i bought my first bow, having never shot a bow before. I had a buddy that got me interested. he showed me his bow said i could shoot it but didnt want to wreak his bow. Stores have insurance lol. He just basically went through the basics of the bow. When i got to the store. They were really helpful. We first started out with him checking my draw length. He was very understanding about this being the first time i shot a bow. You have to start somewhere. Most stores will have display bows that you can shoot. Some smaller ones will have to set the bow up that you are wanting to shoot. Most will give you really crappy rests and no sights. I had to eye my shot. If you dont do that it can be a rather lengthy process of switching gear on different bows. Also he helped guide my arrows. I didnt know how to shoot insticts so he kind of helped out there. Just take your time and really think about the bow you want. RESEARCH!!!! I cant stress this point enough. You have to study. I went and bought a PSE. And to be honest they are ok bows, they are just not ME if you will. What i meant buy that is i could not get consistant shots at all! Had a real hard time with it. Really noisy too! Which ads to a a problem that some people might have. Which is flinching. I went and bought an upper class bow. Dont regret it one bit. Very smooth quiet and forgiving. Well my friend i hope i supplied you with some good info. let me know if you have any more questions.