Shakespeare Archery

[SCFox]

First off, I would like to say "Hey" to everyone.  I'm new to TradGang and traditional bowhunting.  My question is this.  I have an old Shakespeare bow.  The model is the Sierra X18.  It's a 52" bow with a 45lb. draw.  I'm just wondering if anyone might know if the bow has any value and if it would be a suitable bow for hunting with.  Thanks for any info.

SCFox

[Hackbow]

SCFox, welcome!

My youngest son shoots a LH Sierra X18. I'm not sure of their monetary value generally, but we purchased this one for a very reasonable price for a kid's starter bow. I can tell you they are nice bows and are certainly worthy of hunting. My boy turns 12 soon and will be after squirrels and rabbits with it this year. He'll have to practice more for deer. (Dad's rules!) Good luck with it.

[PAPALAPIN]

SCFox

The Sierra X18 is one of many models that Shakespeare had on the market.  There are many of them out there.  They are not too valuable, but good solid shooters.  Shakespeare made good solid bows that were a bitmore affordable than some of the more popular bows of their time.

As time goes on, your son will increase his draw weight.  many people like to hunt with bows of 60 lbs and over.  I stands to reason that the higher the draw weight, the more "punch" a bow will have.  However, back in the '60's, there were more 45# bows in the hunting field than any other weight, and they took their fair share of game, including deer.  I preffer to hunt with 50# and above, but I cannot discount the killing power of a 45# bow. If you have very sharp broadheads, a well placed arrow wil ldo the job out of a 45# bow.

[TexMex]

Most state minimum draw weight is 40# for deer.
Check with your state regs.

[BadKarma]

I checked my home states regs and yup, it's 40#. But what really got to me was they dont specify a minimum rifle caliber!! Those yahoos can go deer hunting with .223 and .22 magnums and still be legal!!!

[Ray Hammond]

It may interest you to know, SCFox, that Shakespeare Archery was purchased by a gentleman named Owen Jeffrey, who I believe was their chief bowyer at the time the company was sold.

Owen, and now his son Tom Jeffrey run the company from Pepper St. in Columbia, SC.

Just a little tidbit for the back drawer of your mind where you store stuff you probably don't need to know!