re-curve bow question

[imhooked]

I found a re-curve bow for sale in a garage sale that was made in Canada. It cost me $10. It's a little older, but still in good shape. I bought a string for it (too short I think; 59" but should probably be 62"). I've been practicing in my back yard from time to time and can't seem to get much range out of it with a lot of impact even with these new arrows with weight forward technology. I am using some target tips on these arrows.

Aside from not ever shooting much, what can someone who knows what they are doing expect to get out of a re-curve, range wise to take down a deer? Could the string length I am using be affecting the velocity or is it all in my release?

[toas243]

There is probably to much spine in the arrows ( to stiff ) for this bow ,I think you should get some wood arrows ,with a closer spine for this bow ,and get some with feathers .........

[gottafish]

Is it a CHec-Mate? I have one I love that bow

[Hookset]

Many of the older bows don't perform as well as modern recurves with newer epoxies, laminates, tapers and limb design.

With that said, to get the most from your bow, besides needing the correct string length, finding the correct brace height is really important for optimum performance. Brace height is measured from the string to the bottom of grip. Finding the right distance is important for a smooth release and good arrow flight. Most recurves fall into the 6 - 7.5 inch range for brace height with some bows on either side of this range. To change brace height means having the correct string length and fine tuning by twisting or un-twisting the string.

Shooting arrows and keeping track of problems with arrow flight, speed and release will help determine what brace height will provide the best performance. You can also do some work with nock point and bare shaft paper tuning to improve on this more. If you can locate a traditional archery shop or find an experienced traditional archer, this could really accelerate your knowledge.

good luck,

Gregg

[imhooked]

Thanks Greg,

I never would have thought to twist the string to increase the tension even though with the shorter string. because of the shorter string, the draw is a lot stiffer, which gives the bow a musical tone when I release.

The bow is made by Bear Archery, it has a date of 1953, so if that was the manufacture date, I'm shooting a stone age tool.

Currently I am using the two finger above and below the knock release technique, but just recently saw a set up where a guy has a prusex knot from which to draw the string back. I thought using this might quiet the release as well as act more like a trigger AND provide as an arrow knock reference point.

so all this said, how many guys are out there hunting deer with a re-curve? I might also add that I am currently getting (what I consider) a good impact at about 20 to 25 yrds. Should I expect more with a properly tuned re-curve?

[HawkeyeBilt]

if you bought a 53 bear recurve for 10$ you got one hell of a deal. Good job! Here's a completed listings link from ebay for 1953 fred bear recurves. Lots of times the sellers go into great detail about the bows they sell. Maybe you could find your match and it will have some valuable info about your bow. http://search-completed.ebay.com/sea...is=200&guest=1

[imhooked]

cool! I might hang to it for a while.

[gottafish]

Yea and it wasn't made in canada it was made in Grayling Michigan.