Inherited a recurve

[gmac]

So back in early June my FIL passed away. My MIL has gotten to the point where she is starting to pass on some of his things that she doesn't want to keep and this weekend she gave me his Bear Recurve. I knew the man for close to 20 years and never had any idea this bow existed. I am honored to receive it but don't want it to sit in the closet and collect dust.

I have considered starting the trad addiction for a while and now it seems like I have no excuses. The only problem is I know very little about the bow and even less about what I need to get started on this journey. Included is a picture of the details off the bow. It for sure needs a new string. What advice can the knowledge base here give me on what string to get, what arrows to get and anything else I can't think of.

Thanks for the help.

[RJH1]

Looks like a bear Grizzly. Will need a string about 4 inches shorter than the AMO length. If you can measure the old string that will be even better. B50 string will be fine on all bows, if it has reinforced tips you can get a fast flight string. 55 pounds will be fairly for a beginner bow, but is doable. If you can go somewhere and shoot a few arrows before you buy a bunch that will be best, IDK how you archery shops work though.

[RJH1]

Also the arrows you use will depend a lot on your draw length. Your draw will probably be about an inch less than you shoot with your compound.

[Greyman]

Yep its a Grizz, good bows I own 3. PM me your address and I will mail you a string.
that is a mid 70s bow and in 55 lbs too. I have one just like it in 50lbs.

[Bisch]

First thing.........if you have never shot a bow with zero letoff, 55# is a lot to start with, and it could be more or less for you depending on your draw length!

From that one pic, the bow appears to be in good shape. Being a 58" recurve, you will need a 58" AMO string, or a 54"actual string length string. Call 3Rivers archery and they will get you fixed up with a good flemish twist string, or just take Richard (Greyman) up on his offer to give you one.

Bisch

[DWA]

I love mine ive had it for years pulled back out this year mine is 45#er though

[Dry Bones]

I have on is 50# and shoot it regular. Like Bisch said. That 55 lbs may be a little stout to learn with. I was used to pulling 70-75# compound, and my first recurve was 53#. I tried for a few months to learn but finally gave in and bought a lighter bow to learn with. The Grizzly is an all around bow in my opinion. What's your normal draw length currently?

[huntmaster]

I've had one since '68 and still shoot it today.

[SwampRabbit]

You have inherited a great bow! A bow that is capable of killing any animal on this continent.

[MEsquivel]

Another pointer.
Get or make a stringer. Recurve limbs will twist if you dont string it properly.

Whats your draw length with a compound? It will drop anywhere in the 1-2" mark depending on your anchor points.

[gmac]

Thanks for all the input!

My compound draw length is 29"

What should I do about arrows?

[MEsquivel]

Thanks for all the input!

My compound draw length is 29"

What should I do about arrows?

If thats the case, Im pretty sure you'll be around 28" con your recurve.
You will, most likely, pull all of the 55#s. (its pretty darn stout)
You need feather fletching to shoot properly off the shelf. If you dont already have some 400 spined arrows; get you a few and fletch with feathers.
Dont worry about tunning at first. You still have a lot of practice to do.
If I where to buy some shafts, I would start with 400 spine, full length shafts with regular inserts and a 125gr fieldpoint.
If after a lot of practice you get consistent, you can start the tunning process...Which we can gladly explain, too.
Welcome to your new addiction. Good luck with it!

[Bill]

The last 5 or 6 inches of drawing a recurve use muscles in your shoulder and back that you never knew you had. I'd find an NFAA certified instructor (heck, they even gave ME a Level 1 instructor card!) and take a couple of lessons. Shooting my compound is 80% equipment, 20% form. A recurve is 95% form and mechanics. Learn to shoot correctly the first time. Also, to enjoy it and keep it up.

[Junkers88]

The last 5 or 6 inches of drawing a recurve use muscles in your shoulder and back that you never knew you had.

This is solid truth. Those muscles will darn sure let you know when they are done for the day.