Beginner

So i have never shot a bow in my life, and have no idea where to begin.

Would someone be able to give me a few tips on purchasing a first bow and arrows alongside a target for me to practice on in my side yard?

Any information would be greatly appreciated

 

you looking for a traditional bow or compound?

 

hes looking at traditional bows , lol he can blame me for getting im into this , he wants to come huntin :P

 

For a beginner don't over bow yourself, get something in the 40 to 45lb draw weight range, it is easier to learn proper form and release with lighter DW. Mainly because you will be using muscles that normally don't get used.

I would steer clear of short bows nothing under 60" for a recurve and 64" on a Long Bow.

Recurve or Long Bow is personal preference.

Get " Masters of the Bare Bow " volume 3 it has some great info on form and release by 2 of the best trad shooters out there.

If you can attend Trad shoots in your area, most Trad guys won't mind letting you shoot their bows.

No need to go too fancy on your first bow get a used one. Check out the classifieds on trad gang they usually have some great bargains on there on used bows.

Ask as many questions as you like, we are here to help.

 

I agree with Kanga, don't overload yourself at first.

 

First bow choices are many. Good starting points are:

Fred Bear
Grizzly: A time tested, good shooter, work horse of a bow. New or used you can't go wrong.



Wing bows
Red Wing Hunter: Well known name with an excellent reputation, very good bows. Any year is a good choice.



Shakespear bows
Necedah: Another really good choice.



Ben Pearson Bows
Martin or Damon Howatt bows
Browning bows

These are all good choices, there are more. Ask questions, shoot as many as you can get your hands on.
Targets: get a "Block"
or for a free bag target. You can stuff a large burlap or dog food bag with plastic bags, plastic sheeting or old rags. Stuff it tight and duct tape it closed.

 

and a good place to find bows for cheap is ebay.

 

Yes, I've bought bows there but I'd start with classified ad's here, TradGang.com, ArcheryTalk.com (Trad bows), Bowsite/Stickbow/Leatherwall classifieds all first.

 

well i was going to start him off with my old 32lb recurve ... but okay :P lol

 

Thanks for the advice guys

I'll look in the classifieds when i get a hold of them tomorrow some time.
If there is nothing, i'll sus out ebay and what not.

Looks like i wont have money to buy one any time soon though. I owe my oldies $75 for my car insurance still, and i dont get that much a week from my job at the moment...


Oh well, time is the key.
Thanks again for the advice as well

 

Here are some good starting points for you...Like mentioned above I would start out with a 45-50# bow. No reason to try and be "macho", it's not worth it. Mine is 48# and it does the job!
I would definately recommend...Shooting The Stickbow by Anthony Camera. This book has it all and this guy will even take his time to talk to you over the phone or e-mail.
To start out try some aluminum or carbon arrows. Wood shafts are something a person should graduate into after awhile.
Another person who is full of knowledge and will help you out is a Bowyer by the name of Dan Toelke. I'm not trying to give him business, but this man is the most wonderful person I have ever met. He knows his stuff. His phone# is 406-676-5150. He will gladly talk to you with out trying to sell you any thing. I swear his brain was designed around traditional archery.
Someone also mentioned not going shorter then 60" with a recurve and I agree. Hope this helps some, Allen

 

One more thing...DO NOT BUY A BOW WITHOUT TRYING IT OUT AND REMEMBER HAVE FUN WITH IT!

 

I just placed a bow in the classifieds that may (or may not) interest you.

Bow is 58".....50#@28"....and it's in wonderful condition.