Tuning a recurve bow

From the many queries I get on tuning a recurve bow: (Covered in more detail in "Mastering Bow Tuning", as is tuning a compound bow). Assumptions: - The bow's physical length is about correct for your draw length. - Adjustable limb alignment. - Adjustable draw weight. - Arrows of a size that will work. - The arrows are about level with the back of the riser when at full draw. - You have a sight and a clicker. - You have a good bowhand position and are not twisting the riser. If your arrows are the correct size, the following process is easy, fast, accurate and repeatable. Steps: - Select the correct string length. This should ensure that the correct amount of string is sitting around the recurve on each limb. It is best to use the manufacturer's recommended brace height. - Set the tiller. Make the top tiller about 1/8" greater than the bottom tiller. - Align the limbs. You need to end up with the string running centrally down the limbs and the riser, and for the riser not to be twisted off to one side. - Set the pressure button so that there is zero movement (I put a match in it). Then adjust the centreshot so that the arrow is sitting exactly on centre. - Shoot some fletched and some unfletched arrows at about 15-20M. Adjust the nocking point so that the fletched and unfletched arrows hit at the same height. - Adjust the bow's draw weight so that the fletched and unfletched arrows hit the same place horizontally. Note that if the arrows are not the correct size, this step will not be possible, and there will be little you can do to fix it (sell the arrows and buy new ones - with a recurve bow you really do need to get the exact correct size, one size wrong will not tune correctly even with much frustrating tinkering). If the bow draw weight will not go high enough you can try a lighter string. If the bow draw weight will not go low enough you can try a heavier string. - Still with the solid pressure button, adjust your sight so that you are grouping around the centre of the target. - Now, do not change the sight setting. Take the match out of the pressure button and adjust the spring tension to "something nice". - Now that you have some give in the spring, you will need to push the arrow out a little from true centreshot, so adjust the pressure button position. - Shoot some arrows and see where the centre of the group is. If the arrows are to the left then move the pressure button to the right, and vice versa. - Shoot some fletched arrows at a longer distance and check that they seem to be flying well. - Powder test to ensure that the rear of the arrow is not striking the rest or pressure button. - It should now be working pretty well. Note that we are not fiddling with the spring tension to try to get the fletched and unfletched arrows to group together. It does not work like that. The key adjustment is changing the bow's draw weight. Note that we tune a barebow recurve in essentially an identical manner (using a sight and a clicker). Note that we tune a compound bow shot with fingers in an identical manner.