RE: choosing a recurve
Yes, just be sure to ask about stress cracks and limb twists. Stress crack usually are OK, they usually appear around the fadeouts and run parallel with the limbs. If the crack meet at any point, I would stay away. Limb twists are also common and many can be fixed. I'd also shy away from twists though. Also, for a beginner, I'd stay away from anything under about 60".