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Need help restoring 2 old compound bows

9.9K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  luke308  
#1 ·
Hello. I hope this is the right subforum for a question like this. I just bought two old compound bows in ok condition for $25. They are missing a lot of stuff from what I can tell though. I don't know where to even begin. I know little to nothing about this sort of thing. I know how to use a bow, but it's been years and I never tinkered with getting parts for one or restoring one.

What all parts do I need? Do I need them to be a specific size, or will any compound bow part fit?

I'd also like to adjust the draw length on the Browning. According to my height/arm span measurement, I believe my draw length should be 29-30" I have no idea how to adjust that.

Here's what I have. The first is a Browning Magnum Plus MP7A. The second is a PSC USA Spirit.

Browning

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PSC

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THANKS!
 
#3 ·
Yes, what disco said.... most are specific to the bow, and yes I think this is the correct forum. There is a franken bow forum but you'll likely get more help here.

I'm guessing but based on the photos that you are missing the stabilizer and sights for the bows. Those are generally universal even for bows that are that old. There is also a missing or broken cable guard on the browning. I think you can buy a replacement "Cobra" cable guard from Lancaster archery.
 
#4 ·
When you get done they will still be worth $25, I would not put any money/work in them, hang them on the wall and enjoy what is now termed the "vintage" look that they provide to the man cave!
 
#6 ·
Can't use those bows for hunting-doesn't have real tree camo so they won't work!!

Most of that is generic for all bows, so no real stress. I don't know the threads on the older bows, but I think any cable guard should fit like others mentioned.

I think you should find someone with a lot of that gear hanging around that isn't overly special, but would work just fine to get at least one of those bows shooting. I've got an old sight and stabiliser that I would happily pass along, but being on the other side of a very large ocean makes that not worth it

I'm just a bit iffy about the strings. If they are as old as the bows then they really need to be changed despite how good it looks.
 
#7 ·
Lol, I don't think the deer around here will mind. ;)

Will a new arrow rest work? I looked, and I see can find the ring style rests, but not the old wire ones these old bows originally had. I will probably replace the strings just to be safe.

Thanks for the offer, but yeah, international shipping is brutal. I sent a small box of wood to a fella in Brazil a while back and you'd think that I mailed him a block of lead...

Here's those pics. Thanks for all the help!

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Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
#8 ·
Wow-reminds me of my first compound when I was a kid!! I got out of it for a long time, but must have been similar vintage. Looking at those strings I'm not sure if the whole thing is supposed to be replaced. Someone with more experience with the old bows will hopefully step in

Any rest should be fine if it has the threaded hole in the riser to bolt it on
 
#9 ·
if this is just a fun project go for it, even the stablizer rod and cable slides will be hard to find, and may cost more than bows are worth, you have or should have plastic coated cables, that also are hard to replace, clean them up and hang them on your wall, i use to have 2 original allen compounds, they were the first compounds, gave them away not even them are collectable. but bottom line have fun
 
#12 ·
I'm not too concerned with original parts. I just want them to work. Hopefully it will be a fun project though. :)

Check with your local archery shop first. I know the one I deal with keeps all kind of stuff on the shelves of his tables. You wouldn't believe what people bring in to be fixed for hunting season. I've seen Bear Whitetail 2's in there to who knows what they are! LOL He has old pins, (Meprolite ) painted pins,old rests,stabs sights. When people buy new stuff and he puts it on, he just throws the old in a box. I hope this is helpful.
We don't have one around here, but next time I'm out of town I'll look around for one.

That PSE is a 25" draw and max 40# draw weight according to the limb sticker you posted. The DL can go up or down about an inch by moving the string into the other slots in the wheels/cams. If you are a 29-30" DL that bow will most likely be too short for you to shoot properly as you are going to max it out around 26". What are the specs on the browning limb sticker?
The PSE is going to someone else. I don't remember the exact numbers, but the Browning will go up to at least 30", and can go up to 70lbs.
 
#10 ·
Check with your local archery shop first. I know the one I deal with keeps all kind of stuff on the shelves of his tables. You wouldn't believe what people bring in to be fixed for hunting season. I've seen Bear Whitetail 2's in there to who knows what they are! LOL He has old pins, (Meprolite ) painted pins,old rests,stabs sights. When people buy new stuff and he puts it on, he just throws the old in a box. I hope this is helpful.
 
#11 ·
That PSE is a 25" draw and max 40# draw weight according to the limb sticker you posted. The DL can go up or down about an inch by moving the string into the other slots in the wheels/cams. If you are a 29-30" DL that bow will most likely be too short for you to shoot properly as you are going to max it out around 26". What are the specs on the browning limb sticker?
 
#14 ·
If I recall correctly, those bows are close to 30 years old. Replacement strings and cable guards are the easy part. I'd suggest inspecting those steel cables very carefully. They are obviously under a lot of tension so any fraying, suspected slippage of the teardrops, etc. should discourage you from use. If it was my project, I would err on the side of caution and replace them, that is, if a supplier can still be found.

I have a cable guard rod (no slide) that came off a PSE exactly like your bow. It's yours for the cost of mailing. If you are interested, PM me your email or phone# and I'll send you a couple photos of the rod. You can find a generic slide part on ebay for about $7-8.

Not to discourage you, but I'm thinking that this may have been one of those situations where your $25 would have been better spent on some tasty malt beverages. :wink: :darkbeer:
 
#15 ·
If you want to fix these bow contact me with how far you want to go, I do have cables & tools & 40 years of knowledge
working on them. I already sent you a PM.
 
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#17 ·
truthful, if your looking for a bow to hunt or target shoot this is not it, i like old stuff too but this will not be worth sinking any money into in my opinion, now if you bought to hang in the mancave above the woodstove next to the deerhead perfect.the lettoff and shootability of this bow will not be pleasant.