First I must say hi to every one. This is my first post.

Ok I'm Looking in to getting my first bow. I think It is going to be a Fred Bear
Montana Longbow and left handed at that.

But I don't know what draw weight to get. On left handed model it comes in 50 and 55 lb.  I'm 43,  5'10" average built. (Small beer gut)
Thanks for any help yall can give me.

There are lots of people on here with WAY more experience that I have, but if I had to choose between those 2 draw weights i would go with 50# for my first bow. I started with a 55# bow and struggled with form issues and consistancy. i switched to a 49# bow and I saw improvements right away. This is coming from shooting an 80-90# compound.

My 49# shrew is plenty for hunt most big game animals. I've taken a number of boars, including a 18yd pass through on a 600# ferral hog. the 2 deer I have taen with it have had the arrow pass through or bury to the fletch

I'm 5'9" and 44, with fairly fit shoulders from beach fishing, and i started with about 40# bow at my draw length and found that was plenty enough weight for me.  Still shooting it 3 months later and it's still plenty enough weight - especially if i shoot for a couple of hours.

I would suggest even dropping to 45# for your first bow. Have something you can learn to shoot correctly without struggling. The lighter poundage will allow you to develop good shooting habits, good form and todays bows are more efficient. The lighter wt will also allow to enjoy shooting more without getting fatigued.

A bpw om the range of 40 to 45 lb weight is a great weight for ability to take just about any game in the woods with...I have a 49 checkmate recurve firebird model and also a set of 40 lb limbs for it...

What ever bow you get spend a week or two with it just drawing to anchor, holding for a moment then letting down.  Draw slowly and let down slowly and after the first week increase you hold time at anchor.  Practice good form now and it will go along ways toward preventing problems when you start shooting.  Also don't over do it shooting when you start.  A cople of dozen shots then take a good break.  As you muscles develop you will be able to shoot longer strings.  Joseph

I'd try to find something lighter than 50 lbs if you're just starting. Like others have said you want to get your form down first.

You need to find your draw length first off.  Keep in mind on standard bows like the Montana the draw weight is measured at 28".  The 50 lb Montana would be around 47# at 27" or 53# at 29".

TX guys for all the advice, The Montana only comes in 50 or 55 Lb. Draw for LH. I have done the Arms out stretched 69" / 2.5 = 27.6" so I guess it will be around #48.5lb.

I use to shoot a compound bow in competition when I was 19. (O so long ago) So I understand anchor point but I used a release.

But where do you guys anchor?

Anchor at whatever point on you face give you elbow-wrist-arrow alignment as well as a spot you can find easily.

50# good all around wt.

Bob,

You would be better served to pick up a used bow around 45# to get started with.  Since you haven't been shooting even 50# is going to be a little much to build good form.

You will have a smaller investment with a used bow and also have trade or resell stock when you find out what you really want too shoot.

If used is not where you want to go, we have a couple of Leftys in stock at about what you will pay for a Montana.

Give us a call.

Mike

Bob, First Welcome.

I've got a few years on you and I remember how I was at 40..but here is my experience

I switched to recuve  last April coming off a 70lb compound that I shot regularly.   Im lucky in that my brother builds bows and he and I decided on 45@28. It took me two weeks of shooting every day at a blank bale @ 5 yards before I felt comfortable and could really begin to work on consistent form.

I have several bows now.  What I have found is for very 5 lb jump I have needed to work my way up by going back to basics for strength training.

Not over 45 pounds, even if you think you can handle more.  Nothing kills form or the establishment thereof as quickly as too much weight.  You can always step up later if you wish.  There have been loads of left handed bows on the big auction and also the Tradgang classifieds.  Anchor should be solid, back of hand against upper cheek bone is good with index or second finger in the corner of mouth area.

Good advice here. The difference in 45 to 50 may seem small, but it is more than enough to cause form problems. If Mike can fix you up with a Dryad for about the price of a Montana, I'd jump on that! But, I'd also go the used bow first route, then get the Dryad at the weight you think you want to go with. Get a used 40-45 pound bow, then save up for the Dryad. As George said, there are a bunch of lefty bows in the classified section here. I haven't looked at the auction lately, but they probably have a bunch too. Given the choice, I'd buy from a Tradgang member before going to the auction. There are good folks here, so you are less likely to get burned.

Oh, and welcome aboard! You have found the best source of inspiration and information in the world for the traditional archer.

Listen to Wingnut, ya can start out with used or as he said buy a nice custom for what you will pay for a new Bear(not a bad bow) but better performers are easy to find. You could buy a T/D and start with 45# limbs and than move up to 50 or more. Shawn

I couldnt agree more than with those who voted for 45#.I build more all around bows for 3D targets and hunting in the 45#-50# range.I think you would be happier.

I'm 6'4" and 300 lbs.and very strong from a lifetime of hard work and weight lifting.I could easily draw and hold a 70+ lb.bow for longer than 10 seconds at full draw.When I first started shooting trad,I had been shooting an 85 lb compound.

All the above is just to say that 45 lbs was all the weight I could handle, "PROPERLY",with my first trad bow.

I think 45# would be a good bow to start with. No more than 50#. I made the mistake of buying a 55# longbow when I switched from the compound. I had been shooting 65# on it. When I dropped down to 50# my shooting really improved. I now only shoot bows between 48-52#.


Bill