Tight Release

Hey guys, just finished my first crossbow(after waiting 2 1/2 months for Alchem) and I have a few questions for you experts out there. After cocking the bow and began to release, I noticed it was really tight. I had to squeeze rather hard on the lever. Is this common or did I make a fatal error somewhere? Also after shooting a few times I noticed the brace height had changed. Can I remove the string and twist it again to the correct brace, or is this a bad idea?

jds6

Hi,

How much did the brace height drop(is it still dropping)? How heavy is the prod? How many strands and of what material is the string made?

*Some* stretch is ok (again, more or less with different materials - artificial sinew stretches *a lot*), but it's also possible that the string was underpowered and failed somewhere under the serving. (without knowing more, it's just my speculation)

A picture would help a bit too.

As for the trigger...you should take a closer look at the sear engagement angle. Basileus has explained it pretty well in the Wiki. >>>Link ...and we also had a discussion in the beginning of our Triggers topic in the Resources. Make sure to watch the vid that Pavise posted in the beginning of the topic.(it pretty much explains everything you need to know about lightening the trigger pull *and the dangers of lightening it too much*) >>>Link

Again a picture would help.

Ivo

Thanks for the reply Ivo,
The prod is an Alchem 135# I dont know about the string since I ordered it also through Alchem. The brace height dropped a little more than a 1/4 inch from what I can tell. Here is a few pics of the bow.
jds6

Nice bow.

1/4" drop in BH sounds alright (with things settling into place as you shoot) and it's still in the manufacturer suggested 3" range. Guys are tackling it in the other topic hard, but don't let that phaze you...If it didn't explode on you and doesn't show obvious signs of deterioration, then you're in the safe zone.

And with the trigger, definitely check on what I mentioned earlier.

Or if you feel like opening up the trigger and pining it to a board same way it's in the stock, then we can take a closer look at what's causing all the trouble. Just a suggestion, in case it might give you an extra piece of mind...and I'm sure the guys will appreciate an opportunity to do some problem solving and help a brother out.

Happy Building/Shooting!

Ivo

Thanks Ivo,
Well this sure gives me peace of mind.
I did check out the video that you suggested, really good info on the trigger. I am going to give it a try and see what happens. Thanks again for the info.

jds6

Greetings,
Here are a couple of pictures of how the release lever is mounted in the tiller ( pretty close). Now needing some knowledge thrown my way on what the problem is on the tight release.
I did watch the video that Ivo recommended. Have not done anything with the lever yet.

jds6

Hey guys, problem being solved. After further study of what I had ( and help from the video in the Triggers topic)it was pretty clear.The distance between the sear and the notch in the roller nut was to much for the amount of rise on the lever. Filed down top corner of the sear (lever). The release was a lot smoother. Need to take it apart once again and file a little more.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
jds6

Congrats!

I decided to give you some time to study it and it looks like it payed off. (plus I couldn't see the sear, so I couldn't really say anything without guessing anyway ) So, thumbs up to you on getting things fixed up. Now your accuracy should improve and overall experience will be much more enjoyable.

Ivo