Bow recommendations

What bow would you guys recommend for Deer and maybe small game. I’ll probably be getting a cheap 22 for small game though.

[SPEEDO]

I have always used Martin!

A real Excellent quality bow!

Martin

SPEEDO

[MDdan]

Well, I'm close to getting an avatar, so I thought I'd chime in on this one....lol

I haven't shot a bow for far too long, but I use to shoot a whole lot. Personally, I always liked a bow that was longer axle to axle- say over 40". Some of the fast 3d bows they sell are under 35"...yuck.

I shoot/shot fingers, so if you shoot a release you may not care as much about length. But that was always one of my primary criteria. And it narrows the field down significantly, especially if you want a fast bow.

I use to shoot a Darton Lightning, and loved it (don't know if they still make em.) I've also had my fair share of Martins, and they were good bows too.

Find a good bow shop, and test a few different bows. Learning good form, and proper setup is way more important than the bow you choose.

Good luck.

[SPEEDO]

MDdan

A good point! Longer axle to axle lengths make for a much smoother shooting bow, With a lot less finger pinch!

A lot of hunters however opt for the shorter length for mobility in heavy brush!

Like MD said see if you can find an archery dealer in your neck of the woods an give em a try!

SPEEDO

[MDdan]

Well, my primary interest was hunting, and since I've never been under the illusion that I could sneak up on a deer, the longer bow served me just fine.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not being critical of all those folks sneaking around on the ground. In fact, I'll be happy to share some deer meat with them, we've got plenty to spare.

LOL...guess I'm a being a bit obnoxious today....wouldn't that be absurd to get into a Pros/Cons argument over stand hunting in a TechIMO forum.


Back to the subject...I need to get another bow....I've allowed things like work/school/family/sleep deprivation to get in the way. Yeah, I also need to ride my bike. And lose some weight.....Humm...I'll stop talking to myself now.

I am not exactly a newbie when it comes to shooting a bow but I would say I am a beginner with some experience: Scouts, archery at school, hanging out with friends and family who practice in their backyard so, I have a some experiencewith them.


My brother has a short bow and I don’t like the way it shoots much but it is accurate. I prefer to shoot with my fingers; I don’t care much for releases but may buy one.


The woods here are pretty thick, lots of underbrush. I did run across a couple tree stands and a homemade shed or whatever you call it, just a couple of walls with windows to shoot from. A smaller bow would be much easier to carry. I’ll probably be hunting from one of the tree stands. I don’t know if that will make a difference in the bow I choose. What advantages and disadvantages are there in the size of a bow, other than what has already been mentioned? The tree stands and shed look to be about 10-20 yards from the trail the Deer run through, if that helps any.




I knew this would not be an easy decision to make. I may just buy a case or two of beer, a few bails of hay and invite a few friends over so I can play with their bows to get a better idea. There are some good dealers around here so I’ll check them out too.

[vass0922]

Hmm where's "Fingers" for this? I'm sure he could put in his 2 cents


Oh and MdDan umm hate to be the bearer of bad news but these posts don't count towards your avatar
You must post outside of the Communities for it to count

[Tom Jones]

Gosh, one of my other favorite subjects.....bows and bowhunting.
Depending on how big and strong you might be....First don't get a bow that is too much for you. Second....most all the bows now days....are fairly good. I have two recurves, Bear Tartan, Bear Back Pack two piece, three compounds a 4 wheel Jennings....one of the originals...1 Hoyt, which is a proline bow, not sold in most if any stores and third my favorite is custom built, by yours truly.....after many years of shooting, tinkering with bows/arrows.... Get one with round wheels, they are more forgiving and use feathers on your arrows.....

Before you buy go to a pro shop and get your pull length measured...and let someone help you decide what weight to get.....Tip buy one that can be tuned down to lower weight and then up as you get better and stronger, so get a 50 lb to 70 lb and start at 50 lbs

Before you go out shooting and bum yourself out.....there are a few things you have to do.....

One: Use the right arrows for your pull weight, either aluminum, carbon or whatever you decide to use. Wrong weight arrows don't fly straight.

Two: Next have someone help you set the bow up.....it needs to have stops on the cables for your draw length, so each and every time....you release the arrow....it starts the flight uniformly. You have to do this with a weight attachment on a board with marks every inch, so you can find that sweet spot, where the let off is the least.....which is where you want to start the launch of the arrow....and it has to be set for your draw length.

Third: Use a bow square to position your nock.

Fourth: Using one of the same arrows that you plan on using....strip off those feathers.....put the tip you plan on using on the arrow and tune the nock and arrow rest so that the arrow comes off the bow without fishtailing and flys straight for about 20 feet or more.

Fifth: Glue that nock down and use thread to bind under it so the dang thing stays in place. Also, put some glue on the thread.

ok....the bow will now do what it needs to do. If you plan on using sights...then get a release....If you want to shoot freeform no sights a tab is the best. Now all you have to do is practice, practice and practice....and of course have fun....

Tom

PS Don't buy cheap arrows.

[phenious]

I got my Martin From Archers Afeild. A custom fit with a Target shooting riser but hunting style Limbs. Single Cam... been a while from my last shooting though Good product.

-: phenious :-

[MDdan]

Oh and MdDan umm hate to be the bearer of bad news but these posts don't count towards your avatar

Crud! Guess I won't be posting in here anymore.