Objective
Walk Back Tuning is a method of setting the centre shot of the bow. It is a more refined technique than Paper Tuning but will only set the horizontal.
You typically do a Walk Back Tune on a newly set up bow, before you’ve started getting sight settings. If you’ve already got sight settings, consider a French Tune instead.
Preparation
Set a target at a known, short distance, like 10m.
Attach a vertical string from the top to the bottom of the target, centring it horizontally.
Select a vertical aiming point close to the top of the target, centred on the string, and sight in on the aiming point. This will be the Reference Point for the rest of the process.
Technique
- Shoot at the Reference Point, ensuring that you have a perfect setting in the horizontal plane.
- Record the position of the arrows.
- Adjust only your rest a small amount (no more than 0.75 mm):
- Arrows grouping left of the string: move the rest to the right.
- Arrows grouping right of the string: move to rest to the left.
- When you’re happy with the result, move the target back in either 5m or 10m increments.
- Repeat from step 1 until you’ve run out of distance, and you cannot safely shoot on the target anymore.
- Sight in your horizontal on your scope.
Notes
Consistent hand pressure and good shooting form is crucial to perform a successful Walk Back tune.
You never adjust the sight vertically after obtaining the Reference Point. The height of the arrows on the target will be relative to the distance, and the horizontal position relative to your rest position.
Be aware that larger increment changes at further distances increases the risk of shooting under the target.
You can repeat the process by starting at a further distance, like 30m, and thus being able to tune further back. This is a more accurate tuning process than Paper Tuning, and you would not paper tune your bow again after the completion of your Walk Back Tune.