Dumb Question - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Distraction · 11-27-2003, 09:29 PM

I haven't really had any luck on my own, so I'm hoping some of you can help me out.

My father gave me a Bear Recurve bow that he'd had for a very long time a year or so ago when he moved. He was a great shot with it but because of some shoulder surgery he couldn't use it anymore.

I set it in a corner and got pretty busy so I never got a chance to use it. Now I have some free time and would like to learn how to.

But here's my problem. It's not strung, and I have no idea how to string it. I've looked online but can't seem to find anything that will tell me how to do. I'd really appreciate any help on this, also any kind of general care for it would be very nice.

I can provide some pictures if needed. Thanks.

Moonduck · 11-27-2003, 11:12 PM

There is a doo-dad (technical term unknown, sorry) that most archers use to string a recurve. Most archery shops carry them. It amounts to a long cord with a coupla loops tied in it. Your best bet is to check with your local Parks to see if any of them have archery ranges. If they do, you should be able to attentd basic archery safety training there. As to technique for stringing, I could sort of describe it, but have no pics. My wife used to do archery, so I am familiar enough with it.

Still, I'd see if there are any Park ranges or local archery and hunting shops. In-person first-hand training is the best for such an course of action.

MSD · 11-28-2003, 07:54 PM

When it isn't strung, the tips should be pointed toward the front of the bow. This description will assume that you're right-handed, so reverse it if you're a lefty. This is from memory, not something I found on Google.

1: put the loop of the string over the end of the bottom arm of the bow, and make sure it's secure. Keep the string taut with your left hand.

2: Stand up straight, and use your right hand (you're holding the sring in you rleft) to put the bow against the front of your left leg with the tip pointing back(front of bow arm against the front of your leg.)

3: Step over the arm of the bow with your right leg so that your leg is between the bow and the string, which you're still keeping taut with your left hand.

4: Using the back of your right leg as a brace, bend the bow with your right hand until you can hook the stricng on the top arm of the bow with your left hand. While doing this, make sure the bow is held in such a way that it won't hit you in the face if your hand slips or the bow breaks (don't worry, that won't happen.) Make sure the string is hooked securely at both ends and not wrapped around the ends at all (should lay flat against the arm of the bow,) and slowly release the pressure you're applying to th eupper arm, making sure that your right leg (between the string and bow) doesn't get pinched.

5: Look straight ahead (to protect your eyes in case the bow breaks due to age,) grip the bow with your left hand, point it down at the floor at a 30° to 45° angle in front of your feet, and slowly draw the bowstring up to your shoulder, listening for any cracks or pops. Hold for about 10 seconds, then slowly let the string back down. Do not release the string if you don't have an arrow loaded. If you have any questions, post them or PM me.

Just out of curiosity, is it a Bear or a Bear's Paw?

Distraction · 11-29-2003, 12:01 AM

Thank you both for the help and advice. Going to buy a new string before I try stringing it since the one I have looks pretty worn.

The bow says "Bear Glass Powered Grizzly" and has a badge with an abstract looking bear infront of three pine trees with Bear written under it. Also has what looks like a serial number and some other numbers on it.

Thanks again.

Moonduck · 11-29-2003, 10:56 AM

Not arguing with MrSelfDestruct, as I said, I'm not an archer. I will point out that the archery shop that sold my wife her recurve said that you should always string it with the doodad (wish I could remember the name of it). Waaaaay back in the Boy Scouts, I did some archery and we always used the method described by MrSD. Never broke a bow, either.

Personally, on a bow that I got for cheap (like the recurve I have and have never strung) I would just do it like I did it way back when and like you see above. If it is something that you have emeotional attachment to, you might want to get the cord that I spoke of.

I don't think they told my wife that just to sell her the stringing device. Upselling is a good thing, but the device was extremely low-cost.

monkeysugar · 11-29-2003, 11:29 PM

For some information on what a bow stringer is and some pictures: http://www.kidbow.com/bow_stringers.htm

I couldn't find a good pictorial for stringing a recurve bow without the use of a stringer, but MrSelfDestruct's instructions are dead on.

I inherited an old Bear Recurve from my Grandfather several years back, and it had been sitting unused and uncared for over the course of several years. I would recommend before attempting to string the bow that you inspect it for any major cracks or separations of the laminate on the limbs.

Good luck and have fun with that bow. My only other suggestion is to purchase an arm guard if you don't have one already. It's a matter of personal preference, but it does hurt like hell if you accidentally slap the inside of your forearm with a bowstring upon release.

merkerguitars · 11-30-2003, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moonduck
Not arguing with MrSelfDestruct, as I said, I'm not an archer. I will point out that the archery shop that sold my wife her recurve said that you should always string it with the doodad (wish I could remember the name of it). Waaaaay back in the Boy Scouts, I did some archery and we always used the method described by MrSD. Never broke a bow, either.

Personally, on a bow that I got for cheap (like the recurve I have and have never strung) I would just do it like I did it way back when and like you see above. If it is something that you have emeotional attachment to, you might want to get the cord that I spoke of.

I don't think they told my wife that just to sell her the stringing device. Upselling is a good thing, but the device was extremely low-cost.

Every archery shop i've been to they just use MSD's method.....thats the way i do it myself...once you get the hang of it you can string a bow in no time

SuperMidget · 11-30-2003, 06:48 PM

MSD's instructions are perfect. But one word of warning no one has mentioned yet. Be extremely careful not to torque or twist the limbs. Wether you decide to use the stringer or the "manual" (for lack of a better term) method, twisting the limbs is bad.

One of my family members was stringing and old bow using MSD's method and accidently twisted the limbs. Well suffice it to say I was the one dumb enough to draw it and the bow came apart in my hands. Lucky for me it had a low draw weight and I saw it coming. It could have been bad.

Be safe, have fun and shoot straight.

Distraction · 11-30-2003, 10:47 PM

Think I'm gonna take Moonduck's advice and find somewhere that gives lessons. There's a lot more to this then I thought and I'd hate to destroy the bow because of carelessness.

Thanks for all the help.

biznatch · 12-13-2003, 06:59 PM

good thinkin, dude...have fun, but stay safe...
I don' t think you ahve much chances of getting hurt with a bow, but one never knows, so...
have a great time

Fearless_Hyena · 12-18-2003, 07:22 PM

My father has an old Bear recurve too, and I remember stringing it exactly like MrSelfDestruct described. Very well written instructions too, good job!! I've never actually used or even seen one of those stringer gadgets, either.

Also, remember to be sure you protect your eyes and face while stringing or shooting the bow, and inspect it for cracks or defects like monkeysugar said. You sure don't want that thing to explode in your face.

11-27-2003, 09:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
Distraction Tilted Location: Florida	Dumb Question I haven't really had any luck on my own, so I'm hoping some of you can help me out. My father gave me a Bear Recurve bow that he'd had for a very long time a year or so ago when he moved. He was a great shot with it but because of some shoulder surgery he couldn't use it anymore. I set it in a corner and got pretty busy so I never got a chance to use it. Now I have some free time and would like to learn how to. But here's my problem. It's not strung, and I have no idea how to string it. I've looked online but can't seem to find anything that will tell me how to do. I'd really appreciate any help on this, also any kind of general care for it would be very nice. I can provide some pictures if needed. Thanks.

11-29-2003, 11:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
monkeysugar I'll be on the veranda, since you're on the cross. Location: Rand McNally's friendliest small town in America. They must have strayed from the dodgy parts...	For some information on what a bow stringer is and some pictures: http://www.kidbow.com/bow_stringers.htm I couldn't find a good pictorial for stringing a recurve bow without the use of a stringer, but MrSelfDestruct's instructions are dead on. I inherited an old Bear Recurve from my Grandfather several years back, and it had been sitting unused and uncared for over the course of several years. I would recommend before attempting to string the bow that you inspect it for any major cracks or separations of the laminate on the limbs. Good luck and have fun with that bow. My only other suggestion is to purchase an arm guard if you don't have one already. It's a matter of personal preference, but it does hurt like hell if you accidentally slap the inside of your forearm with a bowstring upon release. __________________ I've got the love of my life and a job that I enjoy most of the time. Life is good.

12-13-2003, 06:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
biznatch Junkie Location: France	good thinkin, dude...have fun, but stay safe... I don' t think you ahve much chances of getting hurt with a bow, but one never knows, so... have a great time __________________ Check it out: The Open Source/Freeware/Gratis Software Thread

11-27-2003, 11:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	There is a doo-dad (technical term unknown, sorry) that most archers use to string a recurve. Most archery shops carry them. It amounts to a long cord with a coupla loops tied in it. Your best bet is to check with your local Parks to see if any of them have archery ranges. If they do, you should be able to attentd basic archery safety training there. As to technique for stringing, I could sort of describe it, but have no pics. My wife used to do archery, so I am familiar enough with it. Still, I'd see if there are any Park ranges or local archery and hunting shops. In-person first-hand training is the best for such an course of action.

11-28-2003, 07:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	When it isn't strung, the tips should be pointed toward the front of the bow. This description will assume that you're right-handed, so reverse it if you're a lefty. This is from memory, not something I found on Google. 1: put the loop of the string over the end of the bottom arm of the bow, and make sure it's secure. Keep the string taut with your left hand. 2: Stand up straight, and use your right hand (you're holding the sring in you rleft) to put the bow against the front of your left leg with the tip pointing back(front of bow arm against the front of your leg.) 3: Step over the arm of the bow with your right leg so that your leg is between the bow and the string, which you're still keeping taut with your left hand. 4: Using the back of your right leg as a brace, bend the bow with your right hand until you can hook the stricng on the top arm of the bow with your left hand. While doing this, make sure the bow is held in such a way that it won't hit you in the face if your hand slips or the bow breaks (don't worry, that won't happen.) Make sure the string is hooked securely at both ends and not wrapped around the ends at all (should lay flat against the arm of the bow,) and slowly release the pressure you're applying to th eupper arm, making sure that your right leg (between the string and bow) doesn't get pinched. 5: Look straight ahead (to protect your eyes in case the bow breaks due to age,) grip the bow with your left hand, point it down at the floor at a 30° to 45° angle in front of your feet, and slowly draw the bowstring up to your shoulder, listening for any cracks or pops. Hold for about 10 seconds, then slowly let the string back down. Do not release the string if you don't have an arrow loaded. If you have any questions, post them or PM me. Just out of curiosity, is it a Bear or a Bear's Paw?

11-29-2003, 12:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
Distraction Tilted Location: Florida	Thank you both for the help and advice. Going to buy a new string before I try stringing it since the one I have looks pretty worn. The bow says "Bear Glass Powered Grizzly" and has a badge with an abstract looking bear infront of three pine trees with Bear written under it. Also has what looks like a serial number and some other numbers on it. Thanks again.

11-29-2003, 10:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
Moonduck Junkie Location: SE USA	Not arguing with MrSelfDestruct, as I said, I'm not an archer. I will point out that the archery shop that sold my wife her recurve said that you should always string it with the doodad (wish I could remember the name of it). Waaaaay back in the Boy Scouts, I did some archery and we always used the method described by MrSD. Never broke a bow, either. Personally, on a bow that I got for cheap (like the recurve I have and have never strung) I would just do it like I did it way back when and like you see above. If it is something that you have emeotional attachment to, you might want to get the cord that I spoke of. I don't think they told my wife that just to sell her the stringing device. Upselling is a good thing, but the device was extremely low-cost.

11-30-2003, 06:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
SuperMidget Banned Location: Farm country, South Dakota	MSD's instructions are perfect. But one word of warning no one has mentioned yet. Be extremely careful not to torque or twist the limbs. Wether you decide to use the stringer or the "manual" (for lack of a better term) method, twisting the limbs is bad. One of my family members was stringing and old bow using MSD's method and accidently twisted the limbs. Well suffice it to say I was the one dumb enough to draw it and the bow came apart in my hands. Lucky for me it had a low draw weight and I saw it coming. It could have been bad. Be safe, have fun and shoot straight.

11-30-2003, 10:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
Distraction Tilted Location: Florida	Think I'm gonna take Moonduck's advice and find somewhere that gives lessons. There's a lot more to this then I thought and I'd hate to destroy the bow because of carelessness. Thanks for all the help.

12-18-2003, 07:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
Fearless_Hyena Hello, good evening, and bollocks. Location: near DC	My father has an old Bear recurve too, and I remember stringing it exactly like MrSelfDestruct described. Very well written instructions too, good job!! I've never actually used or even seen one of those stringer gadgets, either. Also, remember to be sure you protect your eyes and face while stringing or shooting the bow, and inspect it for cracks or defects like monkeysugar said. You sure don't want that thing to explode in your face.