FREE Bow!!

[JBob77]

I got a bow today. For Free. A Darton, at that. A guy at work had it, and someone had given it to him. I mentioned wanting to get one, and he passed it along to me. Was Going to try to get ready for some of the archery season. Here's where I could use the help. Its been 18 years since I have even shot a bow. I know I could use a new peep sight, maybe upgrade sight pins, and arrows. Anyone have any tips, tricks, or things that work well on their set-up they would be willing to pass along.

Also, with this being an older, used bow, that I know nothing about, Is there anything I need to look for as far as problems or issues before I start shooting it?

[dcary7]

check to make sure there are no cracks in the limbs first, then make sure the cables aren't freyed or damaged. If everything looks ok, pull the bow back slowly and listen for creaks or cracking noises. If everything is smooth and quiet id say you're good to go. Wax your bow string, then go to an archery shop and have em help ya get your peep sight and draw adjusted so its comfortable. Have em cut some arrows that fit your draw and the bow and enjoy.

If your unsure about the bows condition have an archery shop inspect it before ya pull it back. Safer bet if you're not sure what your looking for.

[clfergus]

Originally Posted by JBob77

I got a bow today. For Free. A Darton, at that. A guy at work had it, and someone had given it to him. I mentioned wanting to get one, and he passed it along to me. Was Going to try to get ready for some of the archery season. Here's where I could use the help. Its been 18 years since I have even shot a bow. I know I could use a new peep sight, maybe upgrade sight pins, and arrows. Anyone have any tips, tricks, or things that work well on their set-up they would be willing to pass along.

Also, with this being an older, used bow, that I know nothing about, Is there anything I need to look for as far as problems or issues before I start shooting it?

I just went through the same process this year, first year bow hunting. I picked up a 1996 era used bow that actually looked like it hadn't been shot.

Like the previous member posted, make sure and inspect the string and limbs. Hopefully everything will be ok on that front.

I learned early how important the proper fit was for me. The bow was set at 70lbs draw and 29 inch draw length. It didn't fit me at all and was uncomfortable. I had to have it changed to 27 inch draw and about 62lbs pull.

That is prob the best advice I got early on and helped me the most.

I think the sight is prob the next thing to focus and spend money on. I started with the 20.00 TruGlo 3 pin site and realized after my first time out around dusk it wasn't a good sight. I couldn't see the pins. I took it back and got the 50.00 version where the fiber optics are wrapped around the whole sight vs. just the pins and it made a world of difference. I can only imagine what a 100.00 sight would look like but my dad and I found the 50.00 price point works well.

I installed my own sight myself but when it came to an arrow rest, I didn't have a level to properly position it. I went to Gander Mountain and they leveled it for free. I suggest having a pro put on your arrow rest or check it unless you have a level you can afix.

As a new bow hunter many on here and other forums said to start out with fixed broadheads over mechanical. I went with the Muzzy MX-4 and am pleased so far. I had a shot on my first deer that was a complete pass-thru. I didn't find the deer which is another long story from another thread (high shot is the theory) but it went through the deer so it has to be pretty good.

These are some tips I got off this forum and my own experience so far. I hope you have as much fun as I am so far.

Here is a printable coupon code for Dicks for 10.00 of a purchase of 50.00. Get you a good sight 10 bucks cheaper.

http://www.mommysavesbig.com/printab...ting-goods.jpg

[JBob77]

Thanks for the good advice guys. To add, the friend that gave me the bow has shot it, but I don't know how much or how long ago. He was at his deer camp, and someone told him, "If you can pull it and shoot it, Its yours" So now I have it. It seems to fit me pretty comfortably, it anchors at the corner of my jaw bone, right at my neck, when drawn with fingers. So will it have to be shortned to use a release? The cables look fine. no cracks in limbs or anything else. It also has a 2" overdraw, which I was unsure about keeping. also, it has the fuzzy fabric string silencers on it, and I was thinking about the rubber ones, figuring the fabric ones could soak up moisture. I don't want to put a ton into this setup yet, so how about arrows? Aluminum, which is what I was losing 18 years ago. (Are they even available) Or should I go with carbon.