Beginners Archery

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Vivi

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I want to learn how to make my own bows, but that could take me a while. In the meantime I was looking for a low-cost setup I could use to practice archery with. I'd like a bow and at least 5-10 arrows, and would prefer a price point under 60$, but if it's a good bow I'm willing to spend closer to 100$ or even a little more. The only thing I've seen locally is the 500$+ compound bows (I think they're called that?) and the 15$ childs archery set, nothing really in between.
 
thier are lots of bows out there...depends on what you want to use it for...the art of archery, or hunting....if stictly for hobby puurposes I'd suggest a recurve or a long bow...learninghow to use them correctly is a real artform and skill...I shot a takedown recurve for a while..and loved it I''m picking up a compuond to hunt with, as it seems they are much easier to shoot once it is set up properly...if you are looking to make your own bow chekout board bows, and look back in the threads there have been several bow threads in the past few weeks.
 
Find a local pro shop and look for used bows. Reality is Archery is not a cheap hobby or sport. Not that you have to spend a ton but unfortunately $60 will get you some cheap arrows and a target.
 
Actually, the arrows are more important than the bow. You could shoot a 40 year old Shakespeare and if the arrows are right for the bow in your hands, it'll be more accurate than you will ever be capable of shooting. By the same token, you could be shooting a 2000.00 custom, but your arrows are mismatched and none of them built to shoot from the bow in your hands and it will never be accurate with those arrows.

I started with an old Shakespeare trident many years ago. Had a tweeked limb, till I learned to straighten it and I was never really good with it until I met an archer. He made me a set of arrows that were right for the poundage of the bow, at my draw length and I actually started getting pretty good at hitting a target at 20 yards.

There are probably several here that have a used bow to sell, unfortnately I don't, that would be a good beginning shooter for you. Something you do not want to do is overbow yourself. Starting with a bow that's 30-40 pounds would be a good starting point. You will need to get your draw length measured. An easy way to do this is to get a yard stick and stand up against a wall with your shoulders touching the wall. Place the yardstick 1" side, center of your chest and pointing away from you and keeping your shoulders against the wall, stretch both arms out fully, with your fingertips extended and grasping the yardstick. The number on the stick at the end of your fingers will be very close to your draw length. Once you know that, you will be able to shop for a bow that will have the correct weight at your draw. If you have a very long draw length, say from 30" and up, you might have a problem finding an older bow that will work for you.

When searching for a bow, some questions to ask would be are there any signs of delamination (glue in limbs coming apart)? Any cracks? Twisted limbs? Has the seller shot the bow? Is he the original owner? Condition of string and shelf? etc.

As for making your own bows and arrows, get the bowyers bible. There are 3 books that make up the set.
 
Be aware that the PSE imported recurve has a reputation for self destructing limbs in heat, so if the bow has been subjected to high temperatures in Arizona, you may want to have it checked out before selling it.
 
Normal disclaimers apply, I don't know, work for, work with, any of these folks, but I have been looking at bowstick archery. For $70 bucks you get a bow w/string. You finish it the way you want. Bonus checks come out in Sept, I might have to invest in one and a dzn arrows.


Anyone done business with these folks?
 
I heard about the limb seperation too. The bow limb on the maverick are in great shape. The only time I go to the range is during the cooler months. Otherwise it lay arcross with the bowstring destrung, in my home. Right now it is about 86 degrees in the morning to warm for my taste for range shooting. Indoor ranges are always pack during the summer months and I perfer different ranges to tune my skills. I can always give pic if anyone is interested in the bow.
 
You can usually find fiberglass bows on ebay for around $30 to $50 - just search under recurve.
 
I'm taking a look at the different suggestions and going to a few local stores again today since I got payed, but superduty I wouldn't mind seeing your bow so I can get an idea of what it's like. Raumien@gmail.com

Thanks
 
I can make a 30 lb pull bow for about 10 bucks in less than 1/2 an hour. Not pretty, or made of traditional materials though.
 
Any guides or tutorials you think would help me do that, something that would work for someone with no bow making experience?
 
OsageBow007.jpg

One way or the other your going to pay your dues. what is in this picture is not much in the way of cash but a high investment in time. I started making archery equipment 25 Years ago. I learned from trial and error and from books. Get the books 'the Traditional Archers Bible" also www.primitivearcher.com can be a source of knowledge.
 
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