Browning Bows

Browning Bows

The Browning company has been creating bows since the 1960s. Browning Research and Development created several patents and innovations in archery and bow hunting over a period of 30 years. Browning bows that were built in the 1960s and 1970s were likely created in the town of Morgan, Utah.

There are three basic types:

• Recurve bows - These bows have tips that curve away from the archer when unstrung. When the bow is drawn, these tips serve to store extra energy. This enables them to have significantly shorter limbs than longbows.
• Compound bows - These use a levering system of cables, pulleys, and cams. This gives it a mechanical advantage over longbows. The stiffness of the limbs on a compound bow store energy when in the drawn position. A makeup of composite materials allows the limbs to be capable of storing large amounts of energy. Because of the "let-off" built into compound bows, they are easier to hold drawn than other types. Compound bows also stay strung when not in use.
• Crossbows - These feature a horizontal assembly mounted on a gun-like stock and frame with a trigger mechanism for firing. Crossbows require little upper body strength and no extensive pre-training. Crossbow arrows are commonly referred to as bolts or quarrels.

Before buying, you will need two measurements: draw length and draw weight.

To measure draw length, stand against a wall and spread your arms. Have someone mark at the tip of one middle finger, then the other. Measure the distance between the two marks and divide that number by 2.5. This is your bow draw length.

Draw weight is usually an approximation depending on your size and upper body strength. Note that these are approximations based on average physical condition. You may choose to start with more or less draw weight based on your health and upper body strength.

• If you weigh under 100 pounds, start with 10 pounds.
• If you weigh 100 to 130 pounds, start with 20 pounds.
• If you weigh 130 to 150 pounds, start with 30 pounds.
• If you weigh 130 to 150 pounds, start with 30 pounds.
• If you weigh 150 to 180 pounds, start with 40 pounds.
• If you weigh 180 and above, start with 45 to 50 pounds.

For hunting whitetail deer or similar-sized game, a minimum of 40 pounds of draw weight is recommended. For hunting larger game, such as bear, elk, or moose, a draw weight of 50 pounds or greater is what you likely need.