Short bow vs. long draw length!

[sinawalli]

I am a tall guy, 6'2", with a draw length around the 30.5" mark. Would I be able to shoot a 53" bow with any degree of accuracy? What would ideal arrow length be? Thanks!

[Killdeer]

It all depends upon the bow's construction. As those of us with too many bows can attest, a bow is a bow is a bow... NOT!

RD and recurve bows, especially static tipped recurves, allow for longer draws with shorter bow length by keeping the string angle at the nock less acute than a that of a straight longbow.

Killdeer

[sinawalli]

The bow in question is a Fred Bear 1970 Grizzly, 53", #50.Hope that helps! Thanks!!

[JimB]

Grizzlies were never that short.56",58" or 62".If yours is 58",it wouldn't be so bad.At that draw length you would do better with 60" or more.

[sinawalli]

I don't own the bow, but according to the person who owns it, he claims it's a Grizzly. Not arguing with you, just stating what I know. So you don't think I would be able to shoot a shrt bow? Thanks!!

[JimB]

Honestly,I can't remember the length of the 1970 models.They were 56" in late '60's and returned to 58" at some point.I was thinking it could be 58" with worn or unclear lettering.I shouldn't have mentioned 62" as the were about '59-'62.

If it happens to be 58",you would probably be OK with it,especially if the price is right.Some people can shoot ridiculously short bows much better than I can.I draw 29" and shoot bows down to 56" but if I go below that,things start to get twitchy.If you can shoot a short bow OK,you should be able to shoot a longer one better.

If you are starting out,I just think a longer bow would be less touchy and more forgiving for you.

[sinawalli]

I have a long bow on order, but I think this is a pretty good deal. It is in excellent condition, and I can get it for $300. I mean bows are like guns and knives, you can't own just one right?? Will have to try and shoot it.

[JimB]

You should go to the large auction site and check what those bows normally sell for.From what I gather,I think that one may be 56".

[wingnut]

You will be out the back of the draw max of the limbs and stacking.  I also have a 30.5 inch draw and haven't been able to shoot any of the older short Bear bows without stack.

Mike

[sinawalli]

Originally posted by wingnut:
You will be out the back of the draw max of the limbs and stacking.  I also have a 30.5 inch draw and haven't been able to shoot any of the older short Bear bows without stack.

Mike

Maybe a stupid question, but what is "stack"? Thanks

[smokin joe]

There are no stupid questions here, just the sharing of experience and a bit of knowhow.

Stack is the rapid mounting up of draw weight. So, a bow that pulls 47# at 27" then 50# at 28" then 56# at 29" would be a bow that stacks badly past 28" -- I had one like that once and had to get rid of it.

I think Wingnut is right. A 30.5" draw and a 58" Grizzly might be a pretty uncomfortable mix. The bow can handle the stress, but it could be very harsh and rough in the last inch of draw.

But you might want to give it a try to see what you think of how it draws.

[Bjorn]

The shortest Grizzly was indeed 56" and only made for 2 yrs. There are some shortish bows that can be drawn to 30" and you COULD  shoot them; whether or not you would enjoy the experience longer term is something that only you can decide.
Shoot as many as you can and decide for yourself what feels right.

[Archie]

I draw 31", and will comment that our longer draws are a lot harder on recurve tips.  I wish I could get into a super-short bow... just to see what it's like, but I've decided it's just not in the cards for me.  If I ever need a bow that's only 50" long, it would have to have wheels on it!

[amar911]

It's really not that much longer, so you might want to try something like a 56" Shrew Classic Hunter. I know for sure you would have no problems with that bow. If you would prefer a recurve, a 56" Shrew Lil' Favorite would do just a well. Some other bows, like a Hoots or a Big Jim, are reputed to be comparable in accommodating long draw lengths, but I do not have personal experience with shooting them. I love the short bows for hunting, especially in tighter spaces.

Allan

[Hawkeye]

Is it possible your friend simply measured the length of the bow when it is strung, rather than finding the "AMO length" that should be printed on it somewhere?

I believe bow length is determined by measuring along the curves of the bow from nock to nock.  If you strung a bow, though, and simply measured how long it is from tip to tip, you'd get a lower number.

A 58" AMO recurve could very well be called 53" strung, if you were just measuring straight, tip to tip.

Maybe not, but just a thought...

[wingnut]

When strung, measure the length of the string and add 3 inches and you have your AMO length for the bow.

Mike

[sinawalli]

While I don't know the seller personally, he is a fellow member of a local hunting forum I frequent. I don't know how he measured the bow, but I will certainly ask. Thanks for the great info!!