They know the good ones

[ncboman]

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7215650065&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1

[Twanger]

purdy.
I've got an old recurve in the basement that I look at from time to time but never drag it out.

[freedomrules3]

cant some of these older bows get warped and twisted if not taken care of? i'm wondering how much of a chance it is to buy one?

[ncboman]

Good point and not only older bows, new bows can twist also.

Buying vintage bows on ebay is always a gamble as they are older bows. We know this going in and don't spend what we can't afford to lose. Part of the intrigue for many, including myself, is using these vintage bows. I'd much rather hunt with a good bow made in the sixties than a modern offering, even a custom job, but that's just me.

There are varying opinions on limb twist. Some say it's ok and some wouldn't have it. IMHO, a slight limb twist doesn't make a bow bad but it just isn't preferred. Severely twisted limbs are unsafe.

The way to check for twist is to look down the plane of the limbs from the tips. I do this both unstrung and strung. I do not like a bow that shows twist in the unstrung mode.

Once strung, it isn't uncommon for a limb to have a slight twist but a simple correction by hand should set it straight. This is not twisted limbs as sometimes stringing a bow doesn't set perfectly.

Draw the bow one or more times and then sight down the string from the tips. Anything out of plane will show up easily.

Always check the limbs after stringing. What I don't like is a bow that won't stay true once set, although I've seen a couple of guys that were deadly shooting bows with twisted limbs.

notice this seller's description;

Here's a near-mint right handed Herter's Perfection Mag recurve bow. This bow is known for its' smoothe handling characteristics and complete lack of hand shock. The shape and mass of the riser, in conjunction with the limb dynamics, make for one of the truly great archery shooting experiances available at any price. These don't come around very often, and one in this condition comes around once every other Blue Moon. So, jump on it with both feet! There are no twists. I check all bows for limb twist, strung and unstrung, while I write the description and again before I place it in it's shipping box. There are no holes. It has never had nor ever been in need of any repair. The original finish is very-near-mint. The black glass face and the tan glass back are near-mint with absolutely no stress nor crazing. The limbs are very nearly scratch-free; I doubt you can get any closer to pristine than the condition this bow exhibits. The black and tan tip overlays are near-mint. The round Herter's sticker is mint. The beautifully figured and highlighted Goncalo Alves riser is about as pristine as the day it left the factory. There is a new-old-stock Neet Peg Rest installed. The stats are 50# @ 28" and the Herter's length rating is 58". The serial number is M.5801176029. It was made in 1976. I'll send the new string shown with it. This one is ready to shoot, hunt (can you bring yourself to take this beauty afield?) and/or collect. See my other auctions (always with accurate and totally honest descriptions) for some of the nicest bows ever listed on ebay. Please ask questions, if you need specifics: but try not to ask questions within the last day of auction close. I usually end-up seeing those emails after the auction closes. If you live outside of my designated "sell-to" areas and wish to bid on this great archery item, email me before you bid and we'll try to work something out. Payment must be received within 10 days of auction close. Insured priority mail shipping is $22 in the continental U.S..

He knows the bow is excellent and clearly states the limbs are good.

The guys that sell pleading ignorance of bows and such are the bows to be careful of. Usually you can tell by the pics if the bow is in real bad shape but buyer beware.

I've seen one bow in my life that was so twisted, the top limb turned almost sideways on the draw. Long time ago but as I recall it was one of those cheap Shakesphere bows. The limbs twisted around but never would break. We tried. ;D