Dry Fire - ARRRRGGGGHHH!!!

sealer · Dec 14, 2006

Stupid, stupid, stupid...enough said.

Personal manufacturer opinions aside, I seriously need somebody's help here.

2006 Hoyt Trykon with some decent add-ons (X-Press Stabilizer, STS Double, Winner's Choice String, and Spot-Hogg sight).

For the last 15 years (on and off) that I've bowhunted, this situation is what I've been told to avoid completely.

I'm very afraid/worried and don't know where to start when assessing possible damage.

I even passed up the last 2 days of my 2006 big game seasons due to this occurence.

I'm looking for serious mentoring here. I'd prefer not to hear, "...if it wasn't a Trykon".

The only reason I mentioned add-ons was if there would be some specific negative effects on those items. Hence my not listing my peep, alphashox limbsavers, or paradox wrist sling (just kidding).

BTW, yes my peep-sight blew out of the string on occurrence.

MM members have always been the best with regards to tough (and stupid) issues...

Thx - Drew

Boskee · Dec 14, 2006

Drew things happen. Bows today are manufacured much better and prototypes undergo dryfiring in testing. The first thing you need to do is visually inspect your bow and look for any signs of splitting or cracks on the riser and especially the limbs. then measure your bow and check all measurements to see if anything changes (after putting your peep back in first). Make sure you take a few turns off your limbs before you press your bow! If nothings changed and you didn't find any cracks then I would draw it back a few times with an arrow and have a friend look around to see if everything looks okay. If everything looks fine and the measurments stayed the same I would shoot it a bit. Let it sit over night and check again in the morning measurements, cracks etc if she looks fine I would shoot her. You can take her to the bowshop and have them look at it to make you feel better. Hoyt builds a great product and you more than likely will be just fine. I've seen quite a few dryfires in the years I've been shooting and in most instances they shot those bows again and again until they were ready for a new one with no ill effects at all. Good luck and I hope everything is fine!

BigPig · Dec 15, 2006

Been there done that. Do all of the above. Pay special attention to the axles, bushings and the limbs around the axles. I've seen the limb split right on the very end due to stress on the axles.

a3dhunter · Dec 15, 2006

I agree with the close inspection of limbs and riser, the double sts should have helped to soften the blow. I have heard that the sts would protect any bow during a dry fire situation, but I would take more faith in hoyt producing a quality product, I am sure it is fine. Visually chack it and then start shooting, checking after every shot for splintering or cracking. It might be a good idea to have someone else with you for this!;-)

sealer · Dec 16, 2006

Thanks a ton for the helpful advice. I'm still sick to my stomach so I'm hoping all is well...

dryflyelk · Dec 17, 2006

I think you'll be fine. I know a guy whose whole job is to dry fire hoyt bows down at Hoyt. He has told me that most of these bows go THOUSANDS of shots before failure. Hoyt builds em right. Take a look at the cables and strings and make sure they look ok. You may want to have a pro shop check it out. But, I think you'll be fine.