Tune up vs. New

[CJZ]

Hello, new member here.

I am thinking about bow hunting this year, and my brother said I could have his bow. It is about 15 years old,hasn't been shot for 13 years. It is a PSE, and he spent about $300-$350 at the time and thats about as much as he could remember.

I have never used a bow for hunting, only recreation and that was about 15 years ago.

What kind of costs would be incurred to get that bow ready for deer hunting? Would I be better off buying new?

-Chris

[Red Lion]

Better off buying new? I would say no, if you are giving bow hunting a whirl for the first time this year. I would take you brothers bow, which I assume is already set-up with a rest and sight, and use it. You will need arrows, field tips and broadheads, and I would suggest a release as well. It would likely make sense to bring the bow down to a bow shop and let the guys there help you out with setting it up for you. You are likely looking at around $100-150 for arrows, broadheads and release.
Good luck.

[BKE]

Yes, do as he says and take it to the bow shop. Just because it's quite old doesn't mean it won't hunt but you need to be sure, might have to look at the cables and string for safety reasons. Then get practicing fast and lots because you can't just go slinging arrows all over the place andjust injuringthings. Good luck.

That old probably going to needa new string and cable. Maybe. I wouldn't put more than 40-50 dollars into a old bow like that. Thats me.

[Paul L Mohr]

If you are talking about hunting this year and you have never shot a bow before or hunted that much then my opinion is don't do it. It's too soon. Get the bow if you want, but spend a year learning to shoot it well and getting used to it before you climb in a tree stand and try to kill an animal.

I did that and am very glad I went that route. I was much more confident in my shooting ability and it let me concentrate all that much more on my hunting. I wasn't concerned with if I COULD make the shot, just if I could get one.

As far as the bow, if you can get it to fit you then go for it. A new bow will cost you in excess of 300 bucks by the time you are done, probably even more. At least for a decent one. Nothing wrong with good used bows in my opinion. The important thing is getting it to fit you. You can't just pick up someone else's bow and shoot it well. The draw length and draw weight has to match your size and ability.

Paul

[Arthur P]

I'd definitely replace the string and cables first thing and then adjusted to fit you. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have it taken apart, inspected, cleaned and lubed at the same time. Spend a hundred bucks on it and get it fixed up. It's better than spending $500 on a new bow right now because, well, you don't know yet whether you're even going to like bowhunting. Just keep in mind that whatever money you spend on the bow you are not going to get back if you eventurally decide to sell it. Your fixing yourself a shooter, not an investment piece.

I agree with Paul about taking some time to learn to shoot before hunting. Way too many people just dive in at the last minute and don't do well. But then, if you get the bow set up properly for you, have someone around to show you the ropes and if you start a regular practice regimen, I don't see why you couldn't be proficient out to 20 yards in the next month.

[Straightarrow]

Ask around to see what bow shop has the best reputation in your area. With good help, I see no reason why you can't be shooting tight groups within a very short while using a compound.

I've seen guys shooting 3-4" groups at 20 yards within 15 minutes when setup and taught by the right person. Such a person could easily be hunting with confidence within a month or two with a lot of practice. I've also seen guys struggle for years when they didn't have such help. It pays to get it right from the beginning.

[CJZ]

Thanks for all the responses. Very informative.

I think I will bring in the old bow and see if I can get it brought back to life.

Oh, I would of course be practicing before going out hunting... I would not want to leave any wounded animals, I would rather not shoot at all.

Thanks again!

[mauser06]

the others gave good advice.

i was faced with the same decision last season. dad has an OLD "Bear Bruin" bow in the shed he said i could use. probably older than your brothers..but it had a rest setup for fingers..cant think of the name but its pretty much just a bent out paper clip, a couple brass pins for a sight, a steel bar for a stabilizer, etc etc...and it needed new strings and cables, plus arrows, heads, etc etc etc...i figured by the time i was done i could have a new bow..that would shoot better than the old bow and i would like more than the old bow.

i went ahead and bought a mid price range bow. i love it. shoots great, pretty up to date, got middle of the road accessories on it for now...it works.

the old bows WILL work and shoot...just to me, being serious about hunting and archery, i just felt my money was better spent towards a new rig that would last me and i would be happy with. i knew there wouldnt be anything about archery i wouldnt like.

if your unsure about if youd like bowhunting, using the old bow would be a great route..not too much invested, so you dont loose. if you find out you like it and want to upgrade, then you only spent 100-150$ or whatever...