Did I wreck my bow?

[T-Bone]

Today while shooting, I released an arrow which had a knock that fit too loosely for the string.  When I released the arrow, it fell off the sting and essentially dry fired.  After the shot I thoroughly examined the bow and there was no evidence of any damage, and I shot it some more without any problems. Any thoughts?  Is there a chance that the bow is wrecked even though there are no visible signs?

[Mr.Chuck]

I've never had a traditional bow go bad for dry firing.  And I've dry fired quiet a few, because I use the loose fitting mercury nocks!  If you inspect it thoroughly,  and you find no damage, I think your ok.  But this is a bowyers' questions you ask!  This is just my experience with dry fired bows!  

[Lechwe]

Don't feel bad. At least you did that with your own bow. I've done it with a borrowed bow.........twice. I haven't damaged the bow and am much more observent now.

[Eastern fisher]

I do not know alot about trad bows yet, still learning but anything I have read you should be safe.  Now, if that was a compound, you are lucky you still have a face.  I have seen compounds go BOOM when dryfired!!

[BleekLight]

haha that reminds me of back when I shot a wheelie. I had just bought a bears buckmasters 2 and took it to the range with my friend. I was new to compounds at that time, never even shot one and I wasn't used to the mechanical release and I drew back and well you can figure out the rest. But luckily it didn't do any damage that I could tell. I shot it for about a year before I sold it and went back to trad.

[Chris Wilson]

Been there and done that on a few occasions.  It definately will rattle your nerves.  Check the bow over really well for cracks and such.  Be sure to check in the grip as well as around the shelf.  If it's a takedown, remove the limbs and check the limb pockets and limb wedges.  If you see nothing, chances are, it's ok.  I've never had a quality made recurve or longbow go South due to a single dry fire.

[Dave Worden]

It's probably OK, but the important word here is "probably".  If you can't find anything wrong and it's still shooting OK, I'd keep shooting it.  After 1000 arrows or so, if it's still in one piece, I'd be comfortable letting others shoot it.

[d. ward]

All of the above,check the arrow rest strike plate area for cracks and the string grooves.Maybe brace it up and feel along the limb edges for splinters.Good chance it's OK.Dry fires can do lots of damage,if done properly.bowdoc

[T-Bone]

Thanks guys!! I've been shooting now for over 20 years(only 2 for trad.)  and this is the first this has happened.  It was the first time shooting my brand new first custom longbow too.  Well, at least I still have health.

[BobCo 1965]

I've done the exact thing on a few times in the past with no ill effects. But remember that's me.

[buckshot95]

I did the exact thing twice with the same bow. But the second time it broke the string. But it did hurt the bow at all. I am still shooting it so I would say that you are fine.