Proper Bow care

[Converml]

Here is a question from a newbie to custom bows. Now that my Mohawk longbow is on it's way. What is basic bow care (do and don'ts) . I have only had off the rack recurves? Thanks Merle

[Swamp Yankee]

With a custom bow like a Mohawk, it's very important to shoot it as often as possible so it doesn't get lonely.  Mohawks especially don't like being ignored ;-)

That aside, some things that come to mind are:
Don't leave any bow in a hot place like a closed car or truck.
Don't shoot arrows weighting less than the manufacturer's recommended minimum weight; normally 8 gr per pound or so.
Be careful when stringing any bow.  Push-pull or the use of a stringer, when done properly, are both acceptable for a mild R/D longbow like your Mohawk.
Routinely check string, nocks and arrows for damage to avoid dry-fires or impalement from a broken arrow.
Speaking of dry-fires; don't let anyone draw your bow without an arrow who doesn't understand the concept of "you break it, you own it".
Most important, enjoy one of the best longbows every built! (can you tell I own one?).

[Jake Diebolt]

I actually have a follow up question here - is it OK to leave your bow strung for extended periods? I'm not talking a selfbow here. I have a Martin Hunter recurve, and I see a lot of guys posting that stringing/unstringing does more damage than leaving strung. But the manual says to unstring the bow when not in use. Which way should you go?

[Grey Taylor]

Jake, it's not that stringing and unstringing the bow damages it. It's that the possibility for damage is greatest at those two actions.

It's pretty much a given that a modern glass lam bow may be left strung for extended periods of time with no damage or ill effects.
Personally, I'd go with the manufacturer's recommendation. If anything ever happens to the bow that requires warranty repair you can truthfully answer that you followed all the manufacturer's recommendations.

Guy

[Bjorn]

Shoot it daily and leave it strung. Take it hunting and stumping as often as you can. It won't hurt to say those three magic words either. Keep it away from hot places.

[zigman]

I especially like the shoot everyday part.

[zigman]

I especially like the shoot everyday part.

[Swamp Yankee]

It's pretty much accepted that it doesn't hurt a recurve being left strung, but there is an arguement that a longbow with it's deeper (thicker)wood in the limbs shouldn't be left strung; in essence because it has more wood in the limbs than a flatter limbed recurve.  I can't say with any certaintly that it matters, but I do unstring my longbow when I'm done using it.

[Converml]

Thanks for the ideas. Shoot her often seems wise. I'll also Call Vince when the bow arrives today as well. Thanks Again. Merle