Osage selfbow question

[Paul_R]

Assuming it's cared for properly, how long can an Osage selfbow be expected to last? Does the draw weight change over time? Thanks.

[b.glass]

I've heard about ten years if made well.

[JAG]

I've got one that still shoots good after 20 yrs.

[Tajue17]

I have three that are going on 15yrs made by Mattingly.  I notice no draw weight change or additional string follow but I Un string them once I know I'm done shooting or hunting.

they darken in color though mine almost look like a light rosewood now.

[TroutGuide]

I think if made properly they would last forever?

[Tajue17]

thats true I shot a osage selfbow at denton hill a few years ago that I was told was 38yrs old which I remember because it was the same age as me at the time.  bow shot sweet and looked like it would easily last another 30yrs,,,,, you need to maintain them too by keeping up on the finish and not letting moisture get into the wood.

[John Scifres]

Way too many variables come into play to give a time estimate or even a shot number.  I could make one today and it will last forever if stored well and shot sparingly.  If I shot it every day, it would not.

Wood breaks down under use, handling, and storage.  The quality of the wood, the storage conditions, the shooting conditions, the number of shots taken, the design, the skill of the bowyer, the skill of the shooter, stringing methods, shot style....all affect longevity.

My go-to osage selfbow for 6 years finally failed after many, many thousands of shot and dozens of days in the field.

[Walt Francis]

X2 What John said.  
My current hunting selfbow has lasted for six seasons, well over two hundred days in the field, without any problems.  The one I made to replace it last summer gave up the ghost (with a big bang) one week before elk a season started; Pigger is doing fine after being drug out of retirement.

[Walt Francis]

X2 What John said.  
My current hunting selfbow has lasted for six seasons, well over two hundred days in the field, without any problems.  The one I made to replace it last summer gave up the ghost (with a big bang) one week before elk a season started; Pigger is doing fine after being drug out of retirement.

[Pat B]

...and as you can see from at least two proven selfbow builders and shooters(John and Walt) it is just part of the fun of selfbows. If it breaks, don't get discouraged, make another. I never keep my selfbows long enough to see how long it will last but I have put thousands of shots through some of them.