New to the Tradscene and looking for 2cents

[VAFarmer]

Hello,

I am a new member, and am finding myself inexplicably drawn to traditional bow shooting.
We farm in Virginia, and after years of hunting with rifles the challenge became null.  Moved to BP and even have a .45 cal air rifle that I plan to try out this season on family land.  

Started out with crossbow, then compound.   Still I am finding that I want to "go simpler".  

I am looking for a good "starting" recurve.  I am 5'11, 195.  I hunt with a 7olb compound that has low letoff, and draw 29 inches.

I seem to gravitate towards shorter recurves-problem is, my limited knowledge of physics tells me that shorter length+higher weight= less accuracy.  

I have my eyes on a couple supermag 48's and 2-3 martin mambas.   My question is
should I start with a lower weight than what my "man-pride" wants me too?  
I am thinking that I should be able to easily pull 55-60 lbs, but most have told me that I should be starting around 40-45.

Will this weight be sufficent for hunting 150-200 lb whitetail?   I know from years of shooting that shot placement is the "great" equalizer-but can I expect pass-thru from a 40 lb draw at 28-using 300-400grain weight?

Thanks and God bless,

VAFarmer

[Gehrke145]

Starting at a lower weight is the way to go, 45 to 50 lbs would be perfect.  I shoot 50-53 at everything and have not had a problem getting pass through even on elk.

[Kip]

If intrested I have a 55@28"K-Mag 52" in the class.Kip

[shortstroke 91]

I'd say deffinately go light at least for a starter bow, wish someone had told me that. If possible I'd say 30-40 pounds just for working on form and then move up to hunting weight. I'm no expert but I'd suggest working exclusively on form for a while, shoot 5 yards or so with your eyes closed and concentrate on the mechanics of form, anchor and release. If you don't want to buy 2 bows (one for form work and one for hunting) an easy solution that was suggested to me by Jay Kiddwell was a 1/2" PVC bow 65" long with eye bolts @ the ends for string nocks. Use tape to form a handle and para cord for a string. Keeps cost down to about $5 and only pulls about #15 so you can work on form all day without getting tired. I'm sure you'll get a lot of $.02 here so take mine for what you paid. Good luck in the journey.

[stickbow2442]

Starting out a little lower is ok. I started at 55# because I did not know any better. It took me a few mths to get comfortable with the weight. But now after two years of shooting the #55 lbs seems easy to me. Good luck and hope you find the right bow for you.

[hickstick]

I seem to gravitate towards shorter recurves-problem is, my limited knowledge of physics tells me that shorter length+higher weight= less accuracy.
 

what would be more accurate...a supermag that you can draw comfortably in a treestand/ground blind, or a 62" takedown recurve that hits the roof of the blind or seat on the treestand?     :D  

there are plenty of people shooting shorter bows accurately.    but you are right that a longer bow is generally 'easier' to shoot.

and yah...i agree with the above....start low and work your way up.   do you have any friends that can loan you something to try?

[ron w]

45# bow will anything you mite encounter in Va.,and most other places also.Shot placement and sharp broadheads...you'll be go to go!!!

[paradocs]

Where in VA are you located?  There are clubs with strong trad ties scattered throughout the state; ours is just east of Petersburg...we've got a 3-D shoot this weekend; lots of experienced traditional guys and gals attend.

[Killdeer]

If you are ever in the northern part of the state, we can try some different bows out. My stock answer on this is to try a 45 pound used Grizzly. They are great shooters, are readily available, inexpensive, and easy to sell if you decide to move on to something egregiously expensive.

A 1916 or 2016 aluminum cut to 30" to start, until we find out what your draw length with a recurve is, and a 125 grain head will get you started. If the 2016 is too stiff, go to a heavier head.

Killdeer

[ron w]

My typing is bad....45#bow will kill anything...sorry.

[joevan125]

I would also start out with a 45# bow.

[celticknot]

45-55lbs because I can draw back a 90lb bow but can't shoot it all day. Be kind to your shoulder muscles they aren't used to the new movement of drawing a trad bow. 10-12 grains per pound of bow. 45# = 450-540gr 55# = 550-660gr you can go heavier but wait till you get good at hitting your spot at 20yds

[VAFarmer]

Thanks all.

Floyd Va, most of you probably haven't heard of it.   Lots of farms, most jobs are in Roanoke Va,close by.

Good selection of whitetail.

God bless,

Farmer

[Tom]

Farmer  
 I would suggest no more than 50# to start, 70 with a compound is about equal to 35# with the letoff. Know you're in the SW corner, Roanoke has some trad shoots you might look into  to meet up with some other shooters. So much easier to learn for the net than all trial and error.
 Good luck to you.

[gsdmikko]

I'm 5'6" and 160#..I started out with a 60# pse recurve back in the ealy nineties..and have never had a problem then or now..I draw 28"..if you can try a couple see what you can pull back and anchor and hold for 30 seconds ok...and by the way...W E L C O M E TO TRADGANG  

[twotimer]

floyd county va.whew,back in the day,mid 60s,i use to get some mighty fine "shine" from there,but my higher power took that craving away 30 years agogo 40/45#,work on form,shoot slow,take time between shoots,the bow is just the delivery system,a fine tuned arrow,sharp broadhead,and shot placement are the key to bringing dow game,find what works for you,and ask a lot of questions on here,take what answers help you,and leave the reast behind.robert