Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting Question about a youth recurve

I don't know much about archery equipment - looking for some input here.

I picked up a recurve bow made by "American Archery, Oconto, WI" on a whim. Markings on the bow says 60" and 25#. It was just the bow and no string.

I'll take it down to the local store and get it strung with the intent of letting my grands use it at some time.

My questions... What do you know about the company and their bows? And before I string it and turn it into a shooter, would I be better off spending that money on a new youth bow kit instead?

How old are the Grands?

If I’m not mistaken, the draw weight (#25) is measured at 28 inches, their draw will probably be several inches shorter, and it may be a struggle for them to shoot it. It sounds like an adult sized target recurve.

IMHO - I’d get a youth bow that match their current size, if they are not late teenager sized.

American Archery - I’m guessing this one of the vintage recurve bows from the 1960s forward. Decent bows from what I know, but time passage and neglect can ruin the best of them.

It’s worth having the shop check it over, and look for twisted limbs, cracks, or de-laminations in the limbs. Really hard to judge a bow without having it in hand.

Worst case - the string and check out will probably run you under $40, most likely just the cost of the new string.

Vintage Archery link:

http://www.vintagearchery.org/american-archery.html

Good point about draw length. Didn’t think about that.

I think I’ll just get a new kit appropriately sized

Check these out. Suitable for ages 3-10

http://dryadbows.com/Youth%20Bows/youthbows.htm

Check out Black Rihno bows also. Make a great kids recurve

I wouldn't be concerned about it under performing simply because it is a longer bow. i shoot 72" Target re curves myself. Main thing is to get arrows that will match properly for whatever weight they are pulling. Lancaster Archery sells target arrows light enough. Measure the bow weight at their draw length and call Lancaster's.