Hi,

I've never shot a bow before, but I'm very interested in learning.  I would like to start off with target shooting, and when I'm good enough, try hunting.

I really like the simplicity of the Bear Montana long bow (only seen online).  Is this a good choice, or are there others that I should be considering?

What is the main difference in performance between the long bow and the recurve?

What do you need to be concerned with when buying used?  How long to bows generally last?

Basically, I'd like to buy a quality bow that I will have and use for a long time.

I have a feeling I have a lot to learn.

Thanks,
Jason

Jason,

I sent you a private message.

The bear montana is not a bad choice for a first bow.  I do not have one, but I have heard good things about them online.

There are many good used bows out there.  Most are well taken care of.  Some bear bows out there are 40 years old and still shooting good.

Welcome aboard!
Brett

Jason, look here on the classified and buy a longbow form there. You can get a lot nicer and better performing used bow for a lot less than a Bear Montana. Remeber to start out with a bow of lower poundage, 45#s or so should be good. Also do not spend a lot on your first bow. Learn the basics and than go from there, best of luck! Shawn

Hi Shawn,

Thanks for the reply.

As fan as longbows go, which brands should I keep an eye out for in the classifieds?

Thanks,
Jason

I agree with Shawn, buy a used bow. The classified section here is a great place to find one, and this forum is also a great place to research and find out if your choice is a good one. You can buy an excellent used bow for much less than the cost of a new one. Start with a less expensive bow and go from there.

Welcome to the fold! A word of warning: it is addictive!

Jason, I see you are from Washington and we have a very active trad community with various 3-D shoots around the state.  Go to:

www.tbwonline.org  

Here you will get info on the Traditional Bowhunters of Wa, calendar of events, and other great info.  Joining is only $10 a year and a great deal.

Jason,

Where in Washington are you?  We can hook you up with a veteran of the bow and get you some good mentoring.  You are looking in the right direction for a starter bow.  Go with something you can afford so that when you change your mine (you will) it won't hurt.  Also the starter level bows have good resale and trade value.

After you get settled in with a bow and think you want to do something more .. .give us a call.

Mike

Hi Jason,

I am near Olympia/Centralia/Chehalis area.  I have a 50# Bear Montana, 55# Martin Savannah, and a 46# Shrew Samurai. If you are close by, you are welcome to shoot any or all of them to get a taste of what they are like. I am a beginner myself but as most here will say, it can be addicting. Let me know if you are close by and we can find a time to go shoot.

Greg

Hello Jason,
As said above buy something fairly cheap to start.When anyone begins trad archery they have ideas about what they want and will like.It will take some time shooting however to discover what kind of bow you shoot best.You will have to learn over time the shooting qualities you like in a bow,and thoes are different from one archer to another.Chances are that you will go through several bows before you find what suits you.

Before you buy anything go to some trad shoots or get with several folks and shoot everything you can.That will give you a much better idea where to start than anything we could say.

There is a Washington sub forum here.Maby you can find some new friends fairly close.

Good luck and welcome.
Randy

Greg,

Unfortunately I'm on the other side of the state, just north of Spokane;otherwise, I'd definitely take you up on your offer.  

I'll keep researching and checking out the classifieds.

Thanks,
Jason

Beware the allure of the auction sites. You're almost guaranteed not to be misled by guys on classifieds here. I've gotten burned once or twice on the popular auction site. It's well worth paying a fair price for a used bow.

I have a 45# Bear Montana and I really like it.  I shoot recurves and longbows with close to the same accuracy. I think I shoot a recurve a little better but I love longbows so I own both, You probably will to.  Be open to trying all the shooting styles and find out what is the most consistent for you.  I would be careful and make sure the limbs are not twisted on a used bow if you go that way.  I have been told you can fix them but you don't want to have to deal with that.  I just mention this in case you find one some where else,These are good people here.  Also as said above start out with a lower poundage.  I would really suggest you shoot some to have an idea what you can handle comfortably.  Also buy a good stringer.  The guys on here will help you find the matched arrow for your new bow.  Good luck if you have any questions PM me I like to help any one any time.

Start a new thread titled "Anyone from Spokane - help needed"  I'll bet there is someone right there that would be more than willing to help you out getting started.  Don't be embarrased to ask for help.  Everyone of us has been where you are right now, and most of us would love the chance to help out a new guy.  

Great advice above about starting with a used bow from the classifieds.  If (when?) you decide to move to something different you will be able to recover most if not all of the money you invested in the first one.

CHECK OUT A MARTIN SAVANH 45. LB WHAT EVER YOU do DONT OVER BOW YOUR SELF! YOU WONT ENJOY SHOOTING there are tons of good deals in trad. classifids and 99% of the people you deal with are honest. refurrals are use available

The fastest way to learn something is find someone who is good at it and is willing to teach you.  Even when you get good, shooting with a better shot will make you shoot better also.  I don't know why maybe it is a mental thing.

I agree with all the above, I would also suggest getting a book on some history of shooting the stickbow, Ishi and Witchery of Archery are two that come to mind. I read these before I got my bow and it really made shooting trad meaningful. Also get a book a instructional book,Shooting the stickbow by Tony Cameron(spelling?)has everything you ever want in it. Last,get the vid/dvd Masters of the Barebow.

QuoteOriginally posted by JMFWSU:
Greg,

Unfortunately I'm on the other side of the state, just north of Spokane;otherwise, I'd definitely take you up on your offer.  

I'll keep researching and checking out the classifieds.

Thanks,
Jason

One thing you might want to check out this summer is this event just east of Spokane:

Stickbow Fun Rendezvous and Bowman's Combined Challenge
26-28 Jun 2009              
Wash-Ida Traditional Bowmen
Medical Lake, WA

(the contact information is on the WSB website.)

They say archery is 90% mental 10%phy

In addition, there is a great trad only event in Moses Lake in mid April and another in Tri cities in late March. Both events are within a couple hours of Spokane and would be fun weekends.

welcome...lots of good adv ice here