What type of recurve?

[horseman308]

I'm thinking of getting a recurve to shoot 3-Ds with and other target shooting. I thought I'd go with a take-down, because storage space is a premium in my apartment, and it's just easier to transport. I thought that I'd get some advice first though. What are the pros and cons of both one-piece and take down recurves?

[Mac11700]

It's going to be more of a personal preference for you really...I've had both types for years and both work extreamly well.Some of the fastest recurves are take down models..fully tricked out metal risers and carbon and metal limbs...while some of the most beautifull recurves are of the 1 piece design..Mathews have resurected "Pappa" Earl Hoyt's Sky Bows again..if they are anything like my original Earl built for me...it will be a good one to look at...also Hoyt makes some pretty nice ones as well and are the standard used for Olympic aspects...and thier new line of hunting bows have been getting some favorible reviews....and then of course you always have the Martins and moving way up the line the Black Widows..

A good take down will allow you ease of transport over a non-take down type..but must have very good pin placement or pockets cut properly and tight to be accurate..

Mac

[Ahab]

Thought I'd do the same several months ago. Ended up with a Ragim Victory. Not as expensive as those listed by Mac but I wanted to try the takedown without investing a lot of cash. So far it has exceeded my expectations. Sure beats my 40 year old Bear.

[Karl B. Andersen]

Get yourself a copy of Traditional Bowhunter magazine or log on to www.tradbow.com and start shoppin'!
You'll be amazed at the variety and quality of the modern bowyer.
I have both one piece and takedown. Couldn't live without either.
I use the one piece for bow fishing and do all of my hunting with the takedown.

[theoldarcher]

Horseman--there is a wonderful Expo for traditional bow hunters coming up Saturday, January 28, at the Kalamazoo fairground.  There will be many, many bowyers there who are more than happy to let you try some of their bows.  It might be worth the trip over from your neck of the woods to see what's around.  If you have never been before, it's just a wonderful place for grown-up kids to go, browse, drool, and drop $$!!

Just shoot across on I-94 to K'zoo, get off at Sprinkle Rd, and head north on Sprinkle (stay in the left lane) and follow the signs for the fairgrounds.

Arch

[robk]

you don't have to go with an expensive bow to shoot target and some will shoot a bow like the quinn bows which come with aluminum riser and several choices of limbs and you can also get them in anodized colors. you could lso get the bow in a wood configuration in a take down as well. ifyour not wanting to spend a lot of money i would definately check out he quinn and if you want a good take down in wood www.recurves.com and talk to chad weaver. he is a supper guy who could help you out a lot
rob k

[SingleFan]

You don't need to go expensive; necessarily, but you do need to shoot one that with the fit and feel that is comfortable for instinctive shooting.

I worked in an archery outfitter shop while in school in Oregon; saw a lot of 'em - recurves and longbows.  For the money it is hard to beat a Martin recurve.  Some of them look as good as customs that I have seen.  The Martin Dreamcatcher is a nice bow.

Up the line...there are my two favorites, Black Widow, and Fedora.  Michael Fedora makes a real nice bow, and he's a top notch guy; it helps that he knows instinctive shooting better than most bowyers.  Personally I think he's better than G. Fred.

Check out his web site; just search Fedora Custom Bows

[GeorgiaDave]

Howdy from Georgia,

    I began bowhunting with an old Bear Whitetail compound and worked wonders with it. I used it to take five  deer including a nice 8 point. I soon tired of the cams, pulleys, rests, sights, etc., etc., and hung it up for a while. I got a Bear Grizzly 55 lb. recurve and shot cedar arrows of of the shelf and LOVED it. I took five deer with it as well. I then came across very old Fred Bear take down in the original case which I have never even strung because I really do not want to shoot it.  I have since gotten a later model  Fred Bear takedown and have started shooting it.

    Of the recurve bows, I prefer the takedown over the straight bow. It stoors in my gun safe and is much easier to travel with. One advantage of the takedown bow is that you can get different weight limbs for the same bow. I have been contimplating ordering a set of heavy (65 lb.) limbs for the newer takedown. All in all, the most important thing to consider is exactly what you like. If you get the bow that you truly like you will be more satisfied and well on your way to forming a lasting relationship with it. Some scoff at the whole "relationship" deal, but after shooting my recurve for many years I know the bow. I can feel the bow. It never does anything unexpected. We compliment each other. Yes, I even love the bow.

    I am partial to Bear archery mostly because of the old man who started it all. I have rread many stories both by Fred Bear as well as about him. I can assure you of one thing, Fred Bear knew his bow, and I believe that once he had shot a particular bow for a while, he loved it too.

                                                                  Good Luck !
                                                                   Dave