Weapon bow: history of appearance and examples of use. Archery

In ancient times, the bow was the most important weapon of hunting and fighting in almost all peoples on the planet. Today it is an accessory of sports shooting. In addition to entertainment, it can be very useful in nature, for example, for survival.

The history of the onion appearance. Examples of using

This hand weapon was used by all peoples and tribes, from the Mesolithic period to the 7th century AD. The exact place and time of onion appearance scientists have not been able to determine until today. But one thing is certain - at the end of the Stone Age people used it for hunting as a weapon. Bow at that time was a mandatory equipment for each earner 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 bow begin to be used in wars by nomadic peoples. As for the hunt, thanks to this weapon, the ancient tribes were able to procure meat for themselves. Previously, men had to be content with medium-sized, slow-moving animals, who were trapped and clogged with stones and spears. With the advent of onions, a whole industry opened up - hunting. Archaeologists agree that Neanderthals used this weapon. This is evidenced by hundreds of rock paintings. In those times immemorial, the onion was an elastic root, on the ends of which was stretched a string of veins or vegetable fibers. Later it began to be made from the horns and canines of large animals. Residents of the tropics managed to make onions from flexible plants, such as bamboo.

About 3 thousand years ago it began to be used purely as a weapon. Onions in skilled hands could hit the target for hundreds of meters. With the advent of the first conquerors, armies and legions began to be formed. In Persia, the most valuable warriors were archers, and in Rome they were given special privileges. The shooting technique of each nation had its own, but this did not stop them equally quickly and accurately hit the target even from the longest 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. For professional shooting, the following types of onions are suitable:

- traditional (the model must necessarily be made of a single piece of wood, since it is a kind of copy of the weapons of a certain era);

- classical (its design is remotely reminiscent of the first kind, however, modern materials such as plastic or composite are used for manufacturing);

- block (the newest and universal model, which differs from other types of long-range, achieved through special mechanisms at the ends of the handle).

There are also classifications, for example, in the form of manufacturing (curved and straight), according to the location of the boom (peripheral and central), on materials (metal, composite, wood, fiberglass) and many other additional features and properties. By the way the weapons are used, the bow is divided into hunting, amateur and sports. In any case, shooting will require physical strength, concentration and serious endurance.

How to make an onion by yourself

First, you need to select a suitable long rod. It is best to use a strong branch of hardwood, for example oak, acacia or yew. The main thing is that it does not have cracks and knots. You can use bamboo or juniper. The length of the rod is 1.8 meters. The properties that the material must meet is flexibility and strength. It is also important that the natural bending of the rod is clearly in the middle.

The next step is to determine the location of the handle, for which the shooter will hold the bow. The weapon (see photo below) should be convenient for gripping, so that the brush fits snugly against the rod, and the forefinger and thumb touch. It is important that the edges of the handle are at a distance of 7.5 cm above and below the center of the bow. It is recommended to make a serif on these places.

Now is the time to give the onions a shape. To do this, it is necessary to clean the rod from unevenness. The thickest trunk should be at the handle. After that, the notches are made to fasten the string. The distance from the tip of the rod to the serifs is from 2 to 5 cm. The string is best suited for a string of hemp, rawhide, a strand of silk or a strong line. Secure it to the rod with secure knots.

Ultimately, the bow weapon should look so that the length of the perpendicular from the maximum bend point to the stretched material (fishing line) is from 20 to 22.5 cm.

How to make arrows by yourself

The optimal material for them will be dry dry branches. The length varies from 60 to 80 cm. Too big arrows are uncomfortable to pull, and they will fly unevenly. According to generally accepted standards, their length should not exceed the bending of the bow. The most common materials for arrows are young branches with the smallest number of knots, as well as the golden throat of the field. The first thing to clean the twigs from unevennesses and dry it well. From the thicker end of the branch, a notch is made, which the arrow subsequently clings to the string. On the other hand, the stick should be sharpened. In amateur shooting, the tip and plumage of the boom are not necessary. Make them at home is extremely difficult.

Technique of shooting

To begin with, you need to choose a location for training, where there would not be strangers. Afterwards, the bow with arrows is checked, so that there are no cracks in the base, the bowstring is not torn, etc. This is done in order to protect yourself and others from possible injuries.

Archery requires special position, so that the oscillation of the body is minimal. The handle should fit snugly against the palm of your hand, so that at the moment of manipulation do not move to the sides. It is worth noting that the accuracy and strength of the shot depends directly on the position of the body and the stability of the bow. The technique also includes aiming and correct breathing. Archery begins with string stretching. To do this, the handle is held with the left palm in a horizontal position. The arrow is put in a nest on the bowstring and stretches it so that the middle of the twig was at the base of the bow. Then the weapon assumes an upright position. If possible, it is permitted to tighten the bowstring a little more. The final stage will be aimed, smooth exhalation and conquest of the target.

Body position

In the starting position, the legs should be on the width of the shoulders. The trunk of the arrow aligns perpendicular to the ground, without the slightest bend. The head turns to the target, and the chin rises slightly. Correct position is very important for aiming and achieving maximum shot strength.

The bow holding the hand is fully extended toward the goal. During all actions (from the insertion of the arrow to its release), the brush and joints should not bend or descend from the intended axis. The pulling arm grasps the bowstring, stretches it and gently releases it to subdue the target. Its position should continue the axis of the boom. It is important that the elbow is not dropped. It is allowed to raise it by 5-10 degrees.

In professional sports, before shooting from the bow, special attention is paid to capture. It should be performed with the index and middle fingers, and the nameless helps to draw the string more strongly. In the amateur form, the arrow can be held, as it will please the soul. The main thing is not to forget about the correct position of the body, legs and hands.

Azes of aiming

To learn how to shoot a bow well, it is not enough to know the correct position of the body and slow breathing. One of the most important and complex nuances is aiming. This process is to direct the bow to the target and keep this position until the moment the boom 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. Accurate hit of the arrow into the goal is achieved only after long practical training. To conquer a distant target, the bow is raised relative to the ground, and with it, respectively, the position of the hands also changes.

Cost of ammunition

The most budgetary is the 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 the material of the handle and string.

Next on the price is a traditional onion. It costs from 7,500 rubles and above.

Block bows are the most expensive. For the most simple shooter will have to pay from 8.000 to 40.000 rubles. Professional cost from 50.000 rubles.
Baby bows can also be of the above three kinds. Hence the difference in price - from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles.

The cost of arrows - from 100 rubles. (For 1 piece).

Helpful Tips

1. When aiming, the bow and arrow must always be perpendicular to each other.

2. It is important that the holding arm from the elbow to the fingers starts the final trajectory to the target.

3. Do not be distracted by extraneous matters during the release of the arrow.

4. To increase the flight speed, you can wrap the handle in a wet thin skin, and then dry it on a fire.

5. Sports archery requires a good basic muscular backbone and hands.