Pro Release Inc. has recently introduced a new line of mechanical bowstring
releases called the Silver Bullet series. The series comprises 5 releases,
all of which use a similar release head, but are equipped with three different
grip styles. They include a Wrist model, a Pistol Grip model, and
a Concho model. Both the Concho and Wrist models are offered in junior
sizes, where the release is scaled down to ensure proper fit for smaller
shooters.
In this article, I'll progressively review the design features and performance
of the full size Silver Bullet Concho from the front of the release to
the back -- including my comments and observations.
The Front End:
The Silver Bullet concho is a caliper design with two pivoting jaws.
The silver anodized aluminum jaws are identical to one another at the
bowstring end, and both pivots about a pin that attaches them to a black
anodized aluminum body.
They are spring loaded in the open direction to easily accept the bowstring
and are closed by pushing forward on the trigger. The two jaws open
and close in unison so that the bowstring slips through the crack at the
center of the release as the jaws open up. This design has become
the preferred one, as it eliminates any sideways motion that other designs
impart on the bowstring.
The shape of the jaw tips allows the release to be used directly on
the string or on a string loop. I used it both ways, and my "small"
string loop, that is only about ½" behind the back of the bowstring,
worked well. Larger string loops will only give more clearance for
the jaws.
One jaw has a hardened steel roller attached to its rearmost tip, and
the other jaw has the hardened steel trigger pinned at its rearmost point.
When the release is closed the trigger pivots forward and a notch in the
trigger becomes the sear that engages with the roller on the other jaw.
This sear prevents the release from opening when drawing, then as you squeeze
back on the trigger for the shot, the roller moves to the point where it
can no longer hold, and the release snaps open -- releasing the bowstring.
A set-screw in the notch on the trigger provides adjustment for trigger
sensitivity. When you screw it in till it is flush with the notch
in the trigger, you allow the roller to engage farther into the notch,
thus reaching the "least sensitive" setting -- where you have to pull back
farther one the trigger for it to release. I shot with it this way
but must admit that my shooting form is not good enough to use it at the
least sensitive position. Experts teach you that it is best to just
keep squeezing the trigger while doing your best to keep the sight pin
on the target, but I'm just not that good (or patient). I feel that
I'm about to go nuts because the darn thing just won't go off!
However, for those of you who are good, the least sensitive setting will
help you to avoid "punching" the trigger as the pin goes past the target.
On the other side, "trigger punchers" like me will be glad to know that
you can back the set screw out about 1 ½ turns to achieve the "Muhammad
Ali setting"! (Those of you that have done it know exactly what I
mean.) You get the trigger set so lightly that when you draw - the
slightest movement sets off the release. If you are at ¾ draw
when it goes off, the 60 odd pounds you are holding goes to zero just when
your fist is aimed right at your mouth - resulting in literally punching
yourself in the face! I didn't actually do it with this release,
but I have made my mouth bleed in the past with the "Muhammad Ali" setting.
The silver bullet has the range to adjust it to any point between the extremes
that I have described.
Some advice when adjusting the Silver Bullet includes:
-
The full range occurs in about 1 ½ turns of the set screw. Start
with it flush with the notch (hardest setting) then CAREFULLY back the
screw out in increments of about ¼ turn or less to achieve the setting
that you like;
-
Don't be fooled into attaching it to a string and applying minimal draw
tension while you adjust it. I tried this and felt that the trigger
had to move a tremendous amount with the set-screw out about 1 1/4 turns.
I was about to go farther but luckily I tried it at full draw first.
When the full bow weight was on the sear, the roller only needed to move
a fraction of the distance that I had assumed when trying to set it under
minimal tension. (Restated: Unless you want to spar with Muhammad, you
must test every setting while at full draw.)
The Middle:
The Silver Bullets designers installed a felt pad behind the trigger
that deadens the sound of the trigger striking the release body as it flys
back when the sear is released. This is a small detail, but I removed
it, resulting in an obvious clicking noise upon release.
The rear of the release body is attached to a semi-rigid rubber tube
with plastic caps on each end. This tube connects the head to the
wrist strap. The center of the rubber tube is actually a #10-24 Stainless
steel screw with about a 60-degree bend on the end which attaches to the
wrist strap. The head to tube connection is made with a threaded steel
fitting that allows the release head to freely rotate 360 degrees. The
rotating head allows an archer to rotate his wrist without imparting a
twist (called string torque) to the bowstring. It also allows the
head to be rotated 180 degrees, making it fit both right and left-handed
archers.
The Rear:
The threaded rod in the center of the tube is attached to the wrist
strap with a #10-24 nut. The nut has a nylon locking insert to prevent
it from coming loose.
The wrist strap itself is comfortable and secure. It has a durable
leather outer layer with a padded liner against your wrist. It attaches
to your wrist with two sets of Velcro fasteners. The first set allows
you to wrap it and easily secure it on your wrist, and the second set -
where the strap is fed through a plastic loop on the opposite strap then
folded back on itself - actually fastens it securely to your wrist.
There are double seams at stress points including the attachment point
for the rod leading to the release head, and where the ends of the Velcro
attach to the leather wrist strap. The range of wrist sizes that
it will fit seems excellent. I have a fairly small wrist, yet there
is some range smaller than my setting, and a large range for wrists larger
than mine.
Ratings:
Design: 4.5 of 5
This release is well built and should last a long time. Machining
tolerances must be good - as the jaw tips are tightly closed when shut.
I was amazed that I couldn't even see light through the tips of the jaws
even when applying pressure to spread them.
Performance: 4.5 of 5
I found that the release was very smooth with a crisp release. Trigger
adjustment was possible from light to heavy.
Aesthetics: 5 of 5
This is a great looking release. Colored in matte black on the wristband,
attachment rod/tube and head, with Silver jaws, attachment nut and "silver
bullet logo". I'll admit that some "camo freaks" may want to darken
some of the silver areas.
Comfort/Fit: 4.5 of 5
The Silver Bullet accommodates a great range of wrist diameters, and
is very secure and comfortable.
One comment: The silver bullet is fairly long from wrist to release
head ... at least for my hand. I may shorten it a bit to make sure
I don't shorten my draw length.
For information on the Silver Bullet
Release and other products contact:
PRO RELEASE, Inc.
33551 Giftos Drive
Clinton Twp., MI 48035
Phone: 586.792.1410
Fax: 586.792.1412
Email: promail@prorelease.com
Web: www.Prorelease.com |
