Bows, compound or otherwise

Disc Jockey

Here's the situation. I've got a little bit of property and my back yard makes a pretty good little shooting range as there is a nice rising hill behind the target area. We've graduated with the pellet rifle from jugs-cans-bottle caps and can now pretty consistently hit push pins at 50 yards so we're looking for a new challenge.

I thought I'd get a couple of hay bales and try some archery. The problem is I know next to nothing about it. I'm looking for recommendations on what kind of bow to get and anything else I might need to consider. I'm not really looking to spend a lot of money here, but I'd like to get something that will provide consistent results when shot. Thanks!

DJ

SKsolutions

I used a Browning compound hunting bow for many years. It's over 20 years old now, and I shot it last year with decent results. There are much better choices for accuracy, ie a longer bow, non-compound, lower draw weight etc. The fun part of the compound was the power. It would do more damage than any .38 with just a field tip. Pop on a broadhead, and it was a scary device. I could consistently hit a small bread plate from over 100' with new arrows and field tips. I've shot others, but I grew up watching Dukes of Hazzard, so. . .
Similar to these models, which are classics with African Hardwood handles and wood with laminate limbs: Archived photos.

apphd

If you want accuracy a good compound, sights, release and arrows is not cheap. If you are not worried about hunting and pin point accuracy (even though they are completely capable) I think for pure fun and challenge a long bow and instinctive shooting is tops.

I think the top names in manufactures right now are:
Hoyt
Mathews

It can get pretty technical with all the different options for equipment, and you need to get set up right with your draw length, draw weight and arrow shaft selection for performance and safety.
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=3

Disc Jockey

The compound bows look really cool but for what I want right now I think they're overkill. The long bow sounds more up my alley. Thanks for the forum link

John30_30

Maybe you can find a shop that will let you test both. I think you'll find why the compound has taken over from the recurve. Smooooth.

My daughter's hubby's dad is selling his, btw, and it's got all the bells and whistles. It is a serious piece of machinery- would be a heckuva starter bow.


He and his biker buds hunts whenever deer season is on, and mostly donates the kills to elderly poor folks out in the country.

Disc Jockey

The guys over at the archerytalk forum seemed pretty consistent on their recommendation of a Mathews Genesis. It's a very simple compound bow, no sights, stabilizers, etc but with zero let off it accomodates varied draw lengths. That way my wife, daughter, and friends can all shoot the same bow for some friendly target shooting competitions. Plus it gets me in pretty cheap. If I really get into it then I will probably look at upgrading to a more serious bow for me and leave the Genesis for everyone else.

Polkersince85

Target and hunting are two different situations. For target, I have an old Ben Pearson Cougar recurve. Fun to shoot but for hunting I would hate to stand there with a real 50# pull until the victim came into the shot. That's where a compound comes in. I use a Hoyt compound for hunting.

apphd

Disc Jockey wrote: »

The guys over at the archerytalk forum seemed pretty consistent on their recommendation of a Mathews Genesis. It's a very simple compound bow, no sights, stabilizers, etc but with zero let off it accomodates varied draw lengths. That way my wife, daughter, and friends can all shoot the same bow for some friendly target shooting competitions. Plus it gets me in pretty cheap. If I really get into it then I will probably look at upgrading to a more serious bow for me and leave the Genesis for everyone else.

I would suggest the slow and cheaper approach to start out that you are pursuing. Looking at your location I have to think there are plenty of knowledgeable folks in the area and shops with people in them that can help you a lot, and maybe even have a range you can try a couple out. I'm an east coast redneck and we have lots of 3D courses that run in the summer and some indoor leagues in the winter. See if you can find a 3D shoot some weekend and go check it out. There will probably be plenty of people there willing to talk, and I think the idea of the shoot will let you see some of the fun that can be had. F.Y.I if you don't know a 3D shoot is a walking course set up along marked trails with 3D targets of various wild game. Most shooters are hunters but not all, and is a family event for many. My friend his wife and I used to go every Sunday with there 1 and 2 year olds on our backs in child carriers. As his daughters grew they started shooting as well. You can compete against all shooters or just friendly competition between your group then end it with a little BBQ, makes for a good day. But be advised these are usually dominated by men and the language can get a little rough for young ones.


Like audio you can spend just about any amount you wish to from a basic shooting rig to a pro class competition or hunting rig. But 90% of hitting your target is still the shooter not the equipment.