Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Wudstix on February 06, 2024, 12:30:40 PM
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Question: Do you keep bows after you get a new girl friend. Or do you trade/sell the previous love of your life? I have several bows that can't be replaced even if I wanted to, due to retirement or passing of the bowyer. Have one the is almost a prototype TD recurve from Damon Howatt. Have two that may be on the block, but there is not much market for 70#+ bows.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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I have kept a few and sold a few. I have a few bows I will keep for sentimental reasons. Right now only thing I would pass on are a couple I can’t comfortably shot anymore.
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My Big River bows and MOAB are not going anywhere. The latest McDonald bow is my lightest. As fate and fit have it I can still shoot the heavier bows. Also, the HTD which is a lighter weight, so will be shootable for longer.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Years ago I would buy another new longbow every couple years. Always kept all the ones I had. Had quite a few that way. Then I started selling the ones that were getting too heavy. After that I sold several last few years that I just didn't shoot any more. So now I'm down to the 6 or 7 that are not going anywhere. My MOAB, my Wild Horse Creek bows and my Mohawks. I'm keeping those and for the most part I'm not buying any more.
I don't think :goldtooth:
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My latest Big River 62" 53.5#@27 3/8" mild D/R longbow will be my "old man" bow. Also, will be my turkey bow.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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I have kept way too many :knothead:
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When I retired in 2008 I went on a buying, selling and trading binge. So many bows so little time. I wanted to kill something with each one before I sent it on, but I found out it's easier to buy bows than shoot critters with all the new ones. I was definately a classifieds junky for several years and met many fine Trad Gangers that way. At first I just wanted to try other bows but as I aged I was thinning the herd because I could no longer pull the weight. I also donated several bows to the Washington Traditional Bowhunters and St Judes over the years. I am down to 4 bows now. Two Caribows, one a LB and the other a recurve. A Fred Anderson LB and a Border Black Douglas recurve. The Fred Anderson bow is a little heavy for me and I have not hunted it but I think it's a keeper, all the others have drawn blood.
The bow that was hardest to part with was my Bill Stewart multi cam recurve. That was a fine bow and I shot some good critters with it, including the Whitetail in my Avatar. :archer2:
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I'm blessed to still be able to shot my age, but I have a couple bows for when that time comes when I can't.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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I have sold many, and still have some to sell, mostly longbows. I intend to build a few T/Ds but not one piece bows. Shipping bows over four feet in the USA and five or more internationally has gone through the roof.
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that's funny I just got done shooting and I'm looking at my bows I must have at least 20 and no I don't sell them or trade them just keep shooting them :biglaugh:https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/Smileys/tg/xxc_laugh.gif
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I really have no financial need to sell any bows, and I like having them around, but I’m not getting any younger, and I’m beginning to think about all my bows being more of a burden than a blessing to those I leave behind. So yes, it would be a good idea if I started selling some of them….tomorrow.
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I remember not too long ago when I said "just this one more bow and I'll be done buying bows". Yeah well that hasn't happened yet, and my collection continues to grow. I don't have a LOT of bows, but I have plenty, and another custom on order. I've traded and sold a few but it's getting to the point where the ones I have are the ones I really want. At some point I've got to stop buying bows, I think, maybe.
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I have kept every bow I ever bought and have no intention of selling any of them at present.
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So far, I've kept them all. It has been nice to be able to introduce a couple people to Traditional archery on my first few lower, incremental poundage bows, so I've kept them around. My McBroom string follow and 82# Armbruster Zebra Grevy are going nowhere, ever. The Zebra is like a laser.
I have a Northern Mist Classic coming soon, I hope, so I suspect that will join the ones I'll ask them to pile on my coffin ;) Or maybe use them as fuel on my ship burial.
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I am just starting to sell a lot of my bows that I just don't shoot anymore. I have 10 that I'm going to sell this year.
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Yes, I do all three. If I Honestly don’t shoot them and hunt with them they are gone. Anything that is too heavy for me and tears my shoulders up I sell or trade. In my thirties I shot 60#. In my sixties low to mid 40# bows are comfortable and still get the job done.
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I am still picky about what I buy. Being a lefty helps impulse buying. I don't sell any, but do give one or two away to close friends that want to try them. The only stipulation is if they don't like them or trad style, they give them back. The 4 friends that got them still shoot them today.
Talk about selling, Bill in Elkland, MO started selling his collection of 450+ bows on around 2010 and still has a bunch. He only lists them in craigslist for the Elkland Mo area. I spent an entire day with him shooting, seeing the mass collection, and talking traditional. Not only did I walk out with about 6 bows, a Young feather burner, and Western 648 knife too. If in that area, check it out. He doesn't buy anymore, but will trade for firearms.
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With four grandchildren I will keep a nice stash to give them when they get a little older.
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Interesting topic, Michael.
I’ve lost track of how many bows I’ve owned. My bow buying didn’t start til I was nearly fifty years old.
I was on a search for the perfect bow, one that I could reliably pick up and shoot well. That search took me through numerous bows by the same bowyer in some cases. I’ve owned four Tall Tines, three Pronghorns, four Shrews, (or JavaMan), two JD Berry, three Blacktail, a few Black Widows and a couple Northern Mist for example.
One thing that I found was that for me, I had to limit myself to shooting just a few bows. So I made a decision that I would not buy another bow unless I sold one. I limited myself to 4-5 bows for quite awhile.
Currently, I am down to three bows. A Tall Tines recurve with an extra set of limbs, a Black Widow recurve, and a Liberty English. I have no desire for more as I am completely satisfied with these.
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I honestly prefer to only keep bows that I have the intention of hunting with, anything else get sold or traded. I admit I prefer trading because I like to get to meet other traditional hunters and get to try new stuff. Lately that has slowed down a bunch as I am more content with what I have and I don't have a good enough reason to get another bow. I did the same with some of my fishing gear and I couldn't believe how easy it was to sell them.
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The biggest dilemma in my archery journey. I started 15 yrs or so and at the time I was financially doing well. I was buying a lot of cheaper older vintage bows at first. Then as I got better and got to understand what I needed better I started getting better quality bows. Tried some from the better bowyers out there. Enjoyed bows from Fox, Toelke, Blacktail, WesWallace, to name a few. Now Funds are tight and trying to decide what to let go and what I must keep. It’s the hardest letting go of bows I know I will never be able to replace. Even if I don’t shoot them much any more. Blacktail one piece bows are rare now, wish I had held on to some of them. My favorite Toelke I sold to fund a new one, now wish I still had it even though the new one is great. A lot of sentiment gets tied up in a bow you carry hunting for years. But they need to be used or let others have them.
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Not so very long ago I kept 3-4 longbows and 4-5 recurves on the rack. Now at age 68, I have one recurve, one selfbow and a hybrid on order. The old bow arm shoulder is worn out. I have had both recurves and longbows reduced in weight as much as the manufacturer could. Once they became too heavy, they found a new home. I really don't want the wife to have to deal with a bunch of "stuff" once I am no longer around.
I am left-handed and am the only lefty in the family, so there is really no one to hand them down to that can actually shoot them. I feel better knowing that someone has them and they are being used.
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Mike, same for me. I'm the only lefty in my family including kids and grandkids. Sure wish I could hand some down.
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I sat one evening and recounted all the bows that have passed through my hands. I've had more than I realized. Some I really regret selling after the fact, but it seemed like the smart thing to do at the time. I was able to remember a lot of the bows I've owned by going back through photos I had stored on the computer. I used to be in the habit of occasionally taking out my bows on a nice day and photographing them for insurance purposes in case of a fire or theft (need to get back on track with that).
I have gotten a lot better about resisting my impulse to buy more bows. I see bows that I would really like to have all the time, but I ask myself "are going to shoot it, or just add it to the rack" I don't need to "collect" more bows.
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I have traded, bought and sold a ton of bows. Now I have maybe 45-50, most are at my old age poundage. I have a collection of bows made by Chad Holm. They are not going anywhere for a while. Also some ASL Hill bows that I really like. Many bows that are dual shelf. Also a bunch of ILF options!! :campfire: :coffee: :thumbsup:
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I've a few customs over the years. I had one of the original Bear MagTD risers when they first came out. I have hunted with them off & one since then. Got rid of almost all except my original Browning Wasp I got for Xmas when I was 15 and a Little Grizzly longbow by Jack Kempf. I may just hunt with that Bow this year to honor him.
A couple months ago I scored on two Greenstripe Risers and three sets of limbs for $700 US in an estate sale. I ended up selling all plus a couple heavy weight limbs I had kicking around. I only made about $250 profit as one of the risers had a pretty severe crack thru the riser at the bottom of the top latch.
I have my main TD, a Bear B mag in both left and right hand. A No Stripe right hand as a spare. The Kempf and Wasp. I did have 11 Bows at one time.
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I'm about ready to start thinning the herd, but the two beasts are the only ones I would consider. Grizzly and DHH. 70#+ bows are hard to move.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Interesting that you should say that 70# plus bows are hard to move. I don't see a lot even for sale :/
Five years ago, when last I was in the market for heavy ASLs, there were lots of 70# plus bows out there, but nowadays it seems like a famine for heavy longbows. I guess lots of the good ones are being held onto. I see LOTS of 45-55# bows for sale.
Maybe I'm just getting (un)lucky, over the last couple months. You know what happens when you start looking for something specific...
I suspect a lot of Trad archers hold onto their good ones, heavy or lighter, and are getting older, so all of the demand is for the lighter stuff.
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I bought, sold, and traded a lot of bows since switching over to trad in 2015. There were no trad shops or people I knew in the area that shot them, so I had to buy a bunch of bows to figure out what I liked. I think I’m down to 15-18 now, and there are 6 that I shoot regularly. No plans to buy anymore, but who knows?!
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For a long time I kept ALL of them. Lately I have been selling bows that I don't hunt with. Also I have dropped from 60# bows to 50#, so I have sold several heavier bows.
I have a few that are sentimental, they won't go anywhere.
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I have a Bear K Mag I bought at a flee market for 10$ about 20 years ago that started my Trad journey, its 50lbs I will never sell it it became my bow fishing bow. Have a couple all fiberglass bows lighter weight to let newbies mess with, all 21 others that I made myself laminated recurves and hybrids, sold a few that some friends and others really liked and I was willing to let go. the majority of them I try to shoot and a few I shoot alot, its not easy letting go of something you put your heart and soul into making, but if someone really likes one and I know they will be shooting it alot more than myself I may be willing to part with it.
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Selling my first bow was a bit tough.
Selling my first Blacktail made by Norm was tough.
I do like my bows. But in the end it's got to not only have the form but the function.
I've two more Blacktails made by Norm--was thinking maybe one should be moved on.
The takedown I'll likely keep until I'm dead, in a home, or in dire straits.......It's a looker and a shooter---just shot it some today.
Most of the longbows I have bought have been moved along---I lucked into a longbow I wasn't looking for---perhaps I'll keep it.....perhaps move it along???
In the end they are tools--sometime very fine tools, and with memories made...
I've got too much "stuff" around here as it is. I need to sort out what is important and move on what is not.......
With only about 5 bows in the house (ones my son's) and a few bow projects in the garage I don't think I'm holding on too many at the moment. Some will go away when it is time.....new ones may or may not come in.....
You should talk to my brother about his guitar and amp collection........you think bows can multiply......
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For years I couldn't get another without selling first. I have a few now. 2 that won't go anywhere. Bear '59 I killed my first trad buck with and a Black Widow PLX. The Bear has the usual and pitiful crazing on the limbs but shoots fine. Just looks bad. The PL is 62". I'd always wanted to try one and wish I had 15 years ago. I've had it for 3 seasons now and taken 4 deer with it. I do believe I'd like a 64" PL as well. :goldtooth: I have a Northern Mist Ramer that will be hard to let go. Looks wise it's nothing to scream about with brown class and kingwood riser but I shoot it very well and I do like the brown glass! The rest stay a little while and go. Recently got a Timberhawk Falcon I am enjoying and it's a purdy bow! I still miss my Wessel built Tall Tines from about 11-12 or so years ago. That is the one I should've kept but I had to come up with money for some bills due so it went. If I can get ahold of Brian I will likely put in an order this year for one if his new ones aren't too crazy on pricing. I have tried and sold or traded a pretty good amount of bows! I love trying bows and broadheads. Always have. My wife tolerates it. :biglaugh: I figure it's better than drugs or other women right? :archer: :archer2:
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A few years ago I started selling off some of mine . I had 60+ bows and at 73 I thought I would let others enjoy them. My oldest daughter will just get a dumpster and throw most of my stuff in it when I'm gone. I sold several for low prices and was very honest about them a repaired hole or a small scratch here or there. Almost everyone that I sold to would whine and critic a 50-60 year old bow thinking it should be as new. I decided it was not worth it especially with shipping prices so if I don't give away a few I'm going to let them go to the dumpster. Tired of dealing with adult whiners.
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A few years ago I started selling off some of mine . I had 60+ bows and at 73 I thought I would let others enjoy them. My oldest daughter will just get a dumpster and throw most of my stuff in it when I'm gone. I sold several for low prices and was very honest about them a repaired hole or a small scratch here or there. Almost everyone that I sold to would whine and critic a 50-60 year old bow thinking it should be as new. I decided it was not worth it especially with shipping prices so if I don't give away a few I'm going to let them go to the dumpster. Tired of dealing with adult whiners.
Man, what a bummer. You wouldn't happen to be left handed, would you?
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A few years ago I started selling off some of mine . I had 60+ bows and at 73 I thought I would let others enjoy them. My oldest daughter will just get a dumpster and throw most of my stuff in it when I'm gone. I sold several for low prices and was very honest about them a repaired hole or a small scratch here or there. Almost everyone that I sold to would whine and critic a 50-60 year old bow thinking it should be as new. I decided it was not worth it especially with shipping prices so if I don't give away a few I'm going to let them go to the dumpster. Tired of dealing with adult whiners.
No whiners in my house. :goldtooth:
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A few years ago I started selling off some of mine . I had 60+ bows and at 73 I thought I would let others enjoy them. My oldest daughter will just get a dumpster and throw most of my stuff in it when I'm gone. I sold several for low prices and was very honest about them a repaired hole or a small scratch here or there. Almost everyone that I sold to would whine and critic a 50-60 year old bow thinking it should be as new. I decided it was not worth it especially with shipping prices so if I don't give away a few I'm going to let them go to the dumpster. Tired of dealing with adult whiners.
No whiners in my house. :goldtooth:
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A few years ago I started selling off some of mine . I had 60+ bows and at 73 I thought I would let others enjoy them. My oldest daughter will just get a dumpster and throw most of my stuff in it when I'm gone. I sold several for low prices and was very honest about them a repaired hole or a small scratch here or there. Almost everyone that I sold to would whine and critic a 50-60 year old bow thinking it should be as new. I decided it was not worth it especially with shipping prices so if I don't give away a few I'm going to let them go to the dumpster. Tired of dealing with adult whiners.
Man, what a bummer. You wouldn't happen to be left handed, would you?
No, I just went out and checked. I had a BearSuper Grizzly that was new. If I still had it , it would be coming your way!
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A few years ago I started selling off some of mine . I had 60+ bows and at 73 I thought I would let others enjoy them. My oldest daughter will just get a dumpster and throw most of my stuff in it when I'm gone. I sold several for low prices and was very honest about them a repaired hole or a small scratch here or there. Almost everyone that I sold to would whine and critic a 50-60 year old bow thinking it should be as new. I decided it was not worth it especially with shipping prices so if I don't give away a few I'm going to let them go to the dumpster. Tired of dealing with adult whiners.
Man, what a bummer. You wouldn't happen to be left handed, would you?
No, I just went out and checked. I had a BearSuper Grizzly that was new. If I still had it , it would be coming your way!
Wow, thanks for checking. It's too bad that so many want so much for so little these days.
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I have always had a self imposed limit of five bows. I sell one to help finance the purchase of the new one. No regrets.
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Only bought three bows new; $350, $585, $525 respectively. The rest I've traded/bartered for. Probably have @$800-900 invested in the remaining 5 bows. The first three and one or two of the others will go in my Will. There are perhaps two that would be given pink slips if I found the right buyer.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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I've bought more than a few, but never sold one.. I have given several away to Family and Friends, that's the only way I've ever gotten rid of any.
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Traded a bow for some arrows. I've gotten a few bows for free. At lease one garage sale bow--it was $3. Bought most of them new. Sold six or seven. The ones I like to shoot get held on to for a long time. Others come and go.
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I have more than I need I have a nice Widow recurve and a nice Thunderhorn longbow I should put up I just don;t shoot them enough any more, they are just resting on the rack.
Someone could be using them I should get moving on that time is passing by.
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Its a weird thing, the significance a bent stick and a string can take on. For more than 40 years I was blissfully ignorant with two bows, a Bear Grizzly and a Bear Polar. Both left handed, both 45#. I killed a ton of critters with the Grizzly and a lot of paper circles with the Polar. Then I discovered online trad archery boards. I was born into a family of bow hunters and all the great discussions and camaraderie pulled me in. I quickly learned a ton about different bowmakers, history , design theories, etc. I picked up a couple bows with 'unique' backstories, like the 2008 TradGang St. Jude Faith bow, a custom made Dryad Orion that came up on eBay of all places, and the prototype Ben Pearson Mercury Hunter, actually a modified 1965 BP Golden Sovereign Lady Mercury , 55#, the shop put together for BP's factory-sponsored and best known shooter, Jim Dougherty. Then I discovered that I was right eye dominant, probably an after-effect of Lasix surgery. I had a 26# Howatt Ventura hanging in the basement that my Dad picked up at an auction for when and if the grandkids showed interest. So I taught myself to shoot right handed and it was off to the races. For the past decade I've bought, sold, traded, gifted, received as a gift over 100 bows, almost all of them unusual, highly-sought, or just unique. Its been hard to let go of most of the ones I've passed along, e.g. the two mentioned above, but there's also a good feeling about sending a special bow to someone who will appreciate it. I've managed to still have 40 or so hanging around, even after equipping my family and many friends who wanted to take up archery. Most of them are unusual, some unique and some just fun. I'm hoping to retire soon and have more time for hunting, making arrows, refinishing bows and I hope to get down to a dozen or less. I sometimes miss the one-bow days: now I take 3 or 4 bows on every hunting trip and don't decide which one I'm taking out until I decide where and how I'll be hunting.