I've been looking at bringing along a bow on some of my

I have a question somewhat related to this topic, so I'll post here for a bump. Can I use 18 or 20 inch bolts in a cross bow that came with 14 inch bolts, given it has the correct weight.

Only just starting archery myself but the Samick Sage is said to be a great takedown recurve for that budget. How experienced are you with bows?

>>982431
I bowhunted at a younger age but fell out of interest. I know the basics and I'd say a but more

>>982431
I've looked into the sage and it honestly seems like a solid option. Is there anything you would recommend buying with it or a specific bundle to buy?

>>982371
The first thing that really made me stand out during Ranger training was when I made a little bow out of a bootstring and fiberglass rod.

I brought a couple of trout I speared back to camp and told the guys that I could get all they wanted if they donated parts of their MREs for bait to draw the fish to the top.

I probably didn't produce more calories than I expended, but it helped morale and my career as a leader.

If you had practiced enough archery to shoot effectively, you wouldn't even consider asking about this "survival bow."

Forget the sage. They're not as upgradeable as people think; the higher draw weight the limbs are failure prone. Samick Sage's are so common they're hard to get rid of when you outgrow it.

Go on ebay and get a classic 1970's recurve for around $80-$100 including shipping, 25 to 35 pound draw weight. Stay away from Bear bows, they're overpriced. Don't focus on aesthetics, a less than pretty bow will drive away other bidders, and keep the price low for you. You just want one free of delaminations, cracks and limb twist. Be wary of the sellers that don't know a thing about archery...they'll usually have the bow strung backward.

With the money you saved, go to a pro shop and get a bow string (if needed), arm guard, and finger tab. Have them make 6 correctly spined arrows for you. Take a beginner's lesson. All of this will run you about $200, including your bow.

Then go home, and shoot those 6 arrows blindly into a hay bale about 5000 times, just focusing on a clean release and proper back tension. Only after this should you start working on your aim. Watch some videos on archery technique.

At this point you will "know what you don't know," and will be much better able to buy the bow you REALLY want, the one after this beginner bow.

>>982400

Archer, not crossbowman here, but overall weight is a secondary concern there. The bigger concern is spine - bolts are going to act substantially weaker is you increase length by 4-6".

Not knowing much about crossbows generally, or the crossbow you're using, potential result is anything from shit flight and inability to broadhead tune to shaft failure.

Wouldn't do it. From a technical perspective, if you reduced point weight enough it might work.

>>982876
pretty much this desu although i would not pay for a lesson when youtube is a thing

>>983373
Eh, there are things that a beginner simply won't be able to improve without someone spotting their form. And a lot of beginner courses are both a prerequisite to club membership and cover the cost of membership as well.

>>982876
>25 to 25 pound draw weight
130lb Idiot who bought a 55lb SAGE and can barely use the thing here. On an accurate shot where I pierce lungs, what could a 35lb draw kill? Even a 25lb?
Gf's got a 35lb and I can actually draw that thing easy, unlike mine. If it wasn't heavier than mine I'd strap it to my pack.

File: CFSB-1-55-6.jpg (190KB, 429x500px)

190KB, 429x500px

Get one from primal gear unlimited at 55lb draw, It just folds and you can put the string on it, The one in your picture has a screw and if you lose that you're fucked.
https://www.goprimalnow.com/shop/archery-hunting-bows/longbow-compact-folding-survival-bows/compact-folding-survival-bow-55-lb/

>>984739
All for utility, but that's got to be the ugliest bow I've ever seen.

>>984697

Well, I'm a 200 lb idiot who also got a 50 lb recurve for starters...and I was in the same situation. Could barely use it.

Archery takes A LOT of practice. Nobody starts high at an effective hunting weight, and ever learns to hit anything, it simply doesn't happen. I guess this is why bows with training wheels were invented.

Some big guys say they just can't shoot a light bow; it's because the lighter weight uncovers flaws in their release. A light bow, 25 - 35#, is a great tool to have for working on technique. If you find a decent one, you will have it for a long, long time.

Keep in mind that if your state's hunting laws allow it, 40# is quite adequate for killing dear. And there is also the option of going after smaller game with judo points when starting out. But with all of the gorgeous, classic recurves floating around on Ebay, you'll eventually end up with several of varying weights if you get sucked into this hobby.