Recurve (Longbows? Shortbows? Horsebows? Whatever you call them) bows...

C

Crazyotter

Joined
Jun 26, 2010
Messages
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So, I love archery, and recently noticed my no brand compoud bow I've used for years is warped at a 20 degree angle... :eek:

That said. I need a new bow obviously, yet have no idea of what to get. I know a few things...

I do target shooting.
I think I'm a 28 inch draw.
I want at least a 30 pound bow, max of 45.
I dont want another compound.
I would prefer a "short" bow, nothing too long, that I can play in the woods with.
300 budget max. Prefer to do less than 200, but can go to 300 even.

So... is there anyone here into archery that can shed light on bow brands etique? Ty.
 
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I still shoot a 35 year old Bear Recurve and like it. I also have 3 old compounds and have made several longbows and like all of them. You do not need to spend a lot of $$ to get a really good bow. Ebay, Craigs list and several of the archery forums are your friend
 
I shoot a bear super mag 48, and love it. its short, quiet, and super snappy. it shoots faster than some big bows ive tried and cost about 300.
 
Should be able to find something in the 40 to 45 # range without too much of a problem. I would look for a bow that is at least 60 inches long. You may find later that a shorter bow works for you but start with 60 to 64 inches and work up or down from there as to your liking. I shoot mosly 62 inch recurves but do have one 60 incher with a 29inch draw I do just fine. Look for Martiin, Bear, Browning, Herters, Indian Archery and others out there. The traditional archery websites are a great place to look.....keep an eye out for the twisted limbed bows to avoid.....
 
I prefer longbows at the moment but an old Bear recurve is a great idea. You can easily get one in your price range off of e-bay, etc. I'd look at the Grizzly but if you *really* want a short one, then have a look at the Kodiak Magnum. That's a great bow, but if your draw is on the long side (sounds like yours isn't) you can get some finger pinch.

My son has been hunting with his K-Mags for a number of years now and even though those bows are probably too short for him (he has a very long draw), he shoots them very well.

If you want something new (and custom), check the ChekMate Falcon You can find them new at http://recurves.com/ and you might be able to get them used elsewhere. These bows have a great reputation and you can select the wood you want, etc. - if that's important to you.

You're wise to go with a lighter bow, by the way. Lots of guys think they need a super heavy one and end up developing crummy habits as a result.

Crazyotter said:
I found this,

http://www.kustomkingarchery.com/Horsebow-48/productinfo/4718/

and absolutely love it. But can't find any info on it. Any opinions?

And I know you recomended a longer bow, mjhMN, but I really want a shorter bow that if I so chose I can use in the thick brush around where I live, and can only afford 1.
Click to expand...

Horse bows tend to be a bit more of a niche thing. Not sure how that one is made, but the traditional ones are designed for you to shoot of the "wrong" side of the shelf (using a thumb ring). With one of these, you will find fewer people that can help you understand things like proper brace hight, etc. and you may find that is more difficult to replace bow strings (just speculating about that), etc. Also if you decide to sell this bow, you may find that there's a smaller population of potential buyers.

Kustom King is a reputable seller (outstanding place to buy stuff actually) but I'm not so sure about that bow.
 
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i shoot a compound myself, but one day i'll get a nice recurve.

have a look at the Martin and Fred Bear offerings. awesome bows at a nice price point.

otherwise, look at getting a second hand bow. check out at a local archery club.
 
Huh. Ok, and I'm afraid the Kodiak Magnum is out of my price range. Same with the checkmate falcon. And ty.

And ok on the horsebow. Ty.

And ok, ty sambo.
 
<$200 your kinda stuck with Samicks and Ragims if you want something new. For $300 you can get a new Quinn Stallion ($275). It has an almost cult following among the traditional archery community.
quinn's_archery012016.jpg

http://www.quinnsarchery.com/quinn's_archery_012.htm

Beyond that I'd try to get a secondhand Warf, Martin X-200, or pick something up off of ebay. There are a lot a vintage Pearson, Bear, and Shakespear bows floating around for a pittance. Quality NOT guaranteed.
 
Don't be afraid of a used Bear. We've bought a couple of them in the auction site for not that much cash and have very happy with them. I don't think we paid more than $100 for either of of my son's KMags.
 
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