Curious about archery ...

[Bob]

I have an old Bear bow (65#'s I think) and I have never learned how to use a bow. I am curious, and I do shoot firearms every chance I get. I was wondering, do you go with dominant eye or hand in choosing a bow? I am left handed, but right eyed. Also, I have tendonitis in both elbows, would I be able to use a bow? I would like to try, but I can't spend much and I'm trying to get some info before spending. Thanks for your help.
Bob

[odie-wan]

Bob,
I would urge you to try a lighter bow if you want to learn to shoot.  Most people can't properly shoot a 65# bow simply because it is too strong to get to anchor.  To start off, I would recommend a 45-50 # bow and concentrate on good form.  

With regard to handedness, I don't have firsthand knowledge but I would probably go with eye dominance unless you experience a lot of difficulty with coordination.  Starting off shooting from your "off" side, you probably won't have much problem once you get started.

There are a lot of Bear bow collectors out there.  If you decide to trade or sell it, do some research and get a fair price.  If you e-mail me, I can give you some more resources for traditional archery and venues to swap bows.

Sean
odiex2@yahoo.com

[ALWAYSSHOOTINSOMETHING]

As Bob said, you would be better off starting out with a lighter bow 65 # bows can be a load to start out with. Like you but opposite I'm right handed but have a left dominate eye, I shoot everything lefthanded except pistols which I shoot righthanded using my left eye. If you are going to shoot traditional ( meaning not using sights ) you may want to start out with a slingshot. Try shooting right and then lefthanded, by just looking at the target, at a short distance 5-10 yards, look at target pull up slingshot draw and fire and see which one shoots most accurate and considant for you. :lol:  And most of all have FUN!!!!!!!!!                                                                                                                               Dave