need help asap

[joker80p]

I wanted to try to get into archery so i looked around and i found a used fred bear blackbear some guy had posted for $25 so he sent some pictures and i went to pick it up and the only time i could catch him was at night, needless to say when i got up this morning to take a better look at the bow i noticed there is a crack in the limb.  It is is right above the axle? as if the pull was too much and the cam started pulling away from limb. its only on the one side but i wanted to see exactly what i am up against.  Am i better off trying to get my money back or is there an easy fix? Would i have to replace the limbs? Any help would be great as i am a beginner to archery and and dont know very much about it.  Also if a picture would better describe what i am talking about i will try to take some.   Thank you

[Graybeard]

DO NOT FIRE IT unless you get the limbs replaced. You do NOT wanna have it break at full draw on you as it very well may do great harm to you and even could blind you. Getting the limbs replaced assuming you can even find them might cost as much as a new bow but is your ONLY option to use that bow.

That's why it's so important with such a purchase to really look it over good before plunking down your money. The price should have been a tipoff to you to really look it over before purchasing. You seldom get something for nothing and $25 for such a bow is almost something for nothing and is a clue to run not walk away from it or at least to really examine it with a magnifying glass.

My advice is to just chalk it up to experience and hang it on a wall for decoration and go buy a new bow to use.

[mg66]

Good advice from Graybeard. This bow is in a very dangerous state at present.

Being a beginner I am sure you are aware NEVER to dry fire a bow. Meaning never shoot it without an arrow nocked.

My suggestion would be to go to local pro shop and get a bow that suits your stature and is setup for you. There is usually a great selection of used bows in most pro shops. Getting a bow setup for you will stop a lot of frustration and you will shoot a whole lot better.

[joker80p]

thanks guys i guess i just rely too much on people being honest with me, i did think it was a little strange that it was soo cheap but then again i have seen many other of the same for $50 with arrows so i didnt think much of it.  Budget is tight so i was just looking for a good deal on something to start with.

[Graybeard]

Generally speaking when the budget is tight you need to be even more selective and careful in your purchases as you are less able to bounce back from a poor purchase to replace it with another. There are many excellent new bows out there and many pro shops even have used bows they have carefully inspected for safety and function to chose from.

While it is true MOST folks are still honest these days way too many are not. Trust but VERIFY always.

[Cottonwood]

I wanted to try to get into archery so i looked around and i found a used fred bear blackbear some guy had posted for $25

Something should have told you at that price, you were buying a very well used bow.  I see pawn shops loaded with these old bows that are just wall hangers and dust collectors.  I don't know if you have any recourse as he could say, "you dry fired it and caused the crack".  Heck, I don't even know if Bear Archery makes a limb still for your bow.

Spend the money on a good bow and you won't be sorry.... remember when you buy used, your left holding the bow without a warranty from the company for repair.  JMHO on that matter.

[JeffG]

Good advice from Graybeard. This bow is in a very dangerous state at present.

+1  Sorry you got stung...