Well, few years back, I did almost same thing. Except wife didn't give me the money, wink. I shot a black widow, a striker, a great northern, tomahawk, etc.... I bought a Bear montana from a guy down on his luck and loved it. I bowfish and have shot several deer with a shakespeare, which for me is probably the best recurve made. Then for the money, I bought a Howard Hill "Redman", wow. It is every bit as good as the Montana, and more forgiving and for a few bucks more well worth it. Like already said Archery is a very personal sport. there have been countless animals harvested with a 2nd hand bow. Price does not always dictate quality.