Hello...

[spd1719]

Greetings gentlemen, I am new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Justin and I live in the Pittsburgh, PA area.  I have been shooting traditional archery for about 12 years or so (on and off).  Unfortunately, life has a funny way of throwing twists and turns at you and it was necessary for me to put down the stick and string for a few years due to deployments, work schedule, living arrangements, etc...

Now I find myself able to get back in to the sport, and so I had pulled out my trusty old Martin recurve and strung it once again.  You see, I still live in suburbia, but there is this pesky groundhog in my backyard  

Now I think I know that answer to this already, but I might as well ask to satisfy my curiosity...
My bow has been sitting for a couple of years, and seems to have a problem.  I pulled it out to slay a vicious cereal box in my newly acquired back yard yesterday and after four or five shots I felt a severe smack against my left arm and tourque on the bow that shouldn't have been.  I looked down and lo and behold it appeared that the string had passed the riser of the bow (so it kind of resembled a figure 8).  I re-strung and shot a few more and the same thing happened.  Is this a string problem or did neglecting my bow for a couple of years ruin it (which would probably serve me right)?  After examining it further I have noticed a slight twist to the bottom riser that becomes more than slight during my draw.  Any thoughts or should I just start over with something new?

Wow, sorry this became so long, hello and I look foreward to talking recurves and instinctive shooting with you all in the future.

[MAC]

A twist to the riser or the lower limb?

[MAC]

Try this:  http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000019

[Grant Young]

Welcome. This is a great place to hang out for lots of info. Sounds like your Martin has a twisted limb. Did you maybe store it standing on one limb tip? It may also have gotten a little too warm in storage and taken a warp. You can probably fix this problem yourself if you can determine which limb is twisted. String the bow and twist the limb in the opposite direction from the twist. Go as far the other direction as you can without slipping the string off the tip. You'll have to be patient and continue the process for some time but the limbs will usually return to its original orientation after a few hours of this. Others here will respond I'm sure with variations on the same theme, some using a little heat or a towel soaked in fairly hot water. All will work. The good news is your bow is most likely very fixable. Best of luck,
                               Grant

[spd1719]

Thank you very much.  Guess I shoulda looked around more before posting huh?  

And, Semper Fi Mac.

[Whip]

Nope, if you've got a question, just ask it! Plenty of people will jump in to help.  In this case I don't know much about it myself, but it looks like you're already found some good advice.  As you hang around more you will become more familiar with looking up some things, but never hesitate to ask about something that's got you puzzled.
Welcome to the Gang!      

[spd1719]

Thanks for the rapid and excellent responses, and for the patience with a new member.  I currently have the lower limp wrapped in a hot towel and am in the process of addressing the problem.  Funny thing is even though I didn't shoot it for a couple years, I know I never stored it standing up (I've always known better) and it wasn't strung.  Oh well, as long as I can get the problem fixed then who cares how it happened?  Look out back yard groundhog!

[Hot Hap]

Hi there. Hap

[Frank V]

Welcome Justin, if the twist isn't severe you can probably fix it youfself. Sounds like you have already gotten some advise. Hope the twist comes out enjoy. Frank

[4runr]

Welcome Justin..

[Golden Hawk]

Glad to have you with us Justin. Welcome to the Camp!

[BigRonHuntAlot]

Welcome to the      

[strick9]

Congrads on the new backyard and welcome in..

[Killdeer]

Is it fixed yet? Is it fixed yet?    
Oops, sorry. I'm no gentleman.    
Killdeer      (Welcome!!)

[4runr]

Congrats, Justin!! You've met Killdeer!!!      

[KILLER B]

WELCOME AND GOOD LUCK WITH THE WOODCHUCK  

[spd1719]

To amend my former statement for Killdeer's sake, Greetings ladies AND gentlemen  

To update on my twisted limb; it's fixed!  I shot 60 or so arrows into the back yard off the porch yesterday after twisting it back into place and I didn't have a problem.  I also missed the Woodchuck at 35 yards     Too bad I can't blame the bow anymore, guess I'll have to think of something else.

To update on the rig I'm using (in case anyone cares) its a Martin (marked "Damon Howitt" whatever that means) Mamba 55# @ 28" and I draw a full 30".  Shooting Easton xx75 2117's that I have left over from years ago with sharp bear 2 blade broadheads and a couple of 125 grain judo tips for stump shooting.  

Thanks again for the warm welcome!

[JEFF B]

welcome to the family  

[Big Dave]

   

[W.Tim]

welcome