It is an infrequent occurrence but when an archer shoots at the same target with identical form, it is possible to hit another arrow in the target AKA the “Robin Hood”, or also referred to as “tubing an arrow”. Usually it is unintentional and results in the first arrow being damaged and unfit for use. An expensive outcome with quality arrow shafts costing from $90 up to $300 per dozen for target shafts.
Le Earl Rugland’s You Tube video shows the tricky shot in action from 25 yards…Where he is able to shoot a smaller arrow inside of a large aluminum arrow shaft
So for the target shooter shooting at a single small target, pin nocks are a good investment to protect arrows from close hits, as well as from direct rear collisions like this one:
If these arrows had pin nocks installed the only damage would be to the plastic nock, rather than the entire arrow shaft such as the photo below. Ensure the pin is still straight, replace the $.80 plastic nock and you are back in business.
SAFETY ALERT! From John…
Care must be taken when arrows start slapping together on the target, that the archer examines the arrows, and nocks for cracks. An unnoticed crack in the nock causes the nock to disinegrate on release, resulting in a wayward arrow and lots of terse words from the archer.
In fact, this year at Redding’s Western Classic Trail Shoot I received a lesson in that very thing. After a target where myself and my fellow archers had all grouped together quite well in the dot, I neglected to inspect my arrows for damage closely enough. The broken nock caused my arrow to impact 10 yards short of the aiming point, effectively eliminating me from contention in my class. It occurred once more, a week later during a practice session in the barn. At that point I decided that that particular brand of pin nocks was prone to crack unnoticed and I decided to switch pin nock brands…
Keep an eye out for a future post on Pin Nock Performance. Until then, Shoot straight!.
