Martin archery RECURVE instruction book

RECURVE / LONGBOW

OWNERS MANUAL

Thank you for selecting a Martin (Howatt) product. We feel

condent that you will experience many years of enjoyment from your

Martin bow.

Here at Martin Archery, we strive for excellence in all of our
products and always welcome any comments from our customers.

We also like to hear your success stories. Therefore, if you have any
comments, photos or information that you would like to share with
Martin Archery, feel free to call or write. We’ll do our best to answer

any questions and evaluate your comments.

Thank You

A Recurve Bow And Its Parts

Handle Riser Section

Grip

Arrow Plate

Lower limb

Front

Upper Limb

Recurve

Pivot Point

String

Sight Window

Arrow Rest

String (brace) Height

Serving

Martin Archery

3134 W. Highway 12
Walla Walla, WA 99362 U.S.A

www.martinarchery.com

String Notch

Tip

STRINGING YOUR BOW

Martin Archery recommends that you use a bowstringer

when stringing your bow. Proper use of a bowstringer will

pr event yo ur bow’s li mbs f rom b ecoming twi sted. A
bowstringer also provides the safest method of stringing your
bow as the limb tips are away from you during the stringing and

unstringing process. (Avoid placing your head close to the limb
tips when stringing and unstringing your bow).

ARROW REST

All Martin (Howatt) bows, with the exception of
traditional longbow models, are designed to be shot either from

an elevated arrow rest or directly off of the arrow shelf. An

elevated arrow rest provides increased etching clearance

and is helpful when using plastic vanes. Shooting off of the
shelf allows the arrow to be held closer to the bowhand which
is helpfulto instinctive shooting. It is recommended, when
shooting off of the shelf, that you pad the arrow shelf and the
portion of the sight window directly above the pivot point with
a rug rest or hair rest.

Hair (rug) Rest

Elevator Rest

ARROWS

All types of arrows (wood, aluminum, carbon) can be shot from your Martin
(Howatt) bow. Regardless of arrow type, it is important that your arrows are correctly spined
(have the correct spine stiffness) for your draw weight. Check your arrow manufacturers
recommendations to determine the arrow size best suited for your bow.

BRACE HEIGHT (FISTMELE)

The brace height of your bow is measured from the pivot point, or most inward point

of the grip, to the bowstring (see illustration, front page).

The recommended brace height for your bow is listed:

#2184 Rebel 7" - 7 3/4"
#2366 Victory 8 1/2" - 9 1/4"

#2370 Mamba 7" - 7 3/4"

#2800 Hunter 7" - 7 3/4"
#2808 Sarengeti 7" - 7 3/4"

#2805 Dream Catcher 7 1/4" - 8"

#2814 Hateld TD 7 1/4" - 8"

#ML-4 Savannah 6 1/4" - 7"
#ML-9 Stick 6" - 6 3/4"
#ML-12 Vision 7" - 7 3/4"
#X-200 Recurve 7 3/4" - 8 1/2"

A higher brace height helps reduce bow vibration and noise and also minimizes

the effects of shooting errors. A lower brace height provides increased arrow velocity.

Increased noise and poor arrow ight can be the result of a brace height that is too low.

Twisting your bowstring will reduce its length and increase your brace height.
Untwisting your bowstring or installing a longer bowstring will decrease your brace height.

(Avoid untwisting emish style bowstrings as string failure may occur). Experiment to nd
the brace height measurement that allows your bow to perform at its best with your particular

style of shooting.

LIMB STRAIGHTENING (BUMPING)

Should a limb become twisted, it will remain twisted until you straighten or ‘bump’
it back to the straight position. ‘Bumping’ involves the placement of one hand near the
twisted section of the limb and the other hand on the riser section. A twisted limb can be
straightened in this manner by applying pressure in the opposite direction of the twist. You
should unstring your bow before straightening a twisted limb.
Neglecting a twisted limb will only allow the twist to become more severe. A brief
inspection of each limb should be made each time you string your bow.

STRING LENGTH

Your bow’s AMO (Archery Manufacturer and Merchant’s Organization) length is marked
on its lower limb. To achieve the correct brace height you will need to use a bowstring of the
same AMO length. (Example: An AMO 62” bow requires an AMO 62” string). The actual
length of your bowstring will be 3” shorter than its marked AMO length.

TAKE-DOWN LIMB INSTALLATION

Each of your Martin (Howatt) Take-Down model limbs is denoted either with a “T” (top
limb) or a “B” (bottom limb). These markings are found on each limb near the mounting

area.

Your Take-Down model is designed to be shot with the limbs mounted securely against
the riser. Do not overtighten your limb bolts. A snug t is all that is required. Overtightening
can cause limb damage. The draw weight is not adjustable on Take-Down model recurve

bows.

CARE AND SAFETY

•You should unstring your bow when it is not being used.

•Never ‘dry-re’ your bow.

This is shooting the bow without an arrow. A ‘dry-re’ can severely damage your bow.

•Never draw, aim or shoot unless you are sure that line of re is clear.

Remember: “Once an arrow is in ight, it cannot be recalled.”

•Store your bow in a cool, dry place and avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat
and moisture.

•Occasionally waxing your bow with a quality furniture wax will help preserve its

nish.

When cared for in this manner, your bow will provide you with many years of
faithful service.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Your Martin (Howatt) bow is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of 2 (two) years from the date of purchase after which
replacement or repairs will be made at a COST of 50% of the retail price then in
effect for a period of 5 (ve) years from the date of purchase.

Whether your new bow is for hunting, 3-D, or for shooting targets, you have made
the right decision in choosing a MARTIN! Over forty years of archery experience
are built into every MARTIN (Howatt) bow. You can be condent that your new

bow is designed to provide years of faithful service and that MARTIN will always
be around to back it with a rock-solid warranty!

This Limited Warranty is conditioned upon proof of purchase and other conditions
listed below. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SALES RECEIPT BE FILED IN A

SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFRENCE, AS WARRANTY REPAIRS WILL NOT

BE PERFORMED UNDER WARRANTY WITHOUT A COPY OF THE DATED

SALES RECEIPT. Martin Archery, Inc., warrants that your Martin (Howatt) bow

will perform its intended function if used in accordance with the instructions pro­vided. This Limited Warranty covers ONLY the replacement parts, labor and return
ground transportationcosts performed by Martin Archery, Inc. to the consumer for the

repaired bow. Transportation charges for the return of the bow to Martin Archery, Inc.

are not covered. NO C.O.D.’s WILL BE ACCEPTED. MARTIN ARCHERY, INC.

MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, WITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, EITHER
OF FITNESS OR OF MERCHANTABILITY, except as stated above. ANY SUCH
ADDITIONAL WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.

Warranty Limitations are as follows:

• If bow shows sign of misuse, alteration or mishandling, this warranty will be
void.

• Claimant must be original purchaser.
THIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.

• Returns to Martin Archery, Inc. must be pre-authorized. Owner must contact

Martin Archery, Inc. at [phone] prior to shipping in order to obtain

a Return Authorization Number.

• All accessory items must be removed from the bow prior to shipping.
MARTIN ARCHERY, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE
OR LOSS OF ANY ACCESSORY ITEM LEFT ON THE BOW.

• WARRANTY IS NOT EFFECTIVE UNLESS A COPY OF THE DATED

SALES RECEIPT ACCOMPANIES THE BOW.

• This warranty gives you specic legal rights. You may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.

• Return bow to:

MARTIN ARCHERY, 3134 W Highway 12, Walla Walla, WA 99362