i've mostly shot traditional bows, mostly for fun. used to hunt a bit, but never could let an arrow loose from a long bow on a deer. even at 15 feet. must have been a confidence thing.
i had an old bear 50-pound compound that i enjoyed shooting in the back yard - it was a gift - but it was stolen. i killed a sackful of backyard squirrels with that thing but never got around to deer hunting with it.
anyhow, i'm thinking of going compound or crossbow. i am 63 years old. still strong enough, but i don't figure i need a 70-pound bow even with 75 per cent let off to kill a deer at 20 yards, or to have fun in the back yard. super speed would not be a big deal, either. i am more of a medium/heavy arrow/blade guy - i think.
i don't even know where to start to look, things have changed so much in 10 years. budget? let's say $500 for bow, arrows, trigger, sight, etc., new or used. i'm thinking bow rather than crossbow because of weight. danged crossbows i've handled are heavier than a scoped bolt-action rifle.
suggestions?

Here is what I would suggest. My dad is your age. He shoots about 55lbs. Killed a missouri 10pt at 52yds a couple years ago. Today's bows will let you get away with low poundage.

Go to several archery shops. Try to shoot any bow you can get your hands on. I would suggest shooting mathews, hoyt, elite, new breed, obsession, pse, bear, etc.

Find the bow you like the most or maybe the top two bows you like the most. Then look for them in your draw length on ebay, craigslist, and archery talk. It is realistic to find a mathews or hoyt in a 2010 to 2012 model, fully setup, for $500ish. especially this time of year.

The number one thing is get your draw checked, and make sure to buy a bow that fits you.

I recently bought a used mathews heli-m for $475, with 6 arrows, hard case, upper tier truglo sight, a qdx dropaway rest, and a scott release. Someone spent $1300-$1500 on this bow in 2012. If you watch for them, you can get a deal like that too.

A $500 budget isn't a lot, that's close to the range I started out with

Here's what I did :

- 2004 Pearson Dagger Bow / 28" at 63# $125 (aldeer classifieds)
- Used HHA optimizer #OL-5519 single pin sight $75 (ebay)
- New 12 Beaman arrows cut for my bow $140 (local)
- New 6 Rage Extreme broadheads $90 (local)
- New 6 Rage Extreme practice heads $60 (local)
- New QAD rest $60 (local)
- New Tru Glo 4 arrow quiver detachable with extra attachment for my stand $100 (local)
- New Dampers etc ... $10 (local)
- Used TRU Ball Max Pro release $70 (eBay)

Total : $730

Now that deer season is over You can get some great deals on used bows that are set-up at local shops. They will even adjust them to fit you.

going to take me a while to put together the cash, so i've got time to study. appreciate all of the help so far ...

$500 is plenty. I wouldn't go the route that rocket went, simply because you will get nickel and dimed to death on the extras. I see deals all the time in your budget, with newer bows. Just make sure you buy in the next few months, before people start gearing up for next season.

Not a plug, but I've eard good reports on these guys and their prices are awesome. You will still have to spend a few bucks to get some one local to tune it to you, or tinker until you figure it out. One thing you will learn is that if you are going to hunt with a bow, you need to be able to work on it.

http://www.americanarcherysupply.com/psebowmaxs202.html

BTW I shoot a 55lb bow and am considering dropping to one below 50. With the new bows and carbon arrows, I can shoot a bow with a 45-50 lbs draw and it is just as lethal as my 55 lb draw. There no nned to be a he-man with whats available.

The best advice is to shoot as many bows as you can (in your price range) and pick the one that fits you best. 55 pounds is plenty to kill a deer. Just make sure that you have the right arrow and broad head combination. Good luck in your quest for a bow. I had an extra one that I have promised to a buddy or I would give it to you.

This. My 13yo killed his first deer with a bow. Set at 40#, clean pass thru with $4 walmarks arra and $15 walmarks broadhead (set of 3). Slick little bow i got at bps down in pearl, ms. One don't have to spend a kazillion dollars on a setup to kill a deer.

i was in decatur today, and stopped by Wiley's. i picked up a Matthews, and a couple of Bowtech diamonds of one iteration or another. surprised me how light compounds have gotten, and how compact they are. nice balance. didn't ask to draw any.

I have a ready to hunt Mathews switchback XT I would sell you if interested

Here ya go ^^^^^. Mathews Switchback and Switchback XT, fine bows. Lots of folks still shooting them .

This will be hard to beat in my opinion. I've upgraded twice to only end up selling and going back to my switchback. I do still pick up new bows and they are doing some great things with them. Just haven't found any that I like better for the money difference.

Appreciate the offer. Not ready yet to buy yet. Gonna study a lot more. No money freed up right now anyway ...

Do I remember correctly that Mathews is an Alabama company?

Sparta Wisconcin