Where to start?


Iboschi

Iboschi

Scout
Joined
Mar 13, 2010
Messages
381
Likes
16
I would like to get into archery and have already decided on a recurve bow as my first. Need recommendations on what/where to buy to start. How many lbs should I start at etc. Any advice is appreciated, thanks.
 
I wish I knew enough to advise you buddy . Buy a cheap recurve off Ebay and startt shooting ?
Wait here's some better advice .
Go to your local archery range where you'll find 10 compounds to every recurve . Both the shops close to me cater to deer hunters but they both have some recurve trade ins available . Also both managers would probabley let you shoot them if you pay the range fee . Might have to buy some used arrows because it's possible to ruin arrows on an indoor range ( ask me how I know ).
 
Last edited:
Stop by your local archery shop. Talk with the owner and if they have a range, you may have an opportunity to shoot a few different bows. I started on a recurve bow, but I honestly think a compound bow has a much shorter learning curve. You can become proficient much faster with the compound due to the weight let off, mechanical release, and more consistent rest. Many shops offer used equipment for sale, which would be a good way to start.
My point is that everyone has preferences, so it may be wise to get some hands on experience before committing to spending a lot of cash.
 
i had been watching ebay for months, and came to the conclusion that i will buy from a shop... there are too many folks out there selling older bows with no idea whether they're shootable or not, bad/blurry/vague pics, sketchy descriptions, and no returns... so what do you do if it blows up on you? not worth saving $100 for that risk, in my opinion...
 
Seeker,

You can get a good buy on a new recurve at 3Rivers Archery. They can set you up with the right poundage and arrows over the phone. These guys are very good at what they do. Extremely helpful!

http://www.3riversarchery.com/VariableKit.asp?i=2495&show=info

Check out this link. It is a good starter set. The limbs on my recurve are made by the same manufacturer and work great.

Check out www.Tradgang.com. This is a fantastic resource. Centuries of experience there. They are alot like all the guys here. Kind, considerate and eager to share their knowledge. You might even be able to find someone there that lives in your area to give you some instruction.

As for the archery shops that cater to compound shooters, just go in and ask around. You might find someone who can help or at least point you in a direction.
 
Here is a book I recommend for someone getting into archery.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0736055428/?tag=bcusa-20

It's an illustrated guide that can take you from beginner to tournament level shooting.
Covers target archery, and other practical things like bow fishing.

I like recurve bows for their simplicity. Less stuff to break on them. Compound bows can deliver a lot of power, and can compensate for lack of skill with gadgets you can bolt on them.
One warning, you will use muscles you didn't know you had when you first get into drawing a bow. The above book also gives you stretching and workout plans to build flexibility and strength in those muscles.

That bow set Gav linked above is nice. If you are low on cash, you can pick up a cheap no frills recurve at wal-mart for like $30 bucks that is good enough for hunting small game, and you can still hit a man size target at 100 yards with practice.

PS. I suggest picking up something like a 30# pull recurve to learn with, as it will be an easy draw. When you get your muscles built up, and become more proficient, you can move up to a better, higher weight bow. Remember one thing also. When buying arrows, consult with someone to make sure you get arrows that are the right weight for the bow.. To light and they will fishtail all over. Too heavy and they fly like lead.
 
Last edited:
Also look for local archery clubs. Clubs sometimes have programs or people who are certified coaches. I know our club is very active in teaching and promoting archery. Even meeting with someone for an hour to two could really help you out.

Personally I like the traditional side of archery, I shoot longbows, recurves, selfbows. You can find some reasonable priced and quality equipment to get you started and then buy the expesnive stuff later if you want.

I'd start out at about 35 to 40lbs to learn proper form and technique. Move up from there if you want or plan on hunting. A takedown or ILF system type bow will make it easier to change limbs, just make sure you can get other limbs for your bow before you go that route.
 
Three Rivers Archery as mentioned above and Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear are my two GOTO places. Luckily, I live near RMSG. All of the people at both shops will help you a lot.
Some books that I like are G. Fred Asbell's books on Traditional Archery.
Welcome to the Trad clan...

Regards,

ezra
 
If you are also into medieval stuff, you might find out if your local SCA group has an archery guild. They are big on traditional archery.
 
Try and find a traditional friendly club or event like 3d shoot. Then you need to decide on what you are going to use the bow for. You won't get good info from big box store or compound shop. Try and do some research on stick bow leather wall site or trad gang site lots of helpful info to get you pointed in right direction. Good luck and making a good choice in traditional gear is worth the effort.
 
Thanks for the keen responses. Looks like an archery range is a good place to start. I haven't done any at all since the Boy Scouts Archery Merit Badge 20 years ago, so diving in without any empirical data is just irresponsible. I'm fairly certain that traditional archery, either recurve, or longbow will be the way I'd like to go. The who'dads and whats'its on the compound bows are just weak spots where things can go wrong, and more money to spend. I'll stick to guns for the more complex ranged weapons. This isn't to knock (pun?) compound bows, I just don't think they're for me. The simplicty of the traditional archery appeals to me. If anyone has more websites or resources to learn from, I would appreciate it.
 
I'm going to agree with 3rivers, I've had great service from them on my bow strings and arrow supplies.
Try Primative archer mag and web site forum, great stuff there too.
JJ :43:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top