Is it really 28" draw

[flungonin]

I have a couple new friends that are just getting into archery. I meet up with them one Sunday to take them to a place to shoot their bows. The bows they have were bought off of _-___. Supposed to be a #40 and a #50 bows at 28 inch draw. I had brought along a solid fiberglass bow #30 lb. Mom, Dad, Son and Daughter all liked my little bow. Saying it was easy to pull back. With that they invited me to shoot their two bows. I checked where my hand grip should go (since there wasn't any defined area in the 8 inch handle), I pulled back to my 28 inch, well I didn't get there. I hit a wall about 25 inch. I tried this a couple of times and on each bow. The same thing. These are rather short 54 inch all wood bows. My question. Can these be tillered down for a bend in the handle to reach the 28 inch draw which they need to be and which the bows were advertized at on the web.

[k-hat]

I'm still green on this shorty business, but 28" sounds like a lot for a 54" all wood bow (typically you take draw and double it for minimum bow length for most woods if bending in the handle).  I think here in Texas commercially traded bows are supposed to be given poundages at 28", whether or not they actually draw to 28.  Maybe that is the case with these?  Otherwise i'd be highly cautious about such a bow.  Tillering further out would depend on the wood type, profile, etc.  

I'm sure others with more expertise will post soon.  Probly need more info, pics, etc to be real help.

[Pat B]

If the angle of the string at full draw is nearing 90 degrees you will hit a wall. The pull of the string is out the limb instead of against the limb. The string will slip off the bow before it bends any farther. If the tips of that bow were kicked up a little(reflexed) it would improve the string angle and allow a longer draw...but will stress the limbs more which can be good or bad.

[John Scifres]

It's possible to remake the bows to bend in the handle but if they have been narrowed there, then I wouldn't do it.  I'd call it a lesson learned if you can't return them.  Do the new owners draw past 25"?

[flungonin]

Yes the dad and daughter 28". The mom 26", and the son 25". They draw the fiberglass bow they are using to these lengths. I was guessing on the length of the bows. I have to check them this weekend, along with measurements and the specific type of wood. Thanks