New to archery

[Jmed795]

#3936

Hello gentleman- I am looking to get into traditional archery and was wondering what you all think of the Samick Red stag one piece recurve for a first bow? I hope to be hunting deer and elk with it. Thanks for the input.
Jmed

[SteveMcD]

#25181

Well, Welcome! Sounds like a nice bow. And Samick does well with it’s line. Really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Question is ARE YOU comfortable with it. I hope that your bow is in the 40# to 45# range at yoour draw length, the last thing you want to do is start out over bowed. If you can handle more, I guess that’s fine too. Make sure that your bow is tuned and arrow shafts are properly matched to your bow. Nothing could be more frustrated than an improperly tuned bow and / or unmatched arrows. I recommend you have a traditional mentor to help you, or go to some Traditional archery shoots and ask lot’s of question. I would also recommend a couple of books to start out: Brian Sorrell’s “A Beginner’s Guide to Traditional Archery” and T.J. Conrad’s “Traditional Bowhunter’s Handbook”. “Become The Arrow” by Byron Ferguson is another excellent book. Traditional Archery doesn’t necessarily have an ending… It’s about the journey along the way! All The Best! Steve

[Fletcher]

#28385

Welcome to the club, jmed! A thread like this should have more than one response, but I can’t think of anything to add to Steve’s post or change. You should be able to find an all trad or other bowhunting/archery organization in your state and you will find lots of help there. Also look into bow shoots in your area.

Above all, enjoy the journey!

Rick

[rayborbon]

#28387

I think it’s made in China. I’d rather buy a bow made in the USA. Other than that I heard it shoots good but isn’t as nice in the details and craftsmanship as a bow which is hand made by a bowyer who relies on his or her reputation for sales.

[George D. Stout]

#28946

The Red Stag is a great bow to learn on or even stay with. You can’t buy an American made bow of that quality for near the price. It is actually a very nice bow as Tradtech Archery in Lancaster, Pa., actually designed the bow and works closely with Samick on these bows to make them better quality than they once were.

The best designed limbs and bows in the world are made by Samick….the ILF models. We have totally ignored the competitive side of archery here in America since Fred Bear and Earl Hoyt passed. We are being out-done and need to catch up on all aspects of archery bows…including the ILF styles, and get America back in the target manufacture once again. Archery is not just hunting, matter of fact, most archers are not hunters.

Lots of folks don’t have expendable cash to buy American Made goods all the time. And, it’s funny that everyone who decries imported bows have Asian cell phones, televisions, and even carbon arrows….Carbon Express..most popular arrow made today is of Korean manufacture. We live in a world economy, and one would do well to understand how it works.

I would not be surprised to see a Samick Archery factory here in the U.S. in the future, using American workers; similar to the Kia, Honda and Toyota deals. The market is growing for traditional archery, after nearly disappearing thirty years ago. At present, U.S. manufacturers only care about making bowhunting equipment. Time to wake up.

[rayborbon]

#29399

I still wound’t personally buy a bow made in China. It sounds to me some people are more interested in discussing the politics or debating whether or not my personal opinion it meets up to their standards. It’s simply a personal decision. My advice I would give to a good friend and therefore I gave it here honestly. Regardless of cell phones, arrows or factories it is the advice I would give.

I would recommend that if you want a good bow buy one from a human being who stands behind their product in the USA or Canada. With the exception of a few European bow makers. If you want a bow made in China then get it by all means. People were shooting great long before ILF limbs. I never used them and continue to shoot just fine. That’s a fact in of itself. I’m not into factory bows either. I’d get one crafted with individual care.

On the politics side of things— and in direct response to Korean arrows:
BTW South Koreans are not commies. They can have my cash for arrows long before the Chinese who continually spy on us.

[William Warren]

#29458

The Samick website indicates Korea.
I have the Volcano recurve and it shoots great! As far as the quality, time will tell, but right out of the box I was surprised at the workmanship.

[rayborbon]

#29520

Pretty sure most samick bows made of wood are done in a mainland china factory. Circa 2004 – Present.

[William Warren]

#30589

rayborbon wrote: Pretty sure most samick bows made of wood are done in a mainland china factory. Circa 2004 – Present.

You may be right. The site also gave three locations, one in Korea, one in China, and one in the USA. Not clear whether these are manufacturing or distribution outlets. There is not too much detail about the company online.

[George D. Stout]

#35190

Better hope those “commies(??)” don’t call in their 900 billion dollar debt we owe them anytime soon 8^). Good grief.

Personal prejudice aside, their bows work very well, whether or not they are made in South Korea, Taiwan or Mainland China.
Last time I looked, we were all equal in the eyes of God. Perhaps I was wrong about that.

[rayborbon]

#35200

I didn’t ask for their loan. I suppose you can take that up with a crafty politician.

Having said that – I’d never buy a bow from them. I guess if there is a fault you’ll have to send it overseas. Besides … Like I said before… The guys building them out of a shop here at home will usually stand behind their product and their entire business is based upon quality craftsmanship, reputation and most importantly customer satisfaction. You can get some of that in a Chinese made bow I can bet my bottom dollar your bow made right here with someone’s hands and tools with personal care will not only resell at a greater value but it will likely shoot better. There’s definitely a good feeling knowing I am supporting a local bowyer who has a vested interest in my sport and who I can call up at the drop of a dime to ask a few questions. I am not sure the Chinese manufacturers care about anything but their money. I can’t say I blame them but there is definitely something to be said about someone who is part of the archery community here where I can trust his personal character.

[Patrick]

#35252

George D. Stout wrote: Better hope those “commies(??)” don’t call in their 900 billion dollar debt we owe them anytime soon 8^). Good grief.

Exactly! Ray, don’t you realize that The Peoples’ Republic of China monitors this site very closely and your choice of words could very easily be the proverbial straw, that causes an international incident?! AND I’ve heard rumors that they HATE being called commies. Which is strange since they are commies.

(China: If you’re reading this, please don’t take offense, I’m only trying to educate those not in-the-know)

[Bert]

#36030

Hey guys- just received this shocking message from China!
Attention American capitalist pigs. This last chopstick on panda’s back. We no Commie-You Commie. How you like flipflop on other foot now?
You no respect our volunteer prisoners hard work making crappy traditional bows. All get treated as humans- one bowl (small) of rice aday and all air can breathe- at least have jobs not like you lazy once-capitalist pigs.
Not true contain lead- don’t let stupid children and MREs(dogs) chew them.
You no buy crappy Chinese bows, we want money back. Now. Broke? No yuan? We take Kalifornia and blondes and Dizzyland- now what do with 899 billion left? Hmmm? Buy your Congress and Government? No. Have enough thieves here.
You buy crappy Chinese bows because Confucius say-‘Chinese people happy, American people happy. Chinese people sad, American people up crap creek without paddle.’ That all.
Mao Zedung- President Society Harmony International Trading LLC
P.S. You have poached bear gallbladders and paws? Will trade for crappy Chinese traditional bows.
Well, that was certainly an unexpected and threatening message- I guess my response would be the old two word phrase-BUY AMERICAN!
Bert

[Treetopflier]

#36307

Bert — you have a way of mixing clarity, insight and often empathy, with what’s best described by 😈 That is, a bit too inclined to get personal in a negative way. I’m cheering for your brighter side to win! 😆

Meanwhile, my take on this isn’t continental or cultural loyalty. I say to buy from Ma and Pa custom shops, whether bows, arrows, leather accessories, whatever. Among the greatest strengths of traditional archery and bowhunting is that it’s an industry that fosters small, very personal operations. To me THIS is the essence of “made in America.” Frankly I see little difference between the bigtime American archery outfits (mostly wheely but they often offer token “trad” gear too) and similar made in China, Timbuktu or the moon. If we want traditional to survive and prosper, we will buy our bows and arrows from such one-man or small-crew operations as The Feathered Shaft, Owl Bows, Shrew and many dozens. Can’t get any more pro-American than that, with quality and personal service guaranteed and no nocking anyone or anyplace else is necessary. In this case, it’s “factory built” not merely “made in China” that we must boycott. My 83.7 cents. Snuffy

[Patrick]

#36345

And at 83.7 cents, what a bargain (Well said Snuffy)! 😉

[Jmed795]

#36615

Wow I didn’t realize that my post would open up the politcal hotbed! It is amazing that only one person actually gave sound advise to me on the bow in question. As a newby trying to get into traditional archery I am not impressed with all the bickering and lack of useful info that you all have given! Just so no one confuses my posting here either; I am a god fearing, gun toting right wing american but I just cant afford to buy a $500 dollar bow plus arrows and all the other good stuff to get started. That is why I am looking at the Samick line. If someone can point out an american made bow that is in the same price range I would be more than happy to look at it.
Justin

[Patrick]

#36638

With all due respect, Ray, SteveMcD, George, Snuffy and Fletcher all, FREELY, took there time and gave very sound advise. I’m relatively new to traditional bowhunting myself, so I don’t have the experience necessary to give the advise you seek. Ray merely stated that he would recommend you not buy Chinese. He didn’t belittle anyone’s decision to do otherwise, and you hadn’t stated anything regarding an inability or unwillingness to pay more. People are people, and that goes for traditonal bowhunters as well. I will say this much: There is no other forum that even comes close when it comes to having civil, respectful, yet sometimes heated discussions. Hope you don’t let this mild debate turn you away, it’s a great bunch of people here!

[rayborbon]

#36639

I wasn’t impressed you wanted to buy such a bow. That’s why I warned you. Then someone got all technical about it.

It’s hard to step back from the temptation of technical when someone’s talking points are not even hitting their mark.Meaning – don’t put words in my mouth and expect me to sit there and take it.

I wouldn’t be upset. I would just take it as “discussion”. I didn’t see anyone being disrespectful. Unless you think that every topic in this place is only for discussion where you can’t voice valid opinions or you think you “own a topic” more than another person.

[purehunter]

#36669

Justin,
I’m fairly new to “traditional” archery myself. The best advice given that I’ve read on this post is to get with someone who is shooting traditional gear already. At the very least, find a shop with different bows to try.

I have spent the last 9 months trying to learn by myself. There isn’t another stick bow shooter within 60 miles of me. I’ve read a ton on this website, talked to bowyers, read Dr. Ashby’s articles, etc. But I have spent a ton of money in the process.

You can get used bows from rmsgear.com or classified ads on this site or tradgang.com. There is a ton of American “Mom and Pop” bowyers out there with new bows under $500. I have no doubt the fine folks here can help you with arrows once you have decided on the bow to get. It can be done for under $500 for bow, arrows, and misc. gear if you look and ask a ton of questions.

Whatever you buy, I can guarantee you will buy another! 😀

Purehunter

PS
Bought a used Hummingbird longbow for $300. An American “Husband and Wife” bowyer in North Carolina. It can be done. Bow shoots like a house-a-fire!

[Bert]

#37206

Jmed
No disrespect given- we’re just a bunch of old opinionated curmudgeons, esp. me! Though some of the younger guys seem to be gettin’ a little tetchy too- must be contagious.
The important thing is to get a bow, any bow in your price range and the basic equipment and practice, practice, practice.
If you’re looking for a one-piece recurve in the 45-50# range, rmsgear has about 9 used in the 100 to 235 govt. IOU range and one really cherry Bear, with sticker still on it, for $300. If you want to try a longbow, Mike McCredy over at Maddog Archery makes a Mutt from leftover pieces of his more expensive bows for 225. And there are many other venues as the guys have indicated.
I really have no opinion on the Samick except to note from some other forums, some like ’em and some don’t- but the South Koreans are avid archers and bowyers as witness their wins in the Olympics- hell, the formal practice target is 145 meters downfield!
So, good luck on your quest and let us know what you got and how we can help in anyway- there’s a wealth of knowledge on this site, and we’ll try- oh this is going to be hard!-to be a little more less gruff- must have been the ‘National Day of Dependence’ yesterday shenanigans that set some of us, the enlightened ones, off! And there I go again, as the Gipper was fond of quipping!
Best-Bert

[David Petersen]

#37256

jmed — it appears that the answer to your question — deduced from all the above — is something like: “We don’t really know about that specific bow, but we feel you’d be much happier with a custom rather than factory bow to start with.” I agree. We now know how much you can spend, but we still don’t know what poundage you’re looking at, recurve or longbow preferences, etc. If you’re looking for a lighter bow, up to 45# (plenty adequate for deer with the right arrow), I would add to the suggestions above that you check out the Great Plains Field Bow, lovely simply longbow for under $300 new. I would go for a used custom small-shop boy anytime over a new factory bow.

Bert — hang in, you’re getting sweeter every day! 😉

Patrick — I like your new avatar photo! Like my wife often tells me and myself, “The farther away you are, the better you look!” :P:lol: xo all, dave

[Idabow]

#37293

Jmed,
First of all, welcome to Tradbow! You might try looking at the classified sections of some of the other web sites if Tradbow doesn’t have what you need. Stickbow.com and Tradgang.com have extensive classified offerings and sometimes even have pictures. The prices seem fair and are often negotiable. Good luck on your search and let us know what you end up with.
Bill

[M]

#37407

I would suggest looking on EBAY. I think you are correct in trying to keep your cost down because as you shoot more and more you might find that what you are looking for in a bow changes. If you spend too much on a bow you might feel stuck with it. Some bows are great and beautiful works of art but some styles feel comfortable to me and some dont and I think that translates into how well I shoot them. Grab a bow that feels good in every respect including financially shoot it have fun. Remember no matter what you buy someone will criticize your choice.

[Jmed795]

#37798

Thanks for the all the info guys, I found the most recent posts much more helpfull. Thanks and I will keep you informed with which bow I decide on.
Justin

[MOUNTAINSLICKER]

#53615

Welcome to the good life. Yes we are a bunch of opinionated loner types. But if you look under some rocks there are stickbow shooters in your neck of the woods. The first thing I try to tell any newbie is listen, take the rare grains of wisdom and discard the rest. There isn’t one in 10,000 who could outshoot a factory made beginner bow like the Martin x200 or any of the others. Of course the pride of a custom bow is not to be made light of but make sure you are really committed to the sport before you ever spend big bucks. I see top scores and good deer every year from lowly factory bows in the hands of dedicated shooters. Listen, try it and hold it up to your light to find what’s right for you. If there is no explanation given that makes sense it’s an opinion and everyone has one. That doesn’t make it gospel.

[Ed Zachary]

#53874

If you don’t have expendable cash and want one of the best designed bow and limbs for the money, get a Quinn…made right here in America. No commie politics/religion involved at all. Don’t be a yokel, buy local and wake up!

[Jason Wesbrock]

#54543

Jmed,

There’s been some great advice given thus far. I’d like to add the following.

1) For your first bow, try to buy one that’s used (eBay is a good place to look). Odds are that your first bow will not be the one you settle on, so why invest a lot of cash and take a loss on it? When you resell a bow that you bought used, you can often get all of your money back, if not more.

2) Don’t get hung up on a bow just because it looks nice. No deer or elk ever dropped dead at the sight of cocobolo and fancy scroll patterns. I love beautiful bows as much as anyone, but how a bow shoots is much more important than how it looks.

3) Go to a few local shoots, find the best traditional archer, and get in his/her hip pocket. Ask a lot of questions and learn as much as you can. Advice is as varied as people. Given the choice, I’d rather take advice from someone who shoots well over someone who doesn’t, or another potential newbie.

4) Don’t discount advice from someone simply because they shoot modern equipment. A lot of the physical aspects of shooting are the same, and the mental side of the sport (which is the most important aspect, IMO) is mostly identical. Last week I had the pleasure of shooting some field archery with a lady who’s won more national championships in Pro Female Freestyle than Carter has pills. It gave me a great chance to not only watch an amazing display of accuracy, but also pick her brain about the mental aspects of shooting.

5) Above all, be patient. Good shooters didn’t get that way overnight. When it comes time to hunt, be realistic about your effective range, even if it’s only 10 yards.

[MattyC]

#55122

Your last point is a great one. If you listen to alot of ‘experts’ if you don’t/can’t shoot out to half a mile, then you shouln’t be there.
I know MY effective range is limited, but I will keep practicing untill it gets further.

[tom-wisconsin]

#58679

jmed795 wrote: Hello gentleman- I am looking to get into traditional archery and was wondering what you all think of the Samick Red stag one piece recurve for a first bow? I hope to be hunting deer and elk with it. Thanks for the input.
Jmed

Welcome to Tradbow.

I agree with the others about effective range. I have been practicing for two years. I am a newbie to traditional but not a young newbie. Was practicing for the first time since last fall. I use a bag target I have in one part of yard. Then I walk about one hundred yards and sneak up on my 3d deer target and take one shot at 15 yards. 😳 I still need practice.

Tom

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