Posted: 1/17/2014 8:36:02 AM EDT
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Deer hunting was sort of boring this year. Deer walks out, estimate range, aim, squeeze, load up in the truck.
Time for a new challenge, Bow hunting. I know absolutely nothing about bows. It seems like used bow prices are pretty good. I figure I can find a good deal from someone who just upgraded to the latest and greatest. What would Arfcom be looking for in the classifieds for a noob? |
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In all seriousness, you'll want to visit a local archery shop first if you have one in your area. There you can most-likely test fire some bows to see what you like. They will also measure you for your draw length and others stuff.
If you want to just go get a cheap one to try out, then a good place to start is to find one with a draw weight probably around 60lbs +/- if you want to hunt. It needs a rest and you'll need some pins for aiming. You don't necessarily need pins. Other things you'll need... Arrows: Get 6 just to try out. Aluminum. These will be tailored to your draw weight so you gotta get the bow first. Release or tab: This will save your fingers. I used to shoot bare-fingered with a 60lbs bow though, so whatever. That's about it to start out. Check out Lancaster Archery Supply and you might find a kit that will suit your needs. Archery can be as simple, or as gear-centric as you want, but it's always best to start simple until you know how to shoot, fur a multitude of reasons. |
| I honestly would NOT buy a used bow under any circumstances unless it was thoroughly inspected by a competant bow smith. You dont know how someone has treated their bow and if it has been dry fired or not. The first bow I bought I got used the 3rd arrow I put through it I had a limb explode in my face. At the time I was a noob and had no idea on WTF happened but after reading up and doing some research it has probably been dry fired a bit and had hairline cracks in the limbs. Sometimes even the bow smith cannot see the cracks due to the materials/ finish and coatings some places but on their bows. You can get an entry level martin/PSE/ Diamond for sub $400 set up that is where I would start. Once you put a few arrows into target you will be an aaddict however! |
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Probably should have said in the first post. I have an old Browning bow from the 80's that my dad gave me. The local shop set me up at 29.5" draw and 60lbs draw weight. I can
shoot it decently out to 30 yards now. But it has a 50% let off and after about 30 minutes of shooting I am exausted. The local shop doesn't have a range and they only stock about 10 different Matthews bows (I think they may have Bowtech too). I will check out archerytalk too thanks. |
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Quoted:
Head over to the forums at archerytalk.com You'll find a lot of good info over there. They also have a great classified section where you can get good deals on used bows. Try to shoot as many as you can before you actually buy one. I had a guy make me a bow there too, and only paid like $150 for it. Still use it today and love it :) |
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Quoted:
I honestly would NOT buy a used bow under any circumstances unless it was thoroughly inspected by a competant bow smith. You dont know how someone has treated their bow and if it has been dry fired or not. The first bow I bought I got used the 3rd arrow I put through it I had a limb explode in my face. At the time I was a noob and had no idea on WTF happened but after reading up and doing some research it has probably been dry fired a bit and had hairline cracks in the limbs. Sometimes even the bow smith cannot see the cracks due to the materials/ finish and coatings some places but on their bows. You can get an entry level martin/PSE/ Diamond for sub $400 set up that is where I would start. Once you put a few arrows into target you will be an aaddict however! Holy crap that is scary. I had the local place check out my dad's old bow before I shot it for that reason. |
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As an avid archer, here's my advice:
Find your local bow shops, visit them all. Get a feel for the customer service they provide, pick the best one and do business with them. These days it's pretty hard to buy a crap compound. However, your joy will depend on whether or not the bow is set up and tailored to suit your dimensions. Things like, draw length, peep height etc are crucial to accuracy - in addition to having a bow that is well tuned. A good shop will make sure you're totally set when you walk out of the door. Similar to AR's, the bow is likely less than half what you'll spend. Arrows, quiver, sight, rest, release, target and other bits will add up quick. In particular, arrows. Buy a couple dozen - trust me, you'll lose and ruin several during the learning curve. If you can shoot a rifle well shooting a bow should come somewhat naturally, as your skills improve so will your analysis of what you can tweak to improve your performance from the equipment; that's when buying used is a good idea. It's true that there are tremendous deals to be had in the used market but as a rookie, you don't know what you don't know and you could easily end up sol. Case in point, I've got a Mathews Creed for sale right now, it's a deal so hot it will melt your face off! But it's likely not the best setup for someone who's just getting started, particularly because you don't even know your draw length or what you'd need to tweek to get it just right for you. Imagine a guy who's never owned a gun deciding to buy a 1500 yard gun & optics, without any experience in the run up to such a purchase, would you wager that he's going to get the most out of that platform or will it end up sold shortly after he got it? Moreover, technique being good and consistent is critical, do some online reading, buy a few books, maybe take some lessons. If you've got friends who are archers I'm sure they'd be more than willing to help out. All said, bowhunting is a disease, dare I say moreso than BRD! |
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Quoted:
Probably should have said in the first post. I have an old Browning bow from the 80's that my dad gave me. The local shop set me up at 29.5" draw and 60lbs draw weight. I can shoot it decently out to 30 yards now. But it has a 50% let off and after about 30 minutes of shooting I am exausted. The local shop doesn't have a range and they only stock about 10 different Matthews bows (I think they may have Bowtech too). I will check out archerytalk too thanks. I probably have the same bow. Mine has put a bunch of venison in the freezer. Mine is set at 50 or 55 lbs, don't recall exactly. You do not need uber draw weight to kill Ga whitetails. |
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Quoted:
Head over to the forums at archerytalk.com You'll find a lot of good info over there. They also have a great classified section where you can get good deals on used bows. Try to shoot as many as you can before you actually buy one. Yup Archerytalk can help you a lot if your new. |
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i would like to get into archery.
recently i visited my buddy in OKC, and he has a 5 acre plot. his dad comes over and practices his archery in the back hard, and he asked me if id like to try it. i couldnt even draw it back (it was a compound). his dad is like, 80. im weak sauce. and since i couldnt even draw back a retiree's bow... im hesitant to get into it. |
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Go to a "pro" shop and talk to the guys there. Then shoot a few bows to see what you want. To each his own and you will find as much brand loyalty as GM, Ford and Chrysler, so pick what works for you and go with it. Oh... and fuck recurves, this isn't the hunger games.  |
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Quoted:
i would like to get into archery. recently i visited my buddy in OKC, and he has a 5 acre plot. his dad comes over and practices his archery in the back hard, and he asked me if id like to try it. i couldnt even draw it back (it was a compound). his dad is like, 80. im weak sauce. and since i couldnt even draw back a retiree's bow... im hesitant to get into it. It's just a developing of muscles, muscles that you don't normally use doing much else. Once you pull a bow back a few times it'll get easier. How else can you explain an 80yr old man being able to do it? |
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Quoted:
Go to a "pro" shop and talk to the guys there. Then shoot a few bows to see what you want. To each his own and you will find as much brand loyalty as GM, Ford and Chrysler, so pick what works for you and go with it. Oh... and fuck recurves, this isn't the hunger games. lol |
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Quoted:
i would like to get into archery. recently i visited my buddy in OKC, and he has a 5 acre plot. his dad comes over and practices his archery in the back hard, and he asked me if id like to try it. i couldnt even draw it back (it was a compound). his dad is like, 80. im weak sauce. and since i couldnt even draw back a retiree's bow... im hesitant to get into it. Draw length is a huge factor. His might very well be longer than yours. If so, you won't reach the valley or let off. Trust me, you can draw a bow. |
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Find a local shop - with people that aren't a bunch of assholes .
First think of a bow like a pair of shoes , many different bows - but they don't fit everybody Draw length , weight of pull are 2 major things to consider Once you have a basic idea of the "size " to fit then you can look at used , but before you buy anything , again build up a relationship with a local shop. If you buy a used bow - find out how much it will cost to have it re-strung and a basic tune up . Don't buy a used bow without doing that . Anybody that said a compound bow is like training wheels , must carry a flintlock pistol for self defense . Buy a compound bow first - recurve and longbows are "expert" bows Buy suitable targets , cheap arrows with field points - it ain't easy , you will need to start practice as soon as weather breaks for a hunt next fall |
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Quoted:
never buy a used bow. One dry fire and there could be cracks in the limbs. At some point those cracks will give way and you can lose a hand, an eye or worse. Never buy a used bow from someone who doesn't know what to look for. A new bow can break cams or limbs first shot and some bows are much more prone to dry fire accidents than others. A bow tech will EXPLODE if dry fired because it's a speed bow. Hoyt bows are not as prone to those failures. I watched a 1st shot bow tech explode in awe. |
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Quoted: Never buy a used bow from someone who doesn't know what to look for. A new bow can break cams or limbs first shot and some bows are much more prone to dry fire accidents than others. A bow tech will EXPLODE if dry fired because it's a speed bow. Hoyt bows are not as prone to those failures. I watched a 1st shot bow tech explode in awe. Quoted: Quoted: never buy a used bow. One dry fire and there could be cracks in the limbs. At some point those cracks will give way and you can lose a hand, an eye or worse. Never buy a used bow from someone who doesn't know what to look for. A new bow can break cams or limbs first shot and some bows are much more prone to dry fire accidents than others. A bow tech will EXPLODE if dry fired because it's a speed bow. Hoyt bows are not as prone to those failures. I watched a 1st shot bow tech explode in awe. Bowtechs had limb issues at one time. I've bought 2 used bows off of Archery talk and both have been fine. My next bow will be an Obsession. Probably the Phoenix model. ETA: All brands make good bows now. Don't get caught up in any brand hype. Keep an open mind. |
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Quoted:
Bowtechs had limb issues at one time. I've bought 2 used bows off of Archery talk and both have been fine. My next bow will be an Obsession. Probably the Phoenix model. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
never buy a used bow. One dry fire and there could be cracks in the limbs. At some point those cracks will give way and you can lose a hand, an eye or worse. Never buy a used bow from someone who doesn't know what to look for. A new bow can break cams or limbs first shot and some bows are much more prone to dry fire accidents than others. A bow tech will EXPLODE if dry fired because it's a speed bow. Hoyt bows are not as prone to those failures. I watched a 1st shot bow tech explode in awe. Bowtechs had limb issues at one time. I've bought 2 used bows off of Archery talk and both have been fine. My next bow will be an Obsession. Probably the Phoenix model. You need to get ... serious 
I'm eying the carbon spyder 30. You a member of texasbowhunter.com? |