as you guys know im seriously thinking of buying a bow in the near future...ive never been in a bowshop, and havent seriously shot a bow since i was a todler! honestly...i used to shot with dad when i was YOUNG...i want to shoot a few diffrent bows...and more then likely try to find a deal on ebay or something on a new bow...just selling a little cheaper then a shop.....im sure the shop prices are a bit higher just like a gunshop...but will they let me test shoot bows and just let me...leave to think it over? id kinda feel awkward...also...since i havent shot a bow, i probably couldnt hit a wall if it was infront of me....i dont want to fling an arrow stray infront of guys at a bowshop lol....would i actually be shooting a target? or is there just a big foam wall or something like that for guys like me?? if i buy a bow from ebay or something, could i take it to a shop i didnt buy it from and have it set up for me and tuned and all that good stuff??? thanx guys....just some questions..im excited and looking for information before i get head over heals.....im kinda glad i didnt buy a bow when i almost did....almost bought a browning on ebay just because it was going cheap and an expensive bow normally.....glad i didnt do that! i can do things right now....

Glad to see you are picking up a bow. There is one huge down fall to a new bow shooter, and ebay. You will get much better help and getting the bow set up if you purchase from the shop. The shop does not want bad feed back and will normaly get you set up free of charge and it will be right for YOU. Chances are you will not be saving much at all by the time you have the draw fitted to you and everything else set to your style. If you have a buddy or something that can get you close, then you may be OK.
My second bow I bought was throough a shop, when I left there I was comfortable and confident of my equiptment. Thats been worth more than a couple hundred bucks to me.

Mauser,
I personally believe you are better off going with the local shop. I say this for a couple of reasons.
1) You DON'T want to buy any bow, from anyone before you have had a chance to hold, feel and draw that exact bow...or at least the same make/model. They all feel different and will fit you differently so it's important to test them out...at least fit/feel wise. Now, you can do that at your local shop and then hope to find and buy on e-bay, but is that the right thing to do or are you taking advantage of the local shop owner...using his time and equipment with no intent on giving him the business? That's a question only you can answer.
2) I have never purchased from e-bay, but friends have and say that once you buy, you're stuck so you better be darn sure of what you are buying and that it's what you really want. If you go to that local shop they are going to let you test before you buy (usually) and then stand behind their product if something goes wrong.
3) As stated in earlier posts, the local shop will also help you set your bow up exactly the way you want it...and how it will shoot best for you. Since you purchased the bow from them, it will probably be free of charge...except materials of course. Bring them a bow that you got somewhere else and they will sell you everything you want for it, but may not be so willing to help you tune it and get it ready to take to the practice range.

Don't worry about flinging a stray arrow in the shop. First off...you being there and them being able to "fit" you with a bow and then set it up, they will be able to adjust it close enough for the first arrow to at least hit the target. After that, it's all about practice and fine tuning your bow and other gear.

Lastly, buying locally will support the small business owner. Trust me, he'll appreciat it and be there for you when you need it.

Just my thoughts...sorry for the long wind.

Best of luck,
Craig

Mauser06

The cost of buying a bow at a local pro shop over going to ebay is well worth it. They can help you get exactly what you need, show you how toshoot with good formand about a million other things you will need. Also if you have any problems with the bow or just questions they are right there to answer them. Those things are priceless when you are pulling your hair out because you can't shoot a good arrow. In my opinion the little extra up front will go a long way in the long run, it may save you from getting frustrated with the bow and giving up archery all together.

bburen

In addition to what the others have said, buying at a shop, assuming you find a GOOD shop, is well worth the extra money. Often times you will get a free setup/tune included with the purchase, especially if you buy the accessories there. When I worked in a shop, I also made sure the person, especially if new to archery, left the shop knowing the basics of how to shoot, basically this was a free 30 minute or so shooting lesson. Often included discounts or free range time, discounts for xx week/months on future purchases, free 1 year tuneup.

Buying from the shop is a bit more upfront money, but well worth it in the long run, you will start a relationship to help you sort out bow/shooting problems, get advice etc.

If you go into a shop to test shoot bows, you are taking their time, then you leave and buy that same bow elsewhere? Expect to spend top dollar on any future things in that shop. They are making an investment in you by spending time with you, setting up the bow to shoot etc. This takes a considerable amount of time if you are shooting several bows, they will let you walk out without the bow, however if you buy it elsewhere, they will rightfully be upset. If you come back to them to get it, they will be happy.

I would never send a beginner to ebay to et a bow. Go to a shop let them help you and get you set up and shoot some different models of bows. It'll be worth it.

thanx guys...you all make sense and thats kinda how i was feeling...just didnt know...thats why i asked...

Also look at it this way, the shop provides services, including leagues, range etc. If everyone goes elsewhere to save a bit of money, the shop goes out of business (there is very little money to be made in archery today), then where will you shoot? People will complain about the shop going under etc.

I can see buying elsewhere if they just don't carry a bow you want, but buying internet or ebay or whatever, you really need to know what you are doing. You are going to end up with a bow in a box, now what?

Not sure where you are exactly in sw Pa. But I can recommend a good bow shop that will patiently walk you through all the smallest details. they take their time and never make you feel rushed. I hope I'm allowed to post a bow shop name.. It's Acorn Archery in New Castle PA. Top notch shop.

I don't believe that I would feel confident buying a bow on ebay - REGARDLESS of if I was new to the sport or not.

I dont know how that bow was handled,
and I don't know what happens to the warranty,
and I don't know the person I'm buying from,
and I don't know what to do if I get the shaft.

If I got screwed over - I would really think that it was mostly my fault for putting myself in that spot, ya know?

Support your local bow shops...you'll be happier, and more confident in your purchase for sure.