Looking to buy one this week to practice with prior to my NJ Hunters training class. Thoughts on which I should go with? And why?

Do you have any experience shooting a conventional bow?

-If you do the compound bow wil be as easy to learn as the crossbow. If you dont have any bow experience the crossbow will be easier for you to learn.

If you dont mind me asking what is your general fitness level?

-Most of the crossbows are near 175 lbs to cock as opposed to a compound bow which for most shooters is in the 50-70 lb range.

Do you have any problems with your shoulder or lower back?

-If you have any shoulder issues holding the draw on a compound bow may not be an option. Even though most new bows are around 85% let off at full draw, it may still cause more pain than you are comfortable with. If you have any problems with your lower back a crossbow may not be an option due to the cocking motion, even if you are using a cocking rope.

Do you have any experience shooting a conventional bow?

-If you do the compound bow wil be as easy to learn as the crossbow. If you dont have any bow experience the crossbow will be easier for you to learn.

If you dont mind me asking what is your general fitness level?

-Most of the crossbows are near 175 lbs to cock as opposed to a compound bow which for most shooters is in the 50-70 lb range.

Do you have any problems with your shoulder or lower back?

-If you have any shoulder issues holding the draw on a compound bow may not be an option. Even though most new bows are around 85% let off at full draw, it may still cause more pain than you are comfortable with. If you have any problems with your lower back a crossbow may not be an option due to the cocking motion, even if you are using a cocking rope.

 

I have some bow experience from when I was younger, but that was almost a decade ago.

 

I'm fairly fit, but I also have had back and shoulder issues, lol. But if I had to choose which is more tender, it would be my back. My shoulder ain't too bad.

Crossbow, they are cool and are good for zombies when noise is an issue.

Easy transition from gun to crossbow.

The transition is easy. Some of the higher end crossbows also have a crank built into the butt stock to aid in cocking the bow. Rage came out with a crossbow specific broad head for this season as well.

If you buy a crossbow you won't need to practice, since the are accurate once dialed in (just like a rifle). If using a bow, you will need to get your drawing arm in shape an do a lot of practicing.

 

I've shot my share of deer with compound bows but didn't think twice about getting a crossbow when they made them legal.

I just started out very recently with archery and plan to take the bow hunters ed class in about 3 weeks. I was COMPLETELY new to archery and had never shot an arrow in my life before buying a used compound bow from a fellow NJGF member a few weeks ago. I was worried that the bow would take me a long time to master and etc... but was pleasantly surprised on how easy it was to learn to shoot. In about 6 or 7 target shooting sessions so far, I'm shooting very nice groups at 15, 20, and 30 yrds. At 40 yrds my groupings are spreading out, but I think over time and eventually with a newer, faster and better bow I'll be able to shoot further and better. I bought the used bow to learn with and for now it will do. From what I am told, most bow kills are usually at 25 yrds and under anyway... but I am constantly feeling tempted to buy a new compound bow that will shoot much faster, further and more accurately. I keep reading about hunters that are getting accurate kills at over 50 to 60 yards (and further) with the new bows that are on the market today.

 

I have shot a crossbow at a dealers indoor range and thought it was VERY cool! I hit dead center bullseye on my first shot from 15 yrds. If you are a good rifle shooter, then you'll be a good crossbow shooter. Very easy to shoot and there is no learning curve. The thing I don't like about crossbows: They are LOUD LOUD LOUD, when you shoot them. I can see a deer getting spooked and the shot being missed from a decent distance, due to the loudness of the crossbow once it's shot. Does that mean that I would never buy a crossbow??? No, absolutely not... I might eventually get one... but for right now I'm having so much fun with shooting a compound bow. I'll probably get into a recurve bow before I get into a crossbow sometime down the road.

 

Also, I really like that hunting with a bow is much more challenging than hunting with a crossbow. I'm into hunting for putting the meat on the table, but also for the sport/challenge of it as well.

 

As mentioned in one of the posts above, if you're a little bit out of shape (as I am) there's a bit of an adjustment phase until the muscles in your shoulders, arms, and upper back get used to shooting a bow and strengthen up a bit. I was a little sore after my first 2 or 3 bow shooting sessions, but now it's not a problem. My bow is set at 58lb draw weight, but now that my shoulders, arms and back are used to it and feeling stronger, I feel like I can probably go up to 65 lbs without too much of a problem.

 

There are pros and cons to both Bows and Croosbows... so really it's up to you to try out both and see which is best for you.

I was convinced that I would be purchasing a crossbow for my first archery weapon this year until I fired a compound bow for the first time. Using a peep sight and release is identical IMO to firing a rifle with a peep sight. You still need a controlled trigger squeeze, and the sight picture is the same, just rotated 90*. I just bought my first bow this year(old used Matthews Solocam), and after a few months of playing around with it I can shoot a 2-3" group at 20yds. Yes a crossbow is fun, and gives you a little extra range, but the compound gives me more satisfaction, and is way more fun for me.

Crossbow, they are cool and are good for zombies when noise is an issue.

 

That's what suppressors are for!

 

If you live somewhere other than here, of course.

Traditional Longbow!

If considering a compound bow, the bow you select means alot and how well it is set-up also.

 

Anyone interested in bows should go here and read...http://www.huntersfriend.com/

 

I shoot a Parker Legend XP w/ EZ Cams. It is parralel limbs, draws easy, and is light to hold at full draw and very little shock upon release. It suits me well and was set-up by a proshop.Excellent for a beginner or old guy.

 

But you have to read esspecially if you are buying a used bow. What is good for Rambo may not be good for someone starting out. And if a bow is not set-up properly you can be very frustrated.

 

All this stuff doesn't come cheap. I have about a grand invested in archery stuff. But my shots are predictable and I kill a few deer every year.

 

Last year, set up as I am, I held at full draw for about 30 seconds until I got the shot I wanted. And Most important! Please!!! If you are going to hunt, study deer anatomy. It's available on the net. Deer have great lung capacity and large lungs. So, guess where you want to shoot. Look at where the clavical is, it's very deciving.

 

Anybody that's local can fling some arrow in my yard or we can meet at CR as their range is decent.

If I select a compound bow, will I have to go get it fitted?

If I select a compound bow, will I have to go get it fitted?

 

Most likely. You may get lucky, and find one with the proper draw length and weight for you. Mine was good, i just bumped the weight up.

Most likely. You may get lucky, and find one with the proper draw length and weight for you. Mine was good, i just bumped the weight up.

 

+1

If I select a compound bow, will I have to go get it fitted?

 

Yes, you should definitely get a new or used bow adjusted to your proper draw length, draw weight, and to make sure it's tuned to shoot accurately.

I gotta get mine adjusted.... anyone know a good place in Central jersey? Effingers?

I gotta get mine adjusted.... anyone know a good place in Central jersey? Effingers?

 

Avoid Efinger like the plague. Heritage Guild in Branchburg is new, but has great reviews so far.

its a little farther south but Sportsmans Center does great bow work

its a little farther south but Sportsmans Center does great bow work

 

+1 those guys are the best around, very knowledgeable.

How much do crossbows run? I'm thinking about gettin one.

Looking to buy one this week to practice with prior to my NJ Hunters training class. Thoughts on which I should go with? And why?

 

 

The right answer is one of each because they are like potato chips, you can't have one, just like guns!!!

 

Harry

How much do crossbows run? I'm thinking about gettin one.

You'll probably spend $1000- by the time your done for a decent one. That would include bolts, a target, rope cocker, case, etc.

Avoid Efinger like the plague. Heritage Guild in Branchburg is new, but has great reviews so far.

 

Has that place opened up for business? I had read about it but heard it wasn't opening until October... Where are they located?

Has that place opened up for business? I had read about it but heard it wasn't opening until October... Where are they located?

 

Last I heard they've been open for a little under a month now. Everyone on NJH is raving about them.

 

http://www.heritageguild.com/Locations/Heritage-Guild-Branchburg.aspx

Last I heard they've been open for a little under a month now. Everyone on NJH is raving about them.

 

http://www.heritageguild.com/Locations/Heritage-Guild-Branchburg.aspx

 

Awesome!!! They're just about 10 minutes away from me, so it'll be great to have a shop so close by. I'm going to try and visit the place in the next few days.

 

Thanks!

Oh - that's just a little past the turn off for SCFGPA...... not bad.

 

Anyone know their hours of operation?