How To Store & Care For A Recurve Bow

The best way to store a recurve bow while traveling or otherwise is using a bow case. You can also hang it on a bow rack at home. 

If you are storing the bow for a long time, unstring it to release the tension in the limbs. Store it in a cool, dry place to protect it against heat and moisture. 

While this may sound like a lot of work, proper storage is important for maintaining a recurve bow’s performance and durability.  

Let’s understand why.  

What happens when you don’t store a recurve bow properly 

Recurve bows, especially the traditional ones made of wooden limbs, are sensitive to moisture and temperature. They can absorb the moisture in the environment, which could cause the wood to swell, rot, or decay.   

Here are five things that can happen when you don’t care for your recurve bow properly.  

1. When exposed to moisture, the limbs may lose their shape and structure.
2. When exposed to heat, they may warp or crack. 
3. The string may fray or break, potentially causing injuries.
4. The glue may soften, causing the layers of wood to separate. 
5. When all these issues occur, your bow will not work as well as it should. It may require significant repair or even a total replacement. 

Now that you know why it’s worth the extra effort, let’s learn the right way to store a recurve bow properly. 

How to store and care for a recurve bow properly   

Storing recurve and straight bows is different from that of a composite bow. 

Composite bows are made from synthetic materials like fiberglass and carbon, which makes them more resistant to environmental conditions. They are also less likely to get damaged, so you don’t need to unstring them before storing them.  

Here are some best practices for keeping your bow safe while traveling and when it’s not in use. 

Store it in a bow case

You can choose between a hard case and a soft case, like a quiver, depending on your needs. 

The table below explains their pros and cons to help you choose wisely.  

If you are interested in buying a soft case for your recurve bow, I recommend our Mongolian felt bow and arrow case and Mongolian leather bow and arrow case, which are some of our top-selling products.  

For a takedown recurve bow, you may want to buy our waterproof canvas bow bag. 

A bow case is a good option while traveling. To keep it safe at home, you will need a bow rack or stand. 

Hang it on a bow rack for quick access 

If you are looking for a safe storage option that allows you to quickly grab your bow and go or display it proudly, I would recommend a bow rack. 

Racks can hold your bow as well as most of your archery accessories. Plus, they do not take up valuable floor space.  

Here are the four things you need to keep in mind while using a bow rack. 

1. Do not hang it by the string. Hang the bow by its body, preferably by the area closer to the handle. 
2. Do not hang it vertically. 
3. You don’t need a fancy, expensive bow rack. Two nails on a piece of wood on a wall are enough. If you are a DIY person, you can even build a bow rack.
4.  When installing a bow rack, make sure the room has a healthy environment suitable for your recurve bow. I will brief you about these environmental requirements shortly. 

Unstring (and disassemble) the bow before storing 

The bowstring keeps the limbs under a lot of tension. This tension makes recurve bows powerful enough to shoot for up to 400 yards. 

This sounds great, but the limbs could break when they are kept under such extreme stress for a long time. 

I recommend unstringing the recurve bow after every practice. If that’s too much, you can unstring it on your off days or when you won’t be using it for a while. 

Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to string and unstring a recurve bow. You can buy our recurve bow stringer for stringing and unstringing the bow safely.   

If you have a takedown bow, you should disassemble it before storing it.  

Now let’s talk about the best conditions for storing your bow. 

Store it in a cool, dry place

As I said in the beginning, traditional wooden recurve bows can swell, warp, or crack when exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity.

Here’s what to keep in mind when deciding on a storage space for your bow. 

• When installing a bow rack, make sure it doesn’t get direct sunlight. 
• Choose a clean and dry room. If you live in a humid region, use a dehumidifier.
• Place a few packets of silica gels in the bow case for added protection.  
• Attics, basements, and garages might not be the best places to store archery gear, especially if they aren’t weather-proof. Choose a place where temperature fluctuation is minimal.

We have covered almost everything about properly storing a bow. Let’s look at some of the dos and don’ts.    

Six things to keep in mind while storing your recurve bow

Below, I have summarized some of the key practices that can protect your bow from premature damage. 

1. Don’t lean your bow against the wall or anything else. This can put all the weight on one of the limbs, making it lose its shape or even break. 
2. Clean the bow to remove any lingering dust and moisture before storing it. 
3. Wax the string regularly and before storing the bow. A well-waxed, unstrung bowstring is less likely to fray. 
4. Wax the wooden limbs and riser to prevent the wood from drying or cracking. 
5. Check your bow thoroughly. If you notice any signs of damage, fix them before storing them to prevent any further damage.
6. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storing your bow. 

Wrap Up

I hope these tips help you keep your recurve bow in its optimal condition for years. If you are curious about a recurve bow’s functioning and other basics, please take time to read my blogs on how a recurve bow works and how to aim a recurve bow. I have written these comprehensive guides and tutorials to help you understand your bow and how to use it to the best of your ability.

Best of luck, and keep practicing!