Semi shotgun and Compound bow maintenance questions

[rubberdown]

2 quick questions,

1st one, a friend mentioned to me the other day that its common practice to take a semi automatic shotgun to a gunsmith every couple years to get seals or o-rings changed as well as a few other things required for preventative maintenance, does this sound normal to you guys?

2nd one, I have an Excalibur Phoenix crossbow that hasnt been used in around 5 years (lost my hunting spot and havent used it since) but just got permission to set up stands at 2 new locations so next deer season the dust is coming off the bow. Is there anything I should do if its been sitting this long, maybe a new string, or check the string, or anything else, I'd hate for it to break or malfunction once practice time comes around so would rather be sure its still safe as it sits or invest in a tune up if thats something that should be done?

As always, THANKS!

 

[horseman2]

Wax your string a few times, and have a spare.

 

[scanner]

Seals only need changing when they are damaged. Check Youtube on how to take apart your make and model of semi for cleaning. Give it a cleaning and if the seals are not pinched, torn, or broken, then you'll be fine.

Check your crossbow string for frays. If you see fraying, then change the string. Or if your string feels very dry, I would change it. I'm sure Youtube shows vids on how to do it. But also you want to make sure your crossbow is still sighted in for the range of shots you'll be taking from your deer stand, and that your broadheads are still sharp, and bolts are still straight, and nocked.

Good to hear you're getting back to the outdoors after a while. Enjoy, and hopefully it will become a weekly thing for you.

 

[IH8ATTN]

I just give my gun a good cleaning at the end of the season and oil it, as for my Excalibur you can take the string off so there is no stress on the limbs but make sure you remove the dissipator pads, but I just leave my string on. Also periodically spray the trigger housing with WD-40 (stated my Excalibur, not me), wax the string/serving and you are good to go.

 

[rubberdown]

Good to hear you're getting back to the outdoors after a while. Enjoy, and hopefully it will become a weekly thing for you.

Ya it will be nice to take some large game, I stopped Deer hunting when I lost my spot but have been heading north for Moose for 10 years, never even seen one during the season yet So getting back into the deer will be good, I was getting one every season I hunted back when I had a spot....and the time to get out.

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll check the sring out, and I'll be using the semi soon for some clays so we'll see how everything is working!