Archery recommendations

[RobA]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure of which type. Started out by searching on compound bows. I was thinking of using it for target practice. My wife said she would probably play too. And then there are friends and family when they visit.

Then I realized I am a lefty when it comes to guns and archery (I write left-handed but am right-handed for other sports). Not sure I want to buy 2 bows just to try it out.

 

[Soundguy]

Here are a few, including some pvc standing 'quivers. made from 3" pipe and a toilet flange that doesn't have the middle punched out.

 

[/pine]

A couple of things...
...It is very important that a bow fits the archer...if there is an archery shop nearby...they can help you...
A second important thing is your dominate eye...you say you're a southpaw...before buying a left handed bow make sure your left eye is dominate...otherwise it can cause some sighting issues...

I'm right handed but my left eye is dominate...I had a lot of problems until I developed a technique that worked for me shooting right handed...

Good Luck...have fun...

 

[nybirdman]

With multiple shooters of the same equiptment;for sure purchase and inexpensive recurve(25-30lbs) or so to try out the sport.
Compound bows require that they "fit" the archer.
I have been into archery since I was a kid;have shot them all,recurves,compound fingers,release and sights.
I would recommend going to a archery pro shop,not a big box store for your purchase and fitting.

 

[forgeblast]

If you want just a fun one you can make yourself look for "bows of many colors" they are pvc bows. I made a few with my daughter. If a compound, since your not hunting, buy a used one off ebay. They will be heavier but that will not matter.
If its a crossbow, look at sportsmans guide. they even have a wooden recurve kit that you can finish for 80$.

 

[JRobyn]

For pure shooting enjoyment, I think it's hard to beat a simple recurve shooting instinctively. No sights, no cams, no wheels, just a stick and a string. And with some practice, you can become deadly accurate. Look up Fred Asbell's old "Instinctive Shooting" archery book. My favorite bow (and my wife's) is an old Bear Kodiak Magnum 40# recurve that a friend gave me. Wish I could still get Port Orford cedar to make my own arrows.

- Jay

 

[mecan]

Have to second the recurve for several shooters and enjoyment. Started with a compound and after a couple years went to recurve. Never went back. I just accept that I'm good to 25 yards max and anything beyond that is just for the heck of it. Targets only no animals with a he k of it shot

 

[JPRambo]

Does anyone from Long Island or Connecticut remember an old company called Stemmler Archery? I used to work there. We made recurve bows mostly and a lot of the solid fiberglass for JCPenny and S&H greenstamps. I worked there about 1978 - 1979.

 

[/pine]

Even with a recurve...the length of draw is important...making adjustments by changing the string length is a "treating the symptoms..." solution where a properly sized and strung bow is paramount for getting the best performance and consistency...

 

[meos1]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure of which type. Started out by searching on compound bows. I was thinking of using it for target practice. My wife said she would probably play too. And then there are friends and family when they visit.

Then I realized I am a lefty when it comes to guns and archery (I write left-handed but am right-handed for other sports). Not sure I want to buy 2 bows just to try it out.

A gensis bow will be a good starter bow. You don't have to be measured for draw length (the fit everyone speaks of). The draw weight is 20 lbs and can be adjusted all the way to 30 lbs. Plus ots ambidextrousI have shot archery since I was 8 and have taught BSA archery as well as served as a range officer. The Genesis is the bow we use in the BSA for all shooters young and old.
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