Shooting Traditional Bows with the Pros

	Just recently acquired an Outdoor Sports Mfg. Co. bow that has the numbers 1260 and 22 stamped on the front limbs. I take it the 1260 represents Dec of 1960 and the 22 is the poundage of the draw. It does not have a bow string. What length should I buy? Tip to tip is measured at 60". Thanks - jim 11/19/2008, ID=2982
	If it is a longbow I would look for a string that is 3 to 3.5 inches shorter than the overall length from string groove to string groove. If it is a recurve you need to measure along the belly of the bow following the curves of the limbs and subtract the same 3 to 3.5 inches from the overall length. It isn't for certain that it will give you ideal string length, but it will get you in the ballpark. You may need to twist up the string to get a proper brace.

	I have a Ben Pearson recurve that I recently started shooting. I've been messing around in the back yard with some old arrows. I'm begining to make my own arrows and am wondering if shooting them off the shelf of bow is going to damage them after a few shots. Should I consider an arrow rest or keep doing what I've been doing. I'm a natural at this but dont want to waste money on feathers if I could be using a rest. - Justin 11/04/2008, ID=2981
	Shooting off the shelf is fine. If your arrows are too stiff you might notice some wear on the feathers. An arrow rest will typically give you better clearance and flight but it all depends on how sophisticated you want to get. I like the keep it simple rule!

	*I just bartered for a Bear Grizzly bow with the following inscriptions: KR31272 AMO-58" 55x# 2000-001. Any help as to value and desirability as a novice bow?* - ken gimbel 10/22/2008, ID=2980
	The Bear Kodiak and Super Kodiak were the top of the line recurves in that era. The Grizzly was more middle of the road. Still a good shooter. I've got a Grizzly in my collection. I don't know the current value of that bow but I'll tell ya what, if you shoot it a bunch it will be priceless!

	*This is my first time shooting a recurve and I am having problems with being consistent with my shooting. What is the correct way at aiming at a target with my recurve?* - Cecil Moore 10/22/2008, ID=2979
	Get solid in your consistency which means go for shooting tight groups, then start aiming or refining your focus. Aim with the point of your arrow. Notice where your arrow is pointing as your impact starts to get closer to the target. Adjust accordingly. If you can get a hold of a Masters of the Barebow volume 2 and 3 that would answer many of your questions.

	I have been given an old Fleetwood longbow. It seems to be in great condition. It has three stampings on it. One says "TOP" below that is says "40" and the third below that says "#115". It is 70" long. Looking for a string and any info you can give as far as age or value (if any) - Ken 10/13/2008, ID=2978
	Congrats on your longbow acquisition, I'm not familiar with Fleetwood bows, but I do have some vintage longbows that I treasure. I gave them a good dose of conditioning oil and made a dacron string up and I always make sure I use heavy arrows. If the bow is 70" from the string grooves, your string should be about 3.5" less or 66.5" long. You can twist the string up to the desired brace. You might be able to get more info on the bow if you post a question on stickbow.com

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Be sure to visit Larry Yien's Website - Larry Yien is the International Field Archery Longbow World Champion and USA Shooter. He is also the shooting editor at the Stickbow and along with other top traditional shooters in the country, will be answering your questions on shooting traditional bows.