The tall tale about a bible in a soldier's pocket saving his life during the war after it blocked a bullet has been given a modern twist, as a man avoided hospital after being shot at by an alleged bow-and-arrow wielding assailant, only for his smart phone to absorb the blow.

A 43-year-old Nimbin resident was getting out of his car on Wednesday morning when he spotted a man, allegedly holding a bow-and-arrow, standing outside his home.

Piercing blow: The aftermath of the arrow going through the mobile phone. Credit:NSW Police

When the unarmed man raised his phone to take a photo of what was unfolding, the would-be William Tell allegedly fired the arrow, which pierced through the phone screen, causing the device to hit the victim's chin.

He was left with a small laceration that didn't require medical treatment.