In ancient times, bow was the most important weapon of hunting and fighting among almost all peoples on the planet. Today it is an accessory for sports shooting. In addition to entertainment, it can be very useful in nature, for example for survival.
The history of the onion. Examples of using
This hand weapon was used one way or another among all peoples and tribes, starting from the Mesolithic era and ending with the 7th century AD. Scientists have not been able to determine the exact place and time of the appearance of the onion to this day. But one thing is certain - at the end of the Stone Age people used it for hunting as a weapon. In those days, onions were included in the obligatory equipment of every getter in the family (tribe).
Many scientists compare this tool with such important discoveries for a person as fire and wheel. Only at the turn of the ages did the nomadic peoples begin to use onions in wars. As for hunting, thanks to this weapon the ancient tribes got the opportunity to get their own meat food. Previously, men had to be content with medium-sized, clumsy animals that were driven into a trap and clogged with stones and spears. With the advent of onions, a whole industry opened up - hunting. Archaeologists agree that this weapon was still used by Neanderthals. This is evidenced by hundreds of cave paintings. In those immemorial times, the onion was an elastic root, on the ends of which a bowstring from a vein or plant fibers was stretched. Later it began to be made from the horns and fangs of large animals. Residents of the tropics managed to make onions from flexible plants, such as bamboo.
About 3 thousand years ago, they began to use it purely as a weapon. A bow in capable hands could hit a target hundreds of meters away. With the advent of the first conquerors, armies and legions began to form. In Persia, it was archers who were considered the most valuable warriors, and in Rome they were given special privileges. Each nation had its own shooting technique, but this did not prevent them from striking the target equally quickly and accurately, even from the farthest distance.
Onion and its types
Shooting from this weapon requires special skills and dexterity. To date, onions are used only in sports or for entertainment in shooting galleries. The following bow types are suitable for professional shooting:
- traditional (the model must be made of a single piece of wood, since it is a kind of copy of a weapon of a certain era);
- classic (its design is vaguely reminiscent of the first look, but such modern materials as plastic or composite are used for manufacturing);
- block (the newest and most versatile model, which differs from other types of long-range, achieved by special mechanisms at the ends of the handle).
There are also classifications, for example, by the form of manufacture (curved and straight), by the location of the boom (peripheral and central), by the materials (metal, combined, wooden, fiberglass) and by many other additional features and properties. According to the method of application, the weapon bow is divided into hunting, amateur and sports. In any case, shooting requires physical strength, concentration and serious endurance.
How to make a bow yourself
First you need to choose a suitable long rod. A strong hardwood branch, such as oak, acacia or yew, is best suited. The main thing is that there should be no cracks and knots on it. It is allowed to use bamboo or juniper. The length of the rod is 1.8 meters. The properties that the material must meet are flexibility and strength. It is also important that the natural twist of the rod is clearly in the middle.
The next step will be to determine the location of the handle, for which the shooter will hold the bow. The weapon (see photo below) should be comfortable for gripping, so that the brush fits snugly on the rod, and the index and thumb are in contact.
It is important that the edges of the handle are 7.5 cm above and below the center of the bow. It is recommended to make serifs at these places.
Now is the time to shape the bow. To do this, clean the rod from bumps. The thickest barrel should be at the handle. Following this, notches are made to secure the bowstring. The distance from the tip of the rod to the serifs is from 2 to 5 cm. For a bowstring, hemp rope, rawhide, a strand of silk or a durable fishing line are best. Secure it to the rod with safe knots.
Ultimately, the bow weapon should look so that the length of the perpendicular from the maximum point of bending to the stretched material (fishing line) is from 20 to 22.5 cm.
How to make arrows yourself
The optimal material for them will be dry, even branches. The length varies from 60 to 80 cm. Too large arrows are uncomfortable to pull, and they will fly unevenly. According to generally accepted standards, their length should not exceed the bow bend. The most common materials for arrows are young branches with the least number of knots, as well as field goldenrod. First of all, the twigs should be cleaned from bumps and dried well. A notch is made from the thicker end of the branch, with which the arrow will subsequently cling to the bowstring. On the other hand, the twig should be sharpened. In amateur shooting, the tip and plumage of the arrow are optional. Making them at home is extremely difficult.
Shooting technique
First you need to choose the area for training, where there would be no strangers. Next, a bow and arrows are checked so that there are no cracks in the base, the bowstring is not torn, etc. This is done in order to protect themselves and others from possible injuries.
Archery requires a special position so that the body oscillation is minimal. The handle should fit snugly in the palm of your hand so that at the time of manipulation it does not move to the sides. It is worth noting that the accuracy and strength of the shot depend directly on the position of the hull and the stability of the bow. Also, the technique includes aiming and proper breathing. Archery begins by pulling a bowstring. To do this, the handle is held in the horizontal position with the left palm. An arrow is placed by a nest on a bowstring and pulls it so that the middle of the twig is at the level of the base of the bow. Then the weapon takes an upright position. If possible, it is allowed to pull the bowstring a little more with an arrow. The final stage will be aiming, smooth exhalation and subjugation of the target.
Body position
In the starting position, the legs should be shoulder width apart. The body of the arrow is aligned perpendicular to the ground, without the slightest bend. The head turns toward the target, and the chin lifts slightly. The correct position is very important for aiming and achieving maximum shot power.
The bow holding hand is fully extended towards the target. Throughout all actions (from the insertion of the arrow to its release), the brush and joints should not bend or descend from the intended axis. A pulling hand grabs the bowstring, pulls it and gently lets go to conquer the target. Its position should continue the axis of the arrow. It is important that the elbow is not lowered. It is allowed to raise it by 5-10 degrees.
In professional sports, before shooting archery, special attention is paid to capture. It must be done with the index and middle fingers, and the ring helps to pull the bow more tightly. In an amateur form, the arrow can be held, as your heart desires. The main thing is not to forget about the correct position of the body, legs and arms.
The basics of aiming
To learn how to shoot a bow well, it is not enough to know the correct position of the body and slow down your breathing. One of the most important and difficult nuances is aiming. This process consists of pointing the bow at the target and maintaining this position until the arrow is released. For aiming, it is necessary to follow the projection of the bowstring in relation to the plane of the target and maintain the height of the eyes. Exact hit of an arrow in the target is reached only after long practical trainings. To conquer a distant target, the bow rises relative to the ground, and with it, accordingly, the position of the hands changes.
Ammunition cost
The most budgetary is considered a classic bow (weapon). Its price varies from 4,500 to 12,000 rubles. The cost depends on the manufacturer, the quality of the base and material of the handle and bowstring.
Next up is the traditional onion. It costs from 7.500 rubles and above.
Block bows are the most expensive. For the simplest arrow you will have to pay from 8.000 to 40.000 rubles. Professional cost from 50,000 rubles.
Children's bows can also be of the three above types. Hence the difference in price - from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles.
The cost of arrows is from 100 rubles. (for 1 piece).
Useful Tips
1. When aiming, a bow with arrows should always be perpendicular to each other.
2. It is important that the holding arm from the elbow to the fingers begins the final trajectory to the target.
3. Do not be distracted by extraneous matters during the release of the arrow.
4. To increase flight speed, you can wrap the handle in wet thin skin, and then dry it on a fire.
5. Sports archery requires a good basic muscle base of the back and arms.