Archery recommendations

foreman Etexas · Oct 6, 2015

You can find some deals on second hand bows at the pawn shops,to get started and see if it's something you enjoy.

DuckSlayer1017 · Oct 6, 2015

Take a look at the package bows at Cabelas, Bass Pro or Gander Mountain. Those stores work with bow makers to have a ready to shoot package for around $300. The bows are not top of the line but will be good shooters. Those stores will also have the staff to get you set up and shooting. Local pro shops should also carry similar packages but maybe not as many choices as the bigger stores. The nice thing with the local pro shop is the service. They should be able to spend a lot of time with you to get you set up and shooting properly. Many places have indoor ranges and will make sure you are shooting well before you leave.

MNBobcat · Oct 6, 2015

RobA said:
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.

You should choose a right or left-hand bow depending on which of your eyes is dominant. I'm right-handed and left eye dominant so I shoot left-handed.

Recurves are fun to shoot but require you build up the muscles to hold the draw weight. So if you're shooting 60 pounds you're holding a continuous 60 pounds back until you release. Whereas with a compound at 60 pounds you might be holding back 30 pounds. If you don't plan to shoot daily, you want a compound.

The main thing with a bow is getting fitted for one with the proper draw length. I would trust a pro archery shop over a box store.

4570Man · Oct 7, 2015

I have several compound bows. I don't know why anyone would want a crossbow for exclusively target shooting. If your wife plans on shooting it don't get anything with a very heavy draw or she won't be able to shoot it. You should get a bow to match your dominate eye.

paulharvey · Oct 7, 2015

4570Man said:
I have several compound bows. I don't know why anyone would want a crossbow for exclusively target shooting. If your wife plans on shooting it don't get anything with a very heavy draw or she won't be able to shoot it. You should get a bow to match your dominate eye.

With a compound any healthy man, and most women should be able to shoot at least 40-45 lbs with out problem. On a recurve, that same 45 lbs is a lot more work to get pulled back, and much more work to hold back

4570Man · Oct 7, 2015

His wife might do fine, but a lot of women couldn't pull a 40-45 pound compound bow.

paulharvey · Oct 7, 2015

4570Man said:
His wife might do fine, but a lot of women couldn't pull a 40-45 pound compound bow.

True. Where we started was I ordered a used, unknown kids compound for my son on ebay. Wife started playing with it and enjoyed it; so we got a used Browning Micro Midas-2; which adjusts from like 15 lbs to 45 lbs, is light compact, and requires no special tools to adjust. Only issue with buying used, make Sure you get some accessories with it, or your $75 bow will need $30 sight, $30 whisker biscuit, $30 release, stabalizers, ect; and you end up with $250 in an $80 used bow.

Soundguy · Oct 7, 2015

4570Man said:
I don't know why anyone would want a crossbow for exclusively target shooting. .

Because we are all human and everyone has a different opinion.

I like the fact that once pulled.. the crossbow has 0 hold strength needed.

Jstpssng · Oct 7, 2015

I have an old Bear recurve for target shooting, I think they're a lot more fun to shoot than a compound. They also take more practice and are a lot less forgiving than a compound if you take up hunting.... just my 2¢.