OLD bow questions

[josh.schreiber]

wasn't sure if this belonged on 'hunting' or 'off topic'...

When I started deer hunting two years ago my stepdad said he had an old bow sitting in the closet, and I could use it. He said he used to target shoot with it, and it had been collecting dust for 30 years.
Figuring learning just the basics of hunting was tough enough, I forgot about it until this summer, when 'the bug' started gettin' to me pretty bad. I just wanted to get in the woods as early as possible, so I figured I'd teach myself how to shoot. Got the bow out, shot into a hay bale a few times, then took it to an archery shop to see what else I needed. The shop guys just drooled over this bow. Apparently for its age its in immaculate condition. It is a Bear Whitetail Hunter. Made in Michigan (they said that was Bear's 1st manufacturing location). circa early-mid 1970s.
They told me not to shoot it because (1)if a string or other part broke it would be extremely expensive/impossible to get it fixed, and (2) it really would not be safe to shoot.
I just want a bow to practice with, and hopefully tag a nice buck. Are these guys messing w/ me and just wanting me to buy a new bow? Is a bow this old safe to shoot? They said the string appears original. If it IS unsafe, and does have value as an 'antique' what kind of money would this type of bow be worth? If its worth anything, I would sell it to buy (or contribute to) a newer, working, *safe* bow.
Any input is appreciated.
-Josh
ps- I told my stepdad if it turns out people are interested I would have to let CFF know about it before ebay/everyone else.

 

[dmorgan]

the guy probably arent kiddin when they say it is unsafe...if the string is original.. is it a Bear compound or recurve..??? I have a Bear 1979 recurve that was worth alittle bit until the limbs split... also have a bear orginal that is in good shooting form would not shoot it but it will be in the family forever so we keep it unstrung an shoot an wax it just to keep it in shape.. there is a possiblity of it being worth a liitle something

 

[Luketrician]

I would make a trip to Turks bow shop in Harrison. Have him look at it. That's who me and my Dad trust with our buisness.

 

[Cathooker]

Many years ago I worked in an Archery Shop as one of their "Pros" emoScratch I can tell you for sure that strings will deterioate over time, even sitting in a closet. The original string alone makes shooting it repeatedly a dangerous bow. I would have the limbs inspected by another archery shop and get their opinon. If it is one of the old Whitetail Hunter compounds then You may have problems with the cables, wheels and wheel hanger brackets. I suffered a broken nose in 1980 because of a cable faliure of a Jennings compound. Better to be safe.

 

[cooperjd]

i also would not recommend shooting it. i change my strings now every 2 years or so. you can find a reasonably priced new or used bow that will suit your practice needs. but you need to get some things measured. buying a bow is a very personal thing, it needs to fit and 'feel' right to you. go to a shop and have them measure your draw length, so at least you'll know that while looking for a used bow. most shops will let you shoot different bows so you can get a feel for different models and brands and pick out whats best for you .
you could take the route of finding your draw length, then getting a bow, and adapting to the bow. this can be done for sure, and if thats what your budget calls for then you do what you gotta do. i think i saw a bow on the classifieds you may want to look into. also check ebay and craigslist. but if you do buy anything used, i'd take it to a reputable pro shop and have them check it out for damage and string wear before you start shooting.