reviving an old bow

[MMBikemike]

Hello all,
I have a question about a bow that I have had for years and was finally able to get back home.  It's a Shakespeare Wonderbow recurve 58" and 45# at 28".  She has been stored safely and no warp in the limbs but it has been several years since being shot.  Should I break it back in by flexing the limbs and doing some half draw shots before full draw?  She is probably the sweetest bow I've shot and took quite a few squirrels and rabbits with her and I originally gave 20.00 for her at a pawn shop back when compounds first became popular.  I'm guessing it was made in the 60's or 70's.  Would love to be able to shoot her again while I'm waiting on wood to cure.  Thanks in advance for your advice on this.

[mwosborn]

I don't think that would be necessary for a glass bow like this if there are no cracks, delams, or other problems.  But...that being said, it sure would not hurt to carefully pull back about half way several times before pulling her to a full 28".

Sounds like you got a good deal!!!

[Johnny Reb]

No info to offer but used to have a wonder bow, o my brother in law said he'd like to have a recurve so I gave it to him about 10 years ago, doubt he's shot it to this day, probably been hang'n in his shed all this time, lonesome & neglected.

 A good little bow it was, maybe should try get it back.

[MMBikemike]

Thanks guys, I'll ease her back into shooting form, there are a couple of vertical cracks on the back but they are on the riser and do not extend into the limbs, I'll keep an eye on them.  Yes Reb, I'd get her back, they are nice bows!

[LittleBen]

I have a couple older bows ... they have some hairline cracking vertically along the limbs near the fades ... I just keep an eye on it ... if it doesn't change ... then you're good to go.

Enjoy your new old bow.

[MMBikemike]

Thanks Ben!