Squirrelhunter91 Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hey everyone, I picked up my bow earlier and drew it back a few times. I drew it back, got to full draw and the release gave out on me and my bow dry fired. Now I need a new release and have a nice welt on my arm with a nice slash from the string on top of the welt. I know that I have to look over the limbs now and look for cracks, but is there anything else I should look for?? I really am worried now about my bow. I've never dry fired it before. But now I'm afraid to draw my bow after that happening. A welt I can deal with, but the whole bow blowing up in face would definitely cause a problem. Any help is appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MCH Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. Check the bushings on the cams. Make sure they're not off kilter. It's good policy to never draw back a bow without an arrow in it. Especially your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griz Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] Check the bushings on the cams. Make sure they're not off kilter. It's good policy to never draw back a bow without an arrow in it. Especially your own. [/ QUOTE ] Good tip Kevin... I get real nerves when I see someone draw a bow back like that without an arrow. Just a common policy. You never know what may happen... Thank goodness you weren't hurt real bad... Something you might think about to, is take your bow to a pro shop and have them go over it real good for you. It could have done some damage to the axles or bushings... Good Luck... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WVstrutter Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. sorry to hear about that happening there squirrel good luck. hope it's alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow32 Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. Hope it didnt tear up the bow any. Like they said never pull it back without an arrow on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. Hope the bow is ok Joe, and at the very least...you learned a lesson today about drawing a bow without an arrow nocked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoyt03 Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] Like they said never pull it back without an arrow on it. [/ QUOTE ] I would NOT knock an arrow just to pull your bow back. Bow's have been pulled back without arrows for eternity and wont hurt a thing unless you let go of the string. I'm assuming you were not at the range when doing this and you were probaly even indoors, maybe your house. Could you imagine if he had an arrow knocked and his release gave out. Someone could have gotten shot. I had a neighbor once drawn back and his release (old ball bearing) gave out and he sent the arrow at about a 45 degree up into the air about 150 yards and landed under a car.. Glad you were OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest waynemclain Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. i had this happen to me about 5 years ago ....fortunately i was outside and also had an arrow nocked....i didnt think a 60 dollar release was worth the money until that day...now i cant imagine shooting without it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. Wow, glad you are ok! Yeah, I'dsaw go to a shop and have them check it over and maybe seeing them draw it will help you. just something you will have to get confidence back in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straight Shooter Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. If your worried about the limbs, just take some tissue paper and run it up and down the limbs. The tissue will catch on any split in the limb and let you know you have a crack. Other than what has been said above the only other way is to shoot the bow. I don't know if you were inside or not, but NEVER pull a bow back indoors unless your on an indoor range and NEVER do it without an arrow nocked. If your at a 45 degree angle drawing it back, your pulling to much weight. You should always have the bow pointed in the direction of your target just in case something like this happens. I hope all is well with your bow. Be careful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drkillemquick Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. Hope your bow is OK Joe!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. Hope the bow is OK Joe, and sorry to hear about the welt. Think honestly if I had questions about it, I would take it in to the shop and let them check it over for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAstringking Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Like they said never pull it back without an arrow on it. [/ QUOTE ] I would NOT knock an arrow just to pull your bow back. Bow's have been pulled back without arrows for eternity and wont hurt a thing unless you let go of the string. I'm assuming you were not at the range when doing this and you were probaly even indoors, maybe your house. Could you imagine if he had an arrow knocked and his release gave out. Someone could have gotten shot. I had a neighbor once drawn back and his release (old ball bearing) gave out and he sent the arrow at about a 45 degree up into the air about 150 yards and landed under a car.. Glad you were OK. [/ QUOTE ] i deff agree with hoyt. maybe we could all say that its not a good idea to draw back your bow will indoors or outdoors unless at some sort fo range. dont be dumb and draw back your bow in your house with an arrow nocked. i would rather dry fire my brand new bow then shoot my friend, girl friend, or mother. sorry to hear that it happened to you but hey accidents happen and things malfunction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okbowman Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. The only way to overcome that fear is to check the bow out and go shoot some arrows!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] Check the bushings on the cams. Make sure they're not off kilter. It's good policy to never draw back a bow without an arrow in it. Especially your own. [/ QUOTE ] Great advice. I had my release fail on me once too, and sent an arrow flying into never-never land. My set-screw on my trigger had backed off to where my trigger was beyond being a hair trigger. I readjusted it and put some loc-tight on it, and it never gave me a problem again. I draw my bow back sometimes without an arrow, using 3 fingers, just to see how my shoulder is, but I never use my release. Just too many "WHAT-IFS" involved. Check your limbs out real good, and also check to see if they are still seated properly (good and squared up) I hope everything is OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rad_112176 Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. I know it may sound like a dumb question to most of you, but what makes it so different to shoot a bow with or without a arrow. I am guessing it has something to do with the kinetic energy that is transfered to the arrow but have always wondered if that is it or not. Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] I know it may sound like a dumb question to most of you, but what makes it so different to shoot a bow with or without a arrow. I am guessing it has something to do with the kinetic energy that is transfered to the arrow but have always wondered if that is it or not. Thanks, [/ QUOTE ] That's right. The kinetic energy is transfered to the arrow (and there is a ton of it), instead of your limbs and cams, etc. The bow could literally blow up in your hands. It really is amazing how much energy from the bow, is put directly into that loose arrow sitting on your rest, just to make it move fast enough to kill. Without the arrow there, you are basically, shooting "at" your bow, with the same energy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rad_112176 Posted January 24, 2007 Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I know it may sound like a dumb question to most of you, but what makes it so different to shoot a bow with or without a arrow. I am guessing it has something to do with the kinetic energy that is transfered to the arrow but have always wondered if that is it or not. Thanks, [/ QUOTE ] That's right. The kinetic energy is transfered to the arrow (and there is a ton of it), instead of your limbs and cams, etc. The bow could literally blow up in your hands. It really is amazing how much energy from the bow, is put directly into that loose arrow sitting on your rest, just to make it move fast enough to kill. Without the arrow there, you are basically, shooting "at" your bow, with the same energy. [/ QUOTE ] Thanks buckee. I have know it was a no-no for my whole hunting career, but never told why. I guess it was time to ask. Makes alot of sense though. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IllinoisHunter Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I know it may sound like a dumb question to most of you, but what makes it so different to shoot a bow with or without a arrow. I am guessing it has something to do with the kinetic energy that is transfered to the arrow but have always wondered if that is it or not. Thanks, [/ QUOTE ] That's right. The kinetic energy is transfered to the arrow (and there is a ton of it), instead of your limbs and cams, etc. The bow could literally blow up in your hands. It really is amazing how much energy from the bow, is put directly into that loose arrow sitting on your rest, just to make it move fast enough to kill. Without the arrow there, you are basically, shooting "at" your bow, with the same energy. [/ QUOTE ] Your exactly right Buckee. Also, most bow companies will not warranty damage if you dry-fire or do not shoot an arrow that weighs 5 grams per pound of draw. The reason is, if you are shooting a light arrow with each and every shot your bow is absorbing the kinetic energy that would be transferred to a properly weighted arrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. Joe I would take your bow to your local pro shop and have the look it over just to be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnatecsteve Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. OUCH!! I agree with the others...never pull back a bow without an arrow...I do believe you can also check for cracks with talc (baby) powder. I've never had to do it, but I believe that the powder will show a crack. Hope there is no damage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted January 25, 2007 Report Share Posted January 25, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. When in doubt go to a Pro Shop and get their opinion and their eyes to look it over, they are probably more experience on what to look for and areas that you may overlook. Hope all is alright with your bow, things happen, the main thing is you are alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest beardbustr Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. I have had that happen to me to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest OklaBow712 Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Check the bushings on the cams. Make sure they're not off kilter. It's good policy to never draw back a bow without an arrow in it. Especially your own. [/ QUOTE ] Great advice. I had my release fail on me once too, and sent an arrow flying into never-never land. My set-screw on my trigger had backed off to where my trigger was beyond being a hair trigger. I readjusted it and put some loc-tight on it, and it never gave me a problem again. I draw my bow back sometimes without an arrow, using 3 fingers, just to see how my shoulder is, but I never use my release. Just too many "WHAT-IFS" involved. Check your limbs out real good, and also check to see if they are still seated properly (good and squared up) I hope everything is OK [/ QUOTE ] Agree, I always just use 3 fingers to keep in shape..drawing it back a couple a times a week keeps me in shape better than if i dont get to shoot at all. Not much to worry about as far as mechanical release failure...just dont feel comfortable pulling the bow back with a release and no arrow.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckslayer Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 Re: Afraid to draw my bow now.. [ QUOTE ] Joe I would take your bow to your local pro shop and have them look it over just to be safe. [/ QUOTE ] you definitely need to have your bow looked over by professionals they should tell you every thing that got hurt on your bow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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