20 year old bow strung question ?

CBM SC · 02-12-2005, 07:56 AM

Hey guys, I haven't really shot traditional in probably 18 years(and had no clue about what I was doing when I did..........I just knew I liked it) ! I started shooting a compound around then and later was unable to find my recurve when I wanted it !

My aunt is in the middle of moving and called me last night to tell me she found my recurve in a closet after all this time ! Problem is ..........it's been strung the whole time !

Any chance a Bear Grizzly would be alright after sitting strung for 18-19 years ???

Viking_hunter · 02-12-2005, 09:33 PM

Check it out! Be careful, examine the string, then slowly pull on it a little and test the limbs to see that they aren't brittle. If all looks good, draw it back. If it feels good, shoot it. The only thing, is if it got brittle sitting around. It likely lost some of it's poundage sitting around strung. But you never know. Be careful though. I have seen old bows shatter when drawn after long periods of sitting around.

LBR · 02-12-2005, 11:01 PM

If it was stored flat, you might be lucky. If it was stored standing on it's end, I about guarantee you got a twisted limb.

Do NOT pull on that string or attempt to shoot it with that string. It's dacron, probably B-35, and that stuff wasn't meant to last 18 years on a bow. It could very well break at full draw or with the first arrow or two. Carefully unstring it, check the limbs for any twist, and if all looks good get another string (dacron only--B-50 or B-500).

If you have a mild twist, most likely it can be straightened. Good luck!

Chad

CBM SC · 02-13-2005, 06:17 AM

Thanks guys !

LBR .......yeh...I figured the string wouldn't be anything to mess with ! The bow was leaned up in a corner of a closet so it will not suprise me if the limb is twisted when I get it..............what would I need to do if it is ? I don't know of anyone who specializes in traditional around here ?

LBR · 02-14-2005, 09:05 AM

If the twist isn't real bad, you can usually straighten it with heat. A friend of mine uses hot water (from the tap--no hotter). He runs the twisted part under the water until it's heated good, twists it back straight, then has someone turn the cold water on while he holds it in place, letting the cold run until the limb is completely cooled. Use water only if the finish is good on the bow. Some use hair dryers, some use heat guns (careful if you do--you can get it too hot and cause it to delaminate). Go slow and easy--it may take several tries to get it right.

Chad