Ok bow enthusiasts I need your help.

JayC · Jun 8, 2012

I just bought a compound bow today at auction. I only paid $29 for it. It is a Darton 500MC. It is an older bow. I've done searches for it on Yahoo and Google and find hardly any info. At least, nothing of any real use. The thing is I am new to bows. I don't know much about them. All I know is it is a 60-70# draw weight bow with a length of up to 32.5". It looks like a double cam, solid limb design. The only thing I could find about it is that it seems to be from the early 90's like 90-91. It also seems to be the precursor to the Lightning from what I understand. There's a label that also says it has a 60% let off.

I don't know what it is set at, but I need to change it. The draw weight is too much. It's too hard to pull back. I've watched some videos on YouTube on how to adjust the weight, but they were for newer bows. Are the two Allen bolts on the front at the base of the limbs where you adjust the draw weight? I think it has to be the full 70# or higher. On the bottom limb is a little sticker with a handwritten 90 on it. I'm not sure if the thing is overdrawn or not.

Additionally, on what I have learned about compound bows so far is that I have determined my draw length. Using the technique I read about, my draw length is 28". How can I adjust the draw length on this bow?

My last dumb question is what hand bow is this? Is it a right-handed bow since the arrow rest appears to be on the left? I'll upload some photos that will hopefully help (clickable thumbnails). Thanks for any help!

Also, what is the thing woven into the draw string? It's not a peep sight is it?

k0ua · Jun 8, 2012

I can help a little, a very little. Yes the thing in the string is the rear sight. Yes a peep sight. I did not see the "pins" the front sights. They should be sticking out on the left side of the bow above the arrow rest.. yes a right handed person holds the bow in their left hand the arrow rest is on the left side of the bow the pins are on the left side of the bow. You draw with your "trigger device" Also known as a release aid by clipping it on the string and it goes around your wrist. You pull and get your anchor, and look at the correct yardage pin thru the rear sight. Press trigger of the release aid. I am no bowman, and probably told you something wrong. I do not know how to adjust them. I have a friend that does that kind of thing, and If I wanted it adjusted, I would take it to him. He has a bow shop.. I think they can be messed up pretty easily if not done right. I would take it to a bow shop, and hand it to them and whine

Sorry I can give really useful advice, but that is about all I know, Hopefully someone who really knows will happen along. Good Luck

James K0UA

JWink3953 · Jun 8, 2012

Hello.

Yes, the allen bolts are to torque the limbs. They adjust the draw weight.

A lot of people use a release when shooting a bow. This would make your draw length even shorter.

Sometimes the cams can be set to a different setting to change the draw length. Need a bow shop with a bow vice to do this for you if it is possible. If you had a close up of each cam, we could tell.

Yes, a right handed bow has the rest on the left.

And yes, that is a peep sight.

Happy hunting.

Western · Jun 8, 2012

What the guys said. Allot of times bows come with additional cams, or rather pieces to swap out to shorten the draw length, I bet you didn't get those in an auction. On some bows you can get a shorter string, but that is marginal.
Never "dry fire" a bow

Take the advice of going to a bow shop, shooting a bow is a blast and can be real good at helping you release daily stress, but they can also be dangerous until you know the limits, for instance, back out one of those allen bolts out to far and you may end up in a cast or worse. A bow shop will set you up good depending on your budget

I've had a martin years ago, my 1st one and it was a great bow.

JayC · Jun 8, 2012

Thanks for the replies. Here's a few more photos if that would help.

The bow did come with a sight, release aid, arm guard (pretty much shot, need a new one), counter weight, and something with string in it (screws into the same hole the counter weight does). It also came with a case.

Here's a shot of the sight. I should have included a shot of it above, but didn't think of it. Would someone be able to tell me anything about it?

Here's a shot of the grip. Would the sight screw into the light colored holes above the grip?

Here's a couple shots of the cams.

Bottom

Top

Sorry for all the dumb questions. I probably should have done more research before buying anything, but the opportunity seemed like a good one.

nybirdman · Jun 8, 2012

By all means get to a pro shop.That bow has a short "over-draw" on it,common for that year of bow.Also looks like a "flipper" type rest..usually used for a fingers shooter(no mechanical relase).This bow can be set up or either.If it does has 90lb limbs...I hope you are a big strong fellow!

nybirdman · Jun 8, 2012

Yes the site goes in the holes pictured.Flip it over and take a pic of the arrow rest.

beandip · Jun 8, 2012

Nice looking bow, and I also suggest a trip to the bow shop. That bow appears to have an overdraw shelf installed, requiring a shorter arrow. You can be measured and fitted for draw length and arrow length at the shop. They can also set the weight too.They may recommend a new string also unless you are positive of the bows history(string age). The peep sight looks good from here but is it set right for you?
A little work and you will have an effective, safe bow.

JWink3953 · Jun 8, 2012

Forgot to mention...the 90 could be the let-off rating. I think on those bows changing the cams, changes the let off.

The guys at bow shops are normally pretty cool...but don't take too much money. You might end up with a new matthews.

JayC · Jun 8, 2012

JWink3953 said:
The guys at bow shops are normally pretty cool...but don't take too much money. You might end up with a new matthews.

I won't have that problem as I don't have a lot of money to take. :laughing: I'd love a new Matthews, but I couldn't afford one.

Here's a few more photos. Here's the arrow rest. I am including a closer shot of the peep sight, and another shot of the string.

I really appreciate all the replies! :thumbsup: I am wondering if I just got a money pit. I've been wanting a bow for a while, and was hoping I could get a good deal on a used one since I can't afford a new one right now. Now I'm not so sure. If I take this thing to the pro shop, I'm having scary visions of dishing out over $100 to get this thing done right.