maintenance. Always keep Bowies in their sheaths when not in use, to protect both the knife and those around it!
Blake is a business consultant for an online bowie knifes store featuring Cold Steel bowie knives.
Getting A Federal Firearms Licence
April 5, 2010 | Leave a Comment
The enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968 means that every individual or company that is interested in making or selling guns must get a federal firearms license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
However, there are different classifications of federal firearms license which means obtaining a federal firearms license may be a very daunting task.
Each license is valid for a period of three years and is non-transferable.
You can choose from eleven classes of federal firearms license. You will have to find the license that fits how you will be handling firearms.
It is normal for some classes to be more popular than the others. These two classes are the most sought after of the licenses. The Class 1 of licenses is for people who want to become gun dealers or gunsmiths.
On the other hand, the Class 2 license is for people who want to be pawnbrokers.
If you are but a mere collector of antique guns, you will still have to obtain your own federal firearms license. The Class 3 federal firearms license is given to those people who buy guns out of special interest and not to use them for any sporting activity and offensive or defensive acts.
These people must only purchase guns out of a special interest and not to use them in sporting or any defensive or offensive act. Most guns that fit in this category are what we call Curio and Relic Firearms.
A gun may be considered as Curio and Relic upon the following considerations: If by the time the owner seeks a federal firearms license, it was already made for more than 50 years.
Or it is collected because of its monetary equivalence that is usually derived from its make, rarity, uniqueness and part in history.
In obtaining a federal firearms license, you would have to meet a few qualifications. To start off, you must be at least 21 years old.
Any application from a person who is not at least 21 years old will be denied. Finally, an applicant must not have any record of illegal gun use.
Stop. To find out more about federal firearms licence then go to my site quick. And checkout my free proxy list service right this second.
What You Need To Know About The Federal Firearms License
April 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Every individual or company that desires to make or sell guns is required by law to get a federal firearms license. This is what the Gun Control Act of 1968 stipulates and which is being enforced now.
One thing to know about federal firearms licenses though is that they have different classes and titles.
A federal firearms license is given out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. You can pick from the eleven classes of licenses to avail.
However, each license is only valid for a period of three years and is non-transferable. I will be enumerating some of the more popular types of federal firearms license.
If you are an individual who would like to be a gunsmith or a gun dealer, you would have to get the first type of federal firearms license or Class 1.
However, if you want to engage business as a pawnbroker, you must apply for the second type or the Class 2.
The mere collection of old guns does not exclude any person from having to get a federal firearms license.
If you are a person who fits the description, you should get the Class 3 license. You may collect different kinds of guns, however Curio and Relic firearms as well as antique firearms are often chose. This federal firearms license is given to those who buy guns out of special interest and not to use them in any sporting activity or offensive and defensive acts.
When we talk about Curio and Relic Firearms, these are the guns that are more than 50 years old at the time when the individual applies for a license.
These firearms are valuable for their uniqueness or their association to any popular person.
Being a true lover of guns will necessitate you to find more information regarding which class of federal firearms license to obtain.
Nevertheless, in this high tech era you can always get all the information you need from the internet.
Wait. To learn more about federal firearms licence then visit my site quick. And checkout my great proxy list service now.
Learn About The Federal Firearms Licence
April 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment
In order for one individual to show deep interest in the business of firearms, one must be able to know about federal firearms license, their importance, and their different classes and types.
There are plenty of websites that can help any person with regards to Federal Firearms License.
An individual or company that desires to sell or make guns will have to get a federal firearms license per instructed by the law. This was made mandatory with the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1969.
Federal firearms license has 11 different classes and titles.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the government agency that is in charge with the handing out of federal firearms license.
There are eleven classes of federal firearms license for one to choose from when in the process of obtaining a license. Nevertheless, each license may only be used for three years and is non-transferable.
When it comes to the popularity of classes, Class 1 and Class 2 are often the most sought after. An individual who wishes to be a gunsmith or a gun dealer must get a Class 1 license.
On the other hand, Class 2 license is given to any individual who decides to engage in business as a pawnbroker.
Even collectors need to get a federal firearms license. Those individuals who buy firearms for the special interest in collecting them and not to use them for any kind of sporting activity or offensive and defensive acts must obtain a Class 3 federal firearms license as provided by law.
Most firearms that fit into the bracket of collectible are the Curio and Relic types of firearms. In order for a gun to be classified as Curio and Relic, it must have been manufactured for more than 50 years at the time when the owner decides to get a license.
Most Curio and Relic guns are collected for their valuable appraisal due to their uniqueness, rareness or historical importance.
Wait. To find out more about federal firearms licence then go to my website. And also checkout my free proxy list service now.
Fixing the Blade on a Bowie Knife
March 30, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Bowie knives, like any cutting implement, are subject to certain types of damage. Among the worst types of damage a blade can endure is bending. Bent blades can be very hard to repair and, sometimes, the repair attempt can be dangerous. Metal can only bend back and forth so many times before it snaps. Using heat to make metal more malleable causes additional issues that may make the blade worse in the end. Sometimes, a professional is required.
The Bowie knife design was conceived with the intention that one would be availed of an excellent fighting knife and a durable, all-around survival knife. Many Bowies today, however, are made out of very expensive materials and some of those materials are specialized. The less expensive grades of stainless steel, such as 420, may be able to be bent out of and back into shape, but the more expensive types may well break before regaining their original shape.
Bending a knife back into shape is possible, but dangerous. When metals weren’t of a high quality, such as before the invention of good steel, swords and knives could be bent back into shape over and over again. Even cheap Bowie knives are made out of better materials than the best Iron Age swords. Unfortunately, this means that the blade is at risk of snapping as modern metals are very hard and not flexible. If one attempts to simply muscle the Bowie back into proper shape, they may get quite an injury from the snapping blade.
If one visits a blacksmith or a cutler’s shop, they’ll find a plethora of specialized equipment. For those who own very expensive Bowie knives, the repair will not be possible without such equipment. On a high-carbon blade, bending it back into shape will create a weak spot and heating it will most certainly ruin the temper. Bending it may snap the blade off altogether. A professional can maintain the temper, straighten the blade and fix the knife, in most cases, because of their specialized skills and knowledge.
Remember that Bowie knives may be durable and reliable, but this doesn’t mean that they can take infinite abuse. They have to be maintained and they have to be used sensibly. The heavy blade may be able to hack through a small tree or piece of firewood, but this will ruin the knife. Bending a bent blade back oneself may ruin it, too.
Dylan is a business consultant for an online bowie knife store featuring combat knives.