Wish I'd bought a 60#

[Oregon Bill]

Just something to think about for those of you considering buying a longbow for the first time: I bought my first just a couple of months back, a new Bear Montana, RH 50#. Having had compounds, I didn't trust myself to start with more poundage, and didn't have anyone else's bow to try first. And at the pro shop, the #50 felt right at the edge of comfortable when they let me shoot it before buying. They didn't have any heavier longbows on hand. With occasional shooting over the past 10 weeks or so, I find the 50  is more than easy to shoot, and wish I had pushed the envelope just a smidge and ordered a 60. Of course, the 50 will do the same work as a 60, but not quite as fast or as flat. Something to consider if you are on the fence.

[MI_Bowhunter]

Generally speaking I think you are better going to a lighter weight bow when switching from a compound.

When I made the switch I shot an old 60# Bear that my dad used to use.  Worst mistake I ever made.   After a week my shoulders and elbows hurt to bad to shoot and my form went to hell.  And I was used to shooting wheel bows in the 60-70# range.

I then switched back to a 45# recurve and progressively added weight.  Now I shoot bows in the 50-55# range.   Plenty big enough to take down anything I'm going to hunt in the US.

While it may have worked for you, I think it is generally bad to jump in with a bow that high in poundage.  

Just my 2cents

[George D. Stout]

I'm shooting about 53 pounds on my longbow and I have no trouble hitting a sixty yard target with it.  It's not just about how much weight you can handle, it's about how well you shoot the bow on that cold morning after you've sit awhile.  It's also about comfort and confidence.  Wherever that falls on you weight-wise, then go with that.

[Bowhunter4life]

My recommendation, fill the freezer for a year or two with the bow you have.  Then, re-assess the need for another bow at a heavier poundage.

[Golden Hawk]

Lots of good advice in this set of posts so far. I think if you took a poll on draw weight you would find that most of us shoot in the 50-55 pound range.

[Bonebuster]

Starting out with something that is/was easy to handle was the best investment in traditional archery you could have made.

It helps prevent target panic, and a host of other
bad habits that can be hard to break.

Most people end up wishing they had bought a bow that was lighter, than the one they bought.

[LV2HUNT]

You will have zero problems trading or selling to move up to a heavier weight. There are always plenty of folks selling bows over 50 pounds. Particularly 55 and up. Wonder why that is?

[OconeeDan]

Better think twice, 60 is a lot more than 50.  Only 10lbs, but when you actually shoot it, seems like more.
But the bright side, you have an excuse to ADD a 55 and 60 lb bow!

[John Nail]

one bow is never enough! The Montana is reasonable, why not buy another? Use the light one for small game,targets, ect.

[bayoulongbowman]

Check out Montana bows!!!! awesome bowyer and proeduct to boot!!!! something about his longbow , its a great and I mean great shooting bow!!!  

[Shawn Leonard]

Bill, 50 shoots as fast and flat as 60. I never understand why guys say that. If you draw both bows the same and shoot the same grains per pound for the respective bow a bow of the same design, both will shoot the  same speed. IE: 50#s at 28"s 450 grain arrow equals 9gpp 185fps.now a 60# at 28"s 540 grain arrow 9gpp. 185fps. See what I mean more poundge does not mean more speed unless you are shooting a lighter arrow. Shawn

[Mudd]

Lighter poundage shooting won't likely stop you from shooting down the road whereas shooting the high poundage can cause you to stop long before you're ready to call it quits.
God bless,Mudd   47@28

[Ia Hawkeye]

40,50,60, 70 # etc.  they will all do the job. It's not the poundage, it's the shot placement. Shoot what ever poundage you can shoot comfortably  and accurately under all conditions (cold weater, etc.)

[woodchucker]

Ditto what Shawn said!!!!!  

[snag]

In Oregon they have a minimum weight for hunting. It is 45# for deer and 50# for elk. Are there weight limits in some of your states?

[Curveman]

In NH it is 60# for moose. I started with a 50 and went to 60 for that reason when it became time to buy a custom. Of course, I have never hunted moose!    But now the 60 feels every bit as comfortable now as the 50 did then. I don't believe that it is going to cause joint problems, not if you stay in shape anyway.

[Oregon Bill]

Good advice, guys. Think I will stick with the 50# long bow for at least a season. My joints aren't getting any younger.

[Alaska Mike]

Alaska - 50# - Mountain goat, Moose, Brownie, Elk, Musk Ox and Bison.

40# - Blacktail, Wolf, Woverine, Black Bear, Dall Sheep and Caribou.

Also IBEP or equivalent Certification required for Archery only hunts.

[amicus]

I started shooting 60lbs. Now that Im used to the weight when I shoot my 50lbs it just feels funy. I can't get used to it. Gilbert

[Steve Kendrot]

10 pounds is a big difference (20%) in a recurve. I find 56 lbs manageable and 60 too much. I wouldn't doubt your decision. It'll kill anything you want in North America.