Just got an old Darton. Any thoughts?

[Powerstroke]

I was given an old Darton SL-50 from a friend for free. Its marked as a 35-45lb draw and 27.5-29.5" length.

Anybody have any experience with this bow in the past?

I've found a few forum posts though google, but not much else. Most people have been successful using this bow for deer but in a limited capacity.

I would just like to use this to build experience and confidence.

[Cooter]

Make sure its set up properly and then practice a bunch and kill some deer this fall!

[BLACKJACK]

It will probably be a good starter bow for you, it will give you a chance to practice and get out hunting to see if you like the sport of bowhunting. I started out with an old Ben Pearson, and now I'm on my third new Golden Eagle, I love bowhunting in the fall, I take the whole first week of November off to hunt bucks before the gun season started.

40 pounds is the MN minimum, so your bow has enough poundage, the key is hitting the right spot. Practice, practice, practice!!! You might want to take the bow to a good archery shop to ensure the string is good and to measure you for new arrows. Good luck!

[Powerstroke]

THX for the info guys. Turns out the draw length is not adjustable. Its set at 26" and the only way to increase the draw would be to change the wheels....the ones they stopped making in 1984!!!!

The people at Darton ar great, but unfortunately unaccomodating. I think I'll try it using a mechanical release to give me some more length and use this bow for practice.

My buddy just got a brand new Bowtech Tomkat. He's got around $700 into his setup right now and its killing me. I was pretty accurate with his bow though. Very quiet with no recoil.

[mechanictim]

If the release allows you to shoot this bow you may want to keep it even after you upgrade. The lighter draw weight makes it perfect for for bowfishing. After you start shooting you may get bored with shooting dots and styrofoam deer. Shooting carp will give you a chance to practice quick shots at unknown yardages.

[TomBow]

If the draw length more than an inch or so too short, you may not get much benefit from it, hate to say. You are better off shooting a bow that is close to your proper draw length because you will be building the correct muscles for YOUR draw length. As said above, go to a decent bow shop and see what they can do. They may be able to mount other cams on the bow to make it usable for you. Best of Luck!