How Long Can You Leave a Bow Strung?

Bows are incredible machines that allow us to propel arrows with great force and accuracy. However, they are also delicate instruments that require proper care and maintenance. Many archers wonder how long a bow can remain strung.

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of bow you have, the materials it is made from, and the environmental conditions in which you store it. In general, however, most modern bows can be left strung for up to 3 weeks without any damage. However, it is best to unstring your bow if you will not be using it for an extended period of time, or if you are storing it in a humid or dusty environment.

Allowable Strung Time for Different Bows 

The amount of time you can safely leave a bow strung depends on the type of bow and the materials it is made from.

Modern recurve and longbows

Modern recurve and longbows made from synthetic materials can be left strung for up to 3 weeks without causing any damage. However, it is still best to unstring them when you are not using them for a long period of time.

If you are going to be leaving your bow strung for more than a few days, it is a good idea to loosen the string slightly. This will help to reduce the amount of stress on the bow and make it less likely to warp. You should also store your bow in a cool, dry place.

Traditional wooden recurve and longbows 

Traditional wooden recurves and longbows should be unstrung after each use. This is because wood is more susceptible to warping and moisture damage than synthetic materials.

Compound bows

Compound bows can be left strung indefinitely without causing any damage, but it is still a good idea to unstuff them when you are not using them for a long period of time. This will help to prolong the life of the bowstring.

If you are going to be leaving your compound bow strung for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to loosen the string slightly. This will help to reduce the amount of stress on the bow and make it less likely to warp. You should also store your compound bow in a cool, dry place.

Should You Leave the Bow Strung for a Long Time?

It is generally not recommended to leave a bow strung for a long period of time, even if it is a modern bow made from synthetic materials. There are a few reasons for this:

String creep

String creep is a natural process that occurs with all bowstrings, but it can be accelerated by a number of factors, such as leaving the bow strung for long periods of time, shooting the bow frequently, using a bowstring that is not made from high-quality materials, and exposing the bowstring to extreme temperatures or humidity.

String creep can cause a number of problems, including decreased accuracy, decreased power, and increased risk of limb warp.

Dry firing 

Dry firing is the act of shooting a bow without an arrow. This is a very dangerous and damaging practice that should never be done. When a bow is dry-fired, the string snaps forward with a lot of force, but there is no arrow to absorb the energy. This causes the energy to be transferred to the bow, which can damage the limbs, riser, and string. In severe cases, dry firing can even cause the bow to explode.

There are a few reasons why it is more likely to dry fire a bow accidentally if it is left strung for a long period of time. First, the string can stretch over time, which can make it more likely to slip off the cams or nocks. Second, the limbs of the bow can warp over time, which can also cause the string to slip off. Third, if the bow is stored in a humid environment, the wood can swell and cause the string to become too tight. This can make it more likely to dry fire the bow if it is accidentally released.

Moisture damage

If you live in a humid climate, leaving a bow strung can make it more susceptible to moisture damage. This is because wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning that it absorbs moisture from the air. When wood absorbs moisture, it can swell and warp. This can cause the bow to lose its shape and performance.

In addition to warping, moisture can also damage the bowstring. Bowstrings are made from a variety of materials, including synthetic fibers and natural fibers. Synthetic fibers are more resistant to moisture damage than natural fibers, but they can still be damaged if they are exposed to high levels of humidity for extended periods of time.

Final Thoughts 

If you are not sure how long you can safely leave your bow strung, it is always best to err on the side of caution and unstring it. This will help to prolong the life of your bow and keep it shooting accurately.