TB archers?

syciprider · #1 05-29-2010, 11:49 AM

Do we have any archers in here?

I'm intrigued by this sport and have been looking into getting a bow. I'm leaning towards a recurve. Any info about archery in general is appreciated

iamlowsound · #2 05-29-2010, 11:55 AM

Go to a range and talk to the guys that work there. Sign up for some lessons where you rent a bow, so you can see if you like it or not. Good equipment is really expensive.

lowsound

syciprider · #3 05-29-2010, 11:56 AM

I know. Especially those compound bows :/

Happynoj · #4 05-29-2010, 11:57 AM

I have a crossbow like this one:

Really though, it's AWESOME.

jp58 · #5 05-29-2010, 12:22 PM

Sport Archery? Nope.

Hunt with a bow several times a year with my brother.

We have a compound bow, and the thing works great, I'm unsure of the brand because it stays with my brother since I live at a university several moths out of the year.

syciprider · #6 05-29-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happynoj

I have a crossbow like this one:

Really though, it's AWESOME.

Isn't that illegal in the UK?

pin_head_47 · #7 05-29-2010, 01:17 PM

It can be a bit of a rich man's sport to get into (much like bass playing), depending on what kind you're looking at. Recurves are alot of fun though and won't cost you nearly as much as a good compound. You can still find good deals on used compounds if you look sharp, because new stuff is constantly coming out and making the old stuff cheaper. I go into Scheel's and see stuff going for less than 300 that was probably over 700 less than 5 years ago.

Do you know anyone who owns a bow and shoots often? Get hooked up with someone and try going to the range sometime, and even better, try going to a shoot or tournament after you get some practice. You'll have a blast, and won't be able to quit after that.

Your profile says your into firearms, so I if you have other friends that shoot, and probably hunt I assume, one of them probably is into archery too. Most of the guys I know around here are into both, so they can hunt multiple seasons.

kesslari · #8 05-29-2010, 01:39 PM

It's way fun. I'm a traditional archer, and shoot recurve.
It's only expensive if you have major GAS - I do know some real bowwhores, but otherwise- it's much cheaper than shooting firearms, you can reuse your ammo...

Go to a range, and talk to folks. Most people shoot compounds, I prefer trad bows. If you PM me I can find out about traditional archery clubs/ranges in your area. Folks will be glad to have you come out and talk to them.

Also - good arrows are more important than an expensive bow.
Especially to start - buy a used bow at a low poundage. Develop good form, and then go up to your desired bow weight. Many people make the mistake of going "macho" on their first bow, and developing really poor shooting habits because they're overbowed.

Phalex · #9 05-29-2010, 01:40 PM

I own a bow, but I'm no archer. You wanna buy a bow?

jp58 · #10 05-29-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

.

Also - good arrows are more important than an expensive bow.
Especially to start - buy a used bow at a low poundage. Develop good form, and then go up to your desired bow weight. Many people make the mistake of going "macho" on their first bow, and developing really poor shooting habits because they're overbowed.

Probably the best advice that can be given.

syciprider · #11 05-29-2010, 06:32 PM

Google turned up an Archery shop/indoor range nearby. GAS is right. There were some nice CBs in there that cost more than some firearms.
Anyway, I got some (IMO) good advice from the girl in the shop who actually discouraged me from buying anything until I try their weekend lessons (a very reasonable $17/hour) so I'm going back next Saturday to try my hand at shooting arrows with their 16# training recurves in the indoor range (20 yards didn't sound much until I had to shoot an arrow that far LOL).
It's going to be fun for sure!

iamlowsound · #12 05-29-2010, 10:50 PM

If you ever intend on competing, don't start shooting a compound. Recurve all the way if you are interested in competing.

lowsound

doctorjazz · #13 05-29-2010, 11:55 PM

I was into it back in my early teens, still have my old recurve sitting in my parents' garage. Really fun stuff.

syciprider · #14 08-22-2010, 05:23 PM

I ended up with an ancient Bear compound from CL. $150 got me the bow, two dozen arrows with both fieldpoints and broadheads, , a quiver and lots of accessories. I'm pretty good at it (the nock peep and fiber sight makes it very easy I think) and am consistently hitting paper plates @ 20 yards in my makeshift backdoor range.

sloasdaylight · #15 08-22-2010, 05:50 PM

I had a 72" English Longbow when I was in High school. it had about a 30lb. pull on it, and very smooth. I used to shoot at hay bales my mom brought home and other stuff like that. I got pretty good at it too actually.

beelzelboss · #16 08-22-2010, 07:25 PM

My friend owns one and we play with it. Also at camp we would have an archery station that I nearly lived at. I could shoot within the yellow (bullseye, red, then yellow I THINK) at 20 yards most of the time.

Fun stuff.

Snakeman1066 · #17 08-22-2010, 08:03 PM

IMHO this guys makes the best traditional bows on the planet

http://www.bobleebows.net/

the take-downs are really nice if you want to stick one in a bag or backpack for a trip or your on foot...

modern compounds and traditional bows are worlds apart...you have to ask yourself exactly what you really want to do with a bow......and make your choice accordingly

I started with a compound and tried finger shooting...and caused nerve damage to my fingers.....i had to go to a mechanical release...

i have since gone back to traditional bows for target practice.....however i still hunt with a compound...

MiniMoose234 · #18 08-22-2010, 08:14 PM

I did archery at school as a gym activity and was the only person who got decent at it, i loved it. Ive been looking into this too, for hunting and maybe competition (never been a sports person, but i do actually have interest in competing...)
there's a shooting range for shooting clays and stuff (no rifle range) with an indoor archery thing, i might look into it. One problem is with school starting up i will be busy with work.. but who knows. THe advice on here has been great

syciprider · #19 08-22-2010, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

I started with a compound and tried finger shooting...and caused nerve damage to my fingers.....i had to go to a mechanical release...

i have since gone back to traditional bows for target practice.....however i still hunt with a compound...

Hmm I'm a finger shooter too. Am I slowly damaging my digits? I pull back with index, middle and ring fingers and once I reach the end of the draw I remove the ring.

kesslari · #20 08-22-2010, 10:48 PM

Many compound shooters use a release, but that's mostly because they're on a never-ending quest for easier, more consistent accuracy.
People have shot with fingers (using a glove or tab) for a lotta centuries - it won't damage you. Hasn't damaged me. I've known 2 people with damaged hands who shoot release - both damaged their hands doing something other than archery.

You've found it easy to be pretty accurate with the compound.
The three typical routes people go from there are:
1. Shoot casually. It's pretty easy to shoot a compound pretty well, and that's that.
2. Search for accuracy. With a compound, if you're good, you can hit quarters pretty consistently at 60 yards. Some people get into striving for that.
3. Search for challenge - this is what leads most people to shoot traditional (longbow or recurve). It's much harder to shoot accurately, but with practice you can do it, and some of us like that challenge.

Whatever you do, have fun. Shoot long distances sometimes and watch arrows fly. It's a really fun sport.