NEWBIE question?
 

Having used a compound bow for 20 years I have been debating about trying a recurve bow. My question is what is the best way to start? I have always shot with a release, sights(fiber optics). I have an old 45 lbs Bear recurve that I thought about trying out first. What is the best way to go from a compound bow fully loaded to a recurve (no sights)! Practice and perfected form?

Any comments or suggestion appreciated!

THANX
LURP DOG

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

Lurp, first of all welcome. It sounds like you are getting the bug. You'll love the challenge of shooting a trad bow, just don't give up. It sounds like you have a good bow to start with. I also have a 45lb bear recurve, but it stacks on me way too much. If you have a 29" or under draw it should be fine to learn and hunt with.

First things first though, take the bow to a pro shop and make sure everything is OK with it. And get yourself a good book on traditional shooting, I would suggest Byron Fergusons Become the arrow.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...297323-7890441

Good luck to you and congrats on getting the Traditional Bug!

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

I did the same thing. It just takes practice. I'd start with the 45 pounder and see how you do with it. You may want a little heavier bow before too long.

Just start close to the target and practice your release. Keep your holding point the same every time and concentrate on the target.

Good luck!

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

Do most hunters shoot off the shelf or use a arrow rest like a Flipper rest?

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

On my Bear Kodiak Mag, I shoot off the original rest that came with the bow. It is a brush style rest.

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

Lurp Dog, you can shoot off the shelf or you can use an elevated rest. Whatever you find easier. You can also put a sight on it, if that eases your transition to traditional. Do whatever suits your fancy, but shoot lots and have fun with it. That's the only rule!

Jack

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

Welcome, it's good to see you here.

I agree with what's been said so far. Have the bow checked out and make sure it isn't ready to explode and that the tips aren't twisted. If you havn't already done so, put a new string on the bow. Dacron B50 is probably the way to go with the older recurve. Start your nockpoint at about 3/8" above and start the brace height around 7 1/2" from the deepest part of the grip. You'll need either a glove or a tab if you plan on using your fingers on the string. An arm guard is recommended just in case. The arrows you shoot are depending on your draw length and the actual weight of the bow at your draw. But to start flingin arrows, almost any arrow will do. I started with 2315 aluminums with a 50# recurve. They didn't fly too good but at 15', it really didn't make much difference. Yep, read a book or two. Byrons book is good from what I hear and Asbels book has been recommended quite a bit. I just ordered it and havn't read it yet but I hear it's good. Once you're armed with info from the pros, your practice will start to take on new meaning. At first you will be concentrating on building your strength so you can comfortably hold the full draw weight at anchor. Concentrate on your form, a steady bow arm and a consistently smooth release. You will need these things to be consistent in order to be consistently accurate. Even with sites if that is how you choose to go. As far as shooting off the shelf, I do on my bows now but my first recurve has a cheap plastic elevated rest and it worked good. However, from what I've read, it is recommended to get the arrow as close as possible to the bowhand. Above all, have fun. That's what it's supposed to be about.

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

Try Kidwell's "Instinctive Archery" good solid easy to follow advise that works. At least it did for me.

Shelf or rest is personal preference for hunting. Hunters seem to shoot off the shelf. All target shooters that I have met use a rest. I tried both. I found the shelf to be more enjoyable and it seems easier to get on target and release in a hunting situation.

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

Thanx to all for the great comments/suggestions! 1 more for ya! Why is the brace height important? I thought that brace height was primarily a compound bow thing.

THANX
LURP DOG

RE: NEWBIE question?
 

No, No, No, Brace height is even more important in Traditional Archery. You will find that by twisting your string you can adjust your brac height. As you will read in your book, brace height, cant, arrow selection and length will all help to tune your bow properly.

For now though, I would just "mess around shooting your bow for a while". Things like keeping the arrow on the rest and form will be the most important things when you begin.