Bows... (the arrow shooting kind!)

Grease

Grease

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May 10, 2012
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As a kid I used to have a great interest in archery and target shooting with a bow and arrow. I found my old bow today, and for obvious reasons it's too small for me :p

I'm hoping to find either a recurve or a longbow for some target shooting in the back yard (it's a big back yard, so power won't be an issue) but I literally have no idea where to start.

I'm 6'3" with wide shoulders, so I'll probably need something on the larger side.

What are some brands to look int to, or possibly some models that you guys use?
 
I used a Bear recurve for the longest of times. I've heard good things about PSE also... If you want to follow the olympiads, IIRC they use Hoyts.
 
First, find a good local archery store. You want to be "fitted" to know what power and size fits your frame. I started out long ago with a 25# recurve and found 35# was where the "sweet spot" was for me. You don't need a lot of draw weight for target shooting so, avoid buying too much power in your bow

"Good"brands range from mass market options like Browning to specialty options like PSE and Hoyt. For what you want, they are all good options.
 
Have you considered having a go at building? With little more than hand tools, you can knock out a good-shooting "board" longbow for the investment of a few dollars worth of lumber.
I got into it a few years ago, and my best to date is a #45 pound osage orange longbow.

The first volume of the Primitive Bowyer's Bible contains all the information you'd need.
 
mwerner said:
Have you considered having a go at building? With little more than hand tools, you can knock out a good-shooting "board" longbow for the investment of a few dollars worth of lumber.
I got into it a few years ago, and my best to date is a #45 pound osage orange longbow.

The first volume of the Primitive Bowyer's Bible contains all the information you'd need.
Click to expand...

I actually have a maple bowstaff curing right now... But I'm impatient and don't want to wait a few months ;)
 
If you are going to build one, I would highly suggest starting with a hickory board bow. No chasing rings, removing bark, etc. It's simple and tough as nails, plus the grain doesn't have to be perfect with hickory.
Google "George Tsoukalas Archery" for board bow instructions.

If you're really in a hurry, google the backyard bowyer! You can build a legitimate bow out of pvc in an evening. Fast, fun and CHEAP!!!
 
I'm about your size (6'2" with a 51 inch chest), and if I had to replace my recurve today, there's three that are on my short list without breaking the bank.
1) Tradtech pinnacle II with long limbs for straight traditional
2) Hoyt Excel 23 with long limbs as a jack of all trades
3) Hoyt Horizon 25 with medium limbs for target shooting.

Keep in mind that a lot of the trad gear on the market stacks like a bricklayer past 28" draw. Try before you buy if at all possible.
 
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I would suggest finding a local shop that has a range. A bow is like a car; I wouldn't buy one without a test drive. :)

Also I agree a lighter bow for target shooting is more fun. It's nice to be able to shoot more than a quiver before you're muscles are toast.
 
My dad has some awesome really traditional (mongolian and sithian) recurves. I'm pretty sure they come from a maker in pa. I'll ask him and post again.
 
Samick Sage is good one to start with. You can buy additional limbs if you want to increase draw weight.
 
Check if there is a local archery club. The glassed traditional bows are pretty durable so you might find a good used one. If you think you might go hunting with it, for larger game, get one with a minimum of 45 pounds @ 28". Check the game department but WA used to have minimum requirements for large game. Let us know what you end up with.
 
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