horn replacements for self nocks?

[tel]

I wonder if I might disturb you trad. types for a minute?
A point was made at our longbow tournament yesterday concerning the GNAS requirement for horn nocks on longbows. I've seen a lot of what appear to be reasonable bows lately that are self nocked - so is it feasible to do away with the self nock (cut it off if needed?) and replace with a horn nock, or would that ruin the whole bow?

Cheers

tel

PS I notice that on Alanesqs page he says GNAS told him in June'07 that the wording of the relevant section was to be changed - it appears it hasn't been.

[Et tu brute]

Hi, I don't see why that wouldn't be possible. It would depend on just how far down from the tips of the bow the nocks are as to whether you'd have to shorten it. Probably the easiest way would be to use a belt sander to taper the tips down to fit the horn (the diameter of the drilled out part of the horn is normally around 1/2" but that depends on draw weight) but you could do it with a rasp or file.

The only worry would be that if the bow was needed to be shortened it could become too short and break because of the extra stress put on the wood, it may also increase the draw weight a bit. You'd have to shorten it by quite a bit for this to happen though, and you probably wouldn't need to shorten it much at all.

[englishwarbow]

That shouldn't be a problem, all horn nocked longbows start lives as self nocked longobws the horn fits over the original nocks. I do find myself asking what the possible justification GNAS have for there rule though?

[Longbow_Gold]

Originally Posted by englishwarbow

That shouldn't be a problem, all horn nocked longbows start lives as self nocked longobws the horn fits over the original nocks. I do find myself asking what the possible justification GNAS have for there rule though?

I can't help wondering this also, because to me, it shouldn't matter if a longbow is either self or horn nocked, it should be the archer's choice as to what his/her preference is, when it comes to using a longbow that is suitable to that person.

Is there much (If any) difference in the shooting quality/performance between a self and horn nocked bow?

Willie

[tel]

Thanks guys!

it is a bit odd isn't it....and as I understand it the wording was to be changed to allow the use of other materials, not to allow self nocks.

[djthompson]

This is an excellent post!

I've seen some beautiful self nocked bows - to think these don't comply with GNAS rules baffles me?

In terms of performance, I'd of thought less weight on the tips would improve things?

So I guess the horn must be there for either safety reasons or asthetic reasons?

But then GNAS allows sight bands/pins on ELBs for target shooting - which to me goes completly against the grain.

Wonder what the Fraternity of St George and the like think about horn nocks...

D

[Artemis]

Regarding horn nocks on longbows and the GNAS rules. This is because when GNAS decided they wanted to regulate longbow shooting as well, they merely copied the BLBS equipment requirements. I believe they have since made one or two minor changes.

BLBS requires horn nocks because they are traditional on recreational target and clout longbows. They do give a smoother finish which is less likely to wear the string, and also protect the vulnerable tips of the limbs. Vee

[worthipa]

http://www.archery-interchange.com/f...tml#post233795

http://www.archery-interchange.com/f...tml#post233924

On the surface it just seems to be another example of GNAS not being able to get themselves together between changes to the rules and the Judges views (remember the "Carbon Arrow" fiasco?). I would say that was another ambiguous reply. "Any" nocks implying "any other" nocks rather than self nocks i.e. you could use plastic rather than horn.