Recurve shooters.....Q about unstringing & Bow cases

[GMMAT]

Is it necessary to unstring your recurve after shooting?  I'm not opposed, just wondering if it's necessary.

I was going to order the deluxe case from 3rivers (unstrung), but it says the outside dimension is 59".  My bow is a 60" model.  What gives?

If it's OK to keep it strung, I'll order a strung case and just take it down to travel.  If I have to unstring it each time, I'll probably get the tube style.  If someone can point me in the right direction on one that'll accomodate my bow, I'll probably buy it.

thanks.

[Ross]

I prefer to unstring my bows except when at the range or in the field although it's not really necessary.
Laminated bows aren't hurt by being strung unless
subjected to heat or stood on end.Self bows are another story.
Depending on the method of travel,I'll
carry it in a sock or piece of pvc.
Kathy Kelly makes good cases and there is probably
one that will accomodate your bow,strung or unstrung.Check with Kustom King.

[Leo L.]

I leave mine strung a lot of the time.  It's strung up right now and I haven't shot since Sunday.  Like Ross said, keep it out of the heat and off the tips.

[mooseman76]

I let all my recurves strung.  It is easier to do damage to the bow stringing/unstringing as long as the bow is stored properly.  

Measure your bow from tip to tip when strung.  Bows are measured from tip to tip along the curves of the limbs.  The tip to tip strung length (measured along the string) will be a bit shorter...Mike

[sweet old bill]

I have had bows strung for years without loss of a oz of peak bow weight.

 The major issue to damage a bow is twisting a limb dueing stringing and unstrainging a bow or improper storage of a bow either strung and unstrung...

I make sure anyone who buys a bow a string is included with the bow.

 Also in the summer months a bow that is hung strung from a gun rack of a pickup truck can be damage from the sun. Had one guy stop by last year and the bow looked like someone had taken a ax to it.

 I hang all my bows in the shop from wood pegs, one on each side of the bow so that the bow is hung from the string. I also have another rack that is wood pegs for unstrung bows that can hold about 12 bows, I have these bows sitting on the pegs by the limbs of the bows...

[pebowbender]

Hey Jeff, The 60" dimension is not a straight line, it follows the curve of the limbs so the overall length will be shorter(strung or unstrung). The one I use is the strung by Kathy Kelly. If I choose to leave it strung or unstrung, the bow fits either way. (the word strung looks and sounds funny)

[Schultzy]

I leave my recurve strung all the time. I picked up a case from Black Widow, right around 60 dollars or so I think It was. That was the only place I could find one that could fit a recurve with a quiver attached to the bow.

[WestTnMan]

I leave mine strung all the time. Mine decided to unstring itself Saturday. Drew back on a target, released and POW....string broke!

[reddogge]

I keep all of mine unstrung to eliminate the possibility of string failure, nicks in string, anyone picking it up to pull it back.  I err on the side of caution with these 50 year old beauties.

[WildmanSC]

Originally posted by WestTnMan:
Mine decided to unstring itself Saturday. Drew back on a target, released and POW....string broke!

Terry,

I would recommend that you inspect your bow closely for any sign of cracking or crazing and put a new string on the bow and inspect again.  I would then shoot it from about 3 or 4 yards at half draw, then 3/4 draw and finally full draw.  If all is well, enjoy shooting your bow!

Bill