Gator Jaws Release

[Harley]

I want to return the favor from DougEdwards, who introduced me to the Anchor Sight. My own contribution is the Gator Jaws release, pictured below:




Note that there are two nock locks clamped to the string; the arrow nock fits between them with room to spare - no pinching at all. The double caliper Gator Jaw ensures that the string has no bend around the nock; the result is a perfectly torque-free release.

I used the Gator Jaws for years, despite everyone's ridicule for its strange design, until I gave mine with my bow to my son, Russell. I replaced it with the Scott Li'l Goose release for my new bow.

After more than 300 paper-tuning shots I was unable to shoot more than a couple bullet holes in a row and finally gave up, telling myself it didn't matter because I was hitting my field target, anyway; but, I did continue worrying about it, because everyhing "just wasn't right". This past week I bought a new Gator Jaws release and every shot through paper has been a bullet.

I think this illustrates just how sensitive a variable nock pinch is. If you are determined to wring the most from your own setup, eliminate nock related problems by eliminating pinch and being sure that the nock pocket is large enough to slide slightly on the string.

The Gator Jaws release is hard to locate; I contacted several sources that listed it as out of stock; one large distributor told me it was available, took my order, then sent an email that it was out of stock. I finally found mine by leaving a voice mail with John at www.jammer3.com.

Harley

[dougedwards]

Is this a hook release? I am unsure of how it actually attaches to the string. I re-read the post and see that this is a double caliber release. Does that mean that it opens up in the middle to receive the string? If so, does the trigger open and close the release? I have always used hook releases so I am rather ignorant of this style.

Doug

[Harley]

Doug, this release works just like any single caliper release, opening in the center to receive the string. The trigger closes and releases both calipers, simultaneously.

If you click on the link, then click on Gallery, you will see more detailed pictures. Interestingly, though, none of the pictured setups are like mine.

Harley

[dougedwards]

Very interesting looking release. I am suprised that it isn't more popular than it is. I am wondering if it is hard on the string.

Doug

[Harley]

It's actually about 50% EASIER on the string than a single caliper release, since each of its calipers pulls only half of the total draw weight at a single point on the string.

Harley

[russkull]

I am a big fan of this release. No torque, pinch or extra wear. This new one looks more refined from the ones I have.

[dougedwards]

Isn't the trigger on the wrong side in that picture or am I missing something?

Doug

[deadeye]

LH

[huntingmike]

When I shot compounds I always thought the gator release would be the way to go.

I am sorry now that I never tried it.

Mike

[dougedwards]

Jun 21, 2010 22:03:59 GMT -5 deadeye said:

LH

Duhhhhh.....yeah that explains it

[Harley]

Doug, there is no LH or RH model. The barrel of the release freely swivels, so you can position it any way you like. This is also a protection against torquing the bowstring.

Harley

[bloodtrailer]

Will it work with tie on nocks?

[Harley]

The Gator Jaws will work with tied on nocks, but be careful not to spread them out. Even if you do spread them, there will be some configurations that will work (see the Gallery on the web site
www.jammer3.com ).

Harley

[bloodtrailer]

OK Harley you"ve done it again, I found a used gator jaw release and wow (I've always used a fletcher release( I've got about 6 of them around here, soon for sale)) I was able to tighten up my groups and got rid of allot of those " what the hell was :othat arrows" I've yet to paper tune with it yet, but may not need to. I've never :-[been able to get a perfect bullet hole with my Mathews switch back 70lbs at 29 in XT 5575 cut to 27 100grn pnts blazers 2in set helical left and a fletcher release and was told to go to a loop( tried it hated it ,I'm to old a dog for "new" tricks) so I always served dental floss over the serving to prevent wearing/breaking and replaced that several times a season(easier than replacing the serving)the Fletcher's are great releases but they do wear out your servings and you get nock pitch( catch that arrow if you let your draw down) Now I'm not sure if I should thank you or curse for showing me a better way. Ignorance is blissful you don't realize how bad you have it till someone shows you a better way(bow and arrows vs spears, smokeless vs black powder) So THANKS HARLEY ;D now I need to get a backup for hunting (those fletchers(like spears) just will not do.

[Harley]

Bloodtrailer, I'm really pleased you tried and like the Gator Jaw; funny thing, I, too, shot the Fletcher release for something like 30+ years; and I've got a drawer full of them, too. They are fine releases, just as good as the Scott, which is more popular and more expensive. Also, I shot the same Mathews/Gold Tip combination you list, but with right helical.

I just bought a second Gator Jaw release as a backup to take hunting with me; truth is I had a Gator Jaw backup (before I gave both of them to my son) in my bow case for many years, unused, because this is a very reliable release; but, like you, I always want a backup, anyway.

What sort of setup did you do for your Gator Jaw? Is it like mine, or did you copy one of those on the Jammer3 website?

Harley

[bloodtrailer]

I use tie on nocks above and below much like your set up . I can move them by twist/screwing them up or down no need for nocking pliers(in archery box) just use serving , burn the ends saves a little string weight . ( I have no ideal what Jammer3 is)

[Harley]

www.jammer3.com is the site where I located my own Gator Jaws release. Under "Photo Gallery" they depict a couple of other ways to align the release to the string. I don't like either of them.

Harley

[Harley]

I'm enclosing a picture of two wrist release straps that I have modified. The one on the left started life as a velcro fastener, but wore down over time. I used a leather awl and stitching needle to replace the velcro with a strap and buckle. The release on the right came with my Scott Li'l Goose release. After punching out the retaining pin I replaced the Scott release with the Gator Jaws by using a #10 screw that I cut off and bent.

Bloodtrailer, if your new Gator Jaws is too long you can replace the screw with a shorter one and use the original nylock nut to secure it.




Harley

[Harley]

I've got nothing else to do right now, so I'll post an apology to DougEdwards. Doug, when you first claimed those four-inch groups using your Anchor Sight I was skeptical. I've never been able, consistently, to do as well.

For the time being, I've settled on 57# of draw weight as acceptably fast (289 fps) and causing acceptable shoulder pain. Today, I zeroed the bow and started shooting at 30 yards.

I'm grouping from 1.4 - 2.3" (three-shot groups). Who'da thunk it?

Harley

[rangeball]

Back when I shot compound I had a gator jaw on a scott palm grip. Loved it.

[Harley]

Yeah, Rangeball.

Harley