How hot is too hot for a bow in a car??

[jiane]

I'm not able to shoot in my backyard and since the basement is newly refinished that is out of the question.  I do however pass by a public archery range on my way home from work.  So if I wanted to shoot more often, I probably could.

So my question is, how hot is too hot to keep my recurve in the car at work? I can keep it strung or unstrung, doesn't matter.  I just don't want to hurt the bow.  I'm thinking anthing above 70 degrees outside temperature on a sunny day would be to much.  Anyone have any experience?

Thanks,
Jerry

[Mr.Magoo]

I've seen the epoxy used on golf clubs fail after coming out of a hot trunk.  I'd say if it's over 100-110 in the car it's too much.

[daveycrockett]

Left one in the truck on a winter day for a couple hours. Got back opened the truck door, cold air rushed in bow turned inside out. That thing jumped 2 feet in the air, totally ruined. DON'T DO IT!!!

[One eye]

Don't be fooled by the outside air temperature.  That sunlight can warm a vehicel quickly and ruin many a laminated bow.

Dan

[STOBBER]

I had a mint Kodiak to de-lam on me in late Dec. a couple of years ago,  outside temp was only in the 60's but the bow was in direct sunlight.I have left other bows in hotter conditions but out of direct light, like behind the seat or in the tool box but i wouldnt recommend it ! I,ve heard that its ok to leave them in a bow case.....????>>>Be careful, it aint worth the risk !!!!

[mbbushman]

I have left both of my Caribows in my truck for weeks on end in the middle of summer. In outside temps of up to 100 degrees, probably 150+ in the cab. Never had a problem. I suspect the temp of the hotbox that the bow cures in has a lot to do with it's failure point. I know epoxy that sets at room temp will fail a lot sooner than if its cured at 200 degrees. My bows ride around in my truck more than they sit in the rack, and I never worry about it at all.

[Snakeeater]

Taking it inside was going to be my suggestion too. Put it in a bow sock and stick it in your cubicle or a closet somewhere.

Keeping it out of direct sunlight is always a good idea.

[Shawn Leonard]

If ya store it in the car ya could wrap it in a couple old bed sheets and put it on some ice, literally, and keep out of direct sunlight(park in the shade)like two coolers filled with ice and left open with a towel layed over the ice. It would be going to extremes but ya have to do what ya have to do. Shawn

[Otto]

Heh heh.  Reminds me of the time I took one of my recurves into work one day.  I was going shooting after work and didn't want to leave my bow in the car.  I had it unstrung, in a sleeve.

As I walk into the front door, our security dude asked "Ya aint got a bow in there do ya?"  I replied, "No sir, it's a stick.  If I put a string on it, THEN it's a bow."

[jiane]

Thanks for the responses.

Unfortunately taking it into work is out of the question.  Unless I don't feel like coming back to work.....ever.  Way too many supervisors, mangers, and vice presidents running around and something about a "company policy".  (Could be an option for the future though    )

There is absolutely no shade in the parking lot, so that doesn't help either.  I think I'll stick to bringing the bow when the temp is below 50, and cloudy and keep the windows cracked.  I've only got one bow, so I can't take big chances
with it.  

Yes, that's right I've only got one bow!!  But I do want more..........

I'm just looking for a more convienent way to shoot some arrows everyday.  City life sucks sometimes....

Jerry

[30coupe]

If the sun comes out on a 50 degree day, it can get hot enough in your car to ruin your bow. Don't ask me how I know this. It makes me want to cry.

[bmfer]

I would put it in a sock and take it inside with me, if possible.

[TJ Jones]

It's amazing that places would make a big deal over a bow. How many people do you hear of being murdered with a bow?

[JL]

I hear ya. Took my curve to grade school with me to ace the archery test. Prefered to work out for the presidents fitness patch and asked if I could bring my bow in and just test at the end of the week instead of flinging arrows with those 20 lbs kid bows. Ole Pearson bow did the trick. Heck, you would make breaking news on fox network these days if you took a bow to school with you...how things have changed.

I wouldn't leave my sole bow in a hot car, reguardless. If the heat don't get it, some idiot with a drug habit will and then you won't have to worry about shooting at all untill you replace it along with the glass window in your car. A buddy had his truck window broken over less then a dollors worth of loose change sitting in a cup holder.

JL

JL

[Kip]

If where you work and there is a security office or bldg. make friends and ask to store it for you or shop at another store on the way become a customer and explain your problem I am sure someone will store it for you.Kip

[Dave Worden]

I leave my recurve in my car a lot, summer and winter.  Only problem I've ever had was when I grabbed the bow out of the car, strung it, tried to shoot it all in about a minute.  Your chances are very good that if you leave the bow in the car, laying flat, unstrung, and preferably in a sleeve, it will be OK when you take it out.  Do not string it right away.  Let it cool, I don't know, maybe 15 minutes in the shade, and then string it and shoot it and you'll probably be OK.  Under no circumstances leave it strung in the car and unstrung I'd still want it to be fully supported.  I really like Otto's response.  A friend and I were looking at his longbow in the parking lot at work when a security guard came along and about blew a gasket.  We told him we had no string and no arrows.  It was therefore just a stick and he could take a flyer.  He chose not to push the issue.  All in all, I think your bow will be OK if you do what I suggested.  I still keep bows in the car and haven't had a problem since I always let them cool before stringing them.  Good luck.

[woodchucker]

Next time you go to work,check the position of the sun.Then try and pic a spot where you can have the back seat of your car in the shade all day.

With the bow unstrung,in the shade,and the windows vented if possible,I think it would be OK.

[jiane]

Thanks for the help fellas.

I'm gonna error on the side of keeping myself shooting with my one bow.  I'll keep the bow at home if it's gonna be over 50.  There is just no shade in the parking lot.  It is wide open and the sun just beats on it all day.