buying used bows?

Wheely · 03-14-2011, 11:51 AM

My husband has mentioned getting a bow and shooting with me!

So, I am wondering, if we were to purchase a used bow, is there a way to check it over and see if it had been dry fired or what else could we look for to make sure it is in good condition? What should we look for to avoid?

Gator eye · 03-14-2011, 12:08 PM

You mean your not going to shoot with me any more?????? I feel so alone

I ve had good luck with the 3 or 4 used bows I ve got on AT. I check the feedback and give them a call and talk to them on the phone, get plenty of pics......so far so good.

I was alittle worried the first time my better half decided she wanted to shoot with me, thought maybe she would cramp my style

.....but I'm beginning to think I'm cramping her's.

It's good cheap family time that we never had before. Money well spent.

Archerdad · 03-14-2011, 12:40 PM

try and buy from someone with lots of good feedback. usually for me the nicer the bow is in pictures means the better it has been taken care of.

like gator said try and call them if you can. ask questions. good luck!

JTClark · 03-14-2011, 03:18 PM

X1, with up post, and and may u can trying find a NEW unfired old model like 09. 10 leftover like i has found my bow that has been in pack box and unfired and it was 2009 quest and bring it out and smell NEW and FRESH for best price.

check out archery talk classfield for best deal..

gooood luck smokin

Compound Comedian · 03-14-2011, 04:17 PM

yes, i would consider High end used Hoyt equipment. I think cams and risers made by most anybody are of equal quality. Limbs however, Hoyts are the toughest and will even stand up to abuse.

longcut36 · 03-15-2011, 07:47 AM

I have bought 3 bows off A.T. and each were in excellent shape. in fact 2 came in the original box with the manuals.

JAVI · 03-15-2011, 07:55 AM

I generally buy from people I know and have shot with on the tour..

red44 · 03-15-2011, 09:46 PM

If you don't have a local shop to deal with, and looking at buying a bow on line, look here or AT. I'd suggest he does'nt need this or last years' models. Heck I'm shooting a bow (s) from several years ago. I have bought several bare Mathews for 250 or less. My history is mostly Mathews so I'd lean you in that direction, but I've had Hoyts & Martins that were good too. If you go used off one of the websites, stick with the bows that were the high end of their line and you'll do fine. Don't overbow him (lbs). If he's looking to just shoot targets lbs are of little concern. If he's going to hunt, use 50lbs as a minimum.
Is there a way to check if it's been dry fired, etc, ? Not so much, until it's in your hands. And by then you own it for the most part. Don't spend much unless you know the seller and you won't get hurt. Keep the budget low or reasonable if your looking at used bows.

Wheely · 03-15-2011, 09:59 PM

thanks, my thought was to buy off CL locally so we could go look at it before we buy it. I shoot a Mathews @ 48 pounds and it is easy for me to pull, so of course he will need something at least 50 pounds so he don't feel like a wimp

We will check out a couple shops too

JAVI · 03-15-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheely

thanks, my thought was to buy off CL locally so we could go look at it before we buy it. I shoot a Mathews @ 48 pounds and it is easy for me to pull, so of course he will need something at least 50 pounds so he don't feel like a wimp

We will check out a couple shops too

Are you looking for a target bow or a hunting bow..

Wheely · 03-15-2011, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAVI

Are you looking for a target bow or a hunting bow..

I think we will go with a hunting bow....we have no money, so it has to be universal