How to Buy a Bow

The right bow will make all the difference in the accuracy of your target shooting or hunting. This list of questions and considerations will help you make an informed choice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Archery Sites
• Archery Arm Guard
• Archery Arrows
• Archery Bows
• Archery Gloves
• Archery Quivers
• Archery Targets

1. Determine for what purpose you are going to be using the bow. Will you be target shooting? Hunting? Maybe both? Target bows are generally longer with lighter draw weights, since you may be shooting many shots in a short time and the strength of the shot is not critical. Hunting bows are shorter with heavy draw weights, as you may only shoot one or two shots a day, but the power of those shots is very important. If you plan to do both, you will have to make some compromises.

2. Consider the size, age and strength of the archer.

3. Check the draw length of the bows. This is the distance the string pulls back. Completely drawn, the string should reach to just behind your jawbone. Some compound bows have adjustable draw lengths. Ask at the store.

4. Check the draw weight of the bow. Choose a bow that you find fairly easy to pull back. Realize that after several shots, your arms will begin to get tired.

5. Realize that bow length is important, even though is has very little to do with draw weight or draw length. On a target bow, length matters very little, but if you are hunting, a long bow can be cumbersome to carry through the woods.

6. Check out the many different types of bows. Compound bows have mechanical pulleys that make it harder to pull back initially, but then pull back easier once fully drawn. These are the most popular type of bows today, as they are the easiest to aim and are the most versatile. Recurve bows and longbows are more traditional and usually a lot less expensive than compound bows. The further you pull back a recurve, the harder it gets. Recurves are better for beginning target shooters.

Tips & Warnings

• Try out a couple different bows at an archery range before you purchase one. Ask a lot of questions before you buy your bow.
• Be sure to pull back the bow several times before you make your purchase, to be certain the fit is right.
• Shoot your bow only at a designated archery range.

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[anullo]

on 5/13/2008 or at someone for that matter, never even draw a bow at someone, as if a limb snaps it can fire shards of metal or carbon depending on the limbs everywhere specifically forwards and backward
but don't worry its rare

on 11/22/2005 Just thought it would be worth mentioning (if you haven't already) that you should never dryfire a bow.