I need some opinions

bear bowman · July 13, 2016, 09:13:00 AM

A very good friend of mine used to build them all the time and then he ran into loads of shoulder issues and has given up shooting and bow making.
He called me last week and asked me to stop by, he gifted me with 3 of his self bows, a homemade quiver and some woodies. I felt very honored and accepted the gifts.
Here's my problem, all his bows were made at 52#@24". My draw is a little over 26". These bows are really smooth drawing up until that last inch or so. Would it be wrong to retiller these bows to my draw? They were gifts that he made and I don't know if I should just shoot them as is and deal with it or make them my own.
He told me he just wanted them to go to a good home where they would get used. I'm not sure how much I'll use them as they are now.
What would you do?

July 13, 2016, 09:18:00 AM

I'm betting he would want them however would be the way you could shoot them the best. It probably hurt a little to have to give them away, but he felt you were the guy who was a good enough bud to deserve them! My vote would be to retiller, if you can do that without making them unsable.

Bisch

Pine · July 13, 2016, 10:04:00 AM

Definitely rework them .
I'm sure he would like them to be used .

Jon Stewart · July 13, 2016, 10:06:00 AM

He gave them to you to use so do what you can to use them. I am sure he would be OK with it.

nhbuck1 · July 13, 2016, 10:30:00 AM

When in doubt just be honest and ask him, I'm sure he would be fine if you fixed them to you, just be honest.
Kyle

Danny Rowan · July 13, 2016, 01:33:00 PM

All wood bows ie, self bows should not be drawn past what they were tillered for, if you do you risk breaking them. Rework them to your draw and enjoy.

wooddamon1 · July 13, 2016, 01:52:00 PM

Maybe have him direct you as you retiller them, depending on your experience with it. I'm sure he would want them to be shootable for you. Sounds like a good buddy.

bear bowman · July 13, 2016, 02:20:00 PM

He's a great guy. He used to be a great shot also. You all are leaning in the direction I was. I wanted to ask him about me retillering but I didn't want to hurt his feelings.
Thanks everyone

Pat B · July 13, 2016, 02:24:00 PM

How long are they and how is the tiller? I'd say to tiller them out to your draw length and use the heck out of 'em.
If they haven't been shot in a while exercise them well as you work them out to your draw length.

Killdeer · July 13, 2016, 05:00:00 PM

I like Wooddamon's response. That would allow your good friend to have a hand in their continuing development, to "make them again", and relive his joy in the present.

Killdeer

slowbowjoe · July 13, 2016, 05:44:00 PM

I'm thinking like Killdeer and Wooddamon.

reddogge · July 13, 2016, 05:48:00 PM

I'd get his blessing first.

EWill · July 13, 2016, 06:03:00 PM

x2 with Bisch

gregg dudley · July 13, 2016, 06:18:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Killdeer:
I like Wooddamon's response. That would allow your good friend to have a hand in their continuing development, to "make them again", and relive his joy in the present.

Killdeer

X3