New archer, need help getting started with vintage Bear

[nickz]

Hello
I'm just getting into archery through making some bows for myself and I decided to invest in a real bow so that I could feel what its like to shoot a well designed bow. I bought a bear recurve 62", 51# with the serial number sf291 on it. It seems to be in good shape but I had some questions I was hoping folks with experience could answer. I hope this is a the right venue for these kind of questions and if not folks could point me in the right direction.
1. Is there anything I should do to a 50-60 year old bow before starting to shoot it again?

2.Should I get a new string? If so can I just measure the existing one to find the right length?

3.Side to side the bow seems symmetrical could I use it right handed or left handed?

4.Is this even a good bow to start out with, or should I get a lighter weight bow while I'm learning?

Thanks So much for any help anyone has.

[njloco]

A lighter bow would be better, something in the 30-35# range would be good. If your just  starting out, it would be more likely that you would pick up bad habits witha heavier bow.

[pghrich]

Hello sounds like you have a bow with no shelf, with the no shelf and 51# you are making it tuff for a newby, may want to find something in the 40# range with a cut to center shelf, use a stick on rest and life will be good, any brand will do, bear, ben pearson, wing, shakespear just to name a few, rich pyle

[Amberjack]

Could be you have an Alaskan, pics would help.

Early Alaskans have both right and left shelves so thats possible.

In any event, unless you're a big fella 51# is a pretty hefty bow to begin on.  

Definitely get a new string.  If the bow is marked AMO 62", then you want to buy a string for a 62" bow.  Get one made from Dacron B50.  Those old Bears weren't made for modern stretch less string and you could damage the bow.

Other than that, unless you see cracks or delamination of the glass, string her up and have fun.

AJ

[Stump73]

Welcome. I agree with the others a lighter bow will help you learn form alot faster. You could acquire a Sammick Sage 35 to 40 lbs from BigJim for around 140. If im right. Then if you wanted heavier limbs later that cost around 80. If decided to sell the sage later the sell pretty quick especially for lighter weight ones.

[legends1]

Welcome  

[damascusdave]

In general the serial number on a Bear bow tells us nothing of value...there ought to be a model name on the bow somewhere and that will at least give us some idea...it sounds to me like it is a dual shelf bow made to shoot right or left handed but Bear made a lot of bows that way

DDave

[Cyclic-Rivers]

There has been good advice given so far so I will not repeat anything.

What I would like to add is, Definitely get a new string. Don't assume the last string was the correct length. I have bought many used bear bows over the years with strings which didn't fit.  In that department, Contact one of the sponsor string makers here and talk with them, they should get you exactly what you need.

regarding your question what to do to the bow before shooting.... I like to look closely at the laminations and especially the fade outs for any cracking or separation.  After I string the bow, I pull it part way and listen for cracking noises. If after 2 or 3 short pull and holds, then I will full draw it a few times before I shoot.  Then good to go.

You may be able to trade your bow for a  lighter bow you could use.


Welcome To Trad Gang.

Where in NY are you from, there are a lot of us here who would be willing to help.  If you are close to me, I will do what I can.

[nickz]

Wow, clear advice, thanks everyone. I can't figure out how to post pics (I'm probably missing something simple) but I have some on my phone, and will post as soon as I figure that out.
 The shelf was just a piece of plastic stuck into the leather and it comes right out since the leather is worn. I was planning on switching the shelf over to the other side when I replaced the leather.
Charlie- Im in the upper Hudson Valley, Hudson/Catskill area, not far at all.
Thanks Again

[Michael Arnette]

Nick, welcome! Loading pics here is a trick. I use photobucket, load them and resize them and then copy the img link inside your post