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Just dry fired my first self bow

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Cima:
Hi all, I just finished making a vine maple self bow, it’s about 65” and between 55# - 60# at 28”. I’ve put less than 100 shots in on it so far, and I accidentally dry fired it while I was stretching the limbs, I think around 22 inches give or take, and I kind of freaked out. I drew it a few times afterwards and didn’t hear/see/feel anything off, and I plan to do some shooting soon, so I don’t think anything is wrong with it, but should I be worried? I have seen conflicting information on this and other forums, some saying it’s totally fine, and some saying the bow will inevitably explode on me sooner than later, so any help is appreciated! (--)

Cima:
I broke/hinged my first few attempts at self bows and I’ve been wanting to do this since I was a kid so I really took my time on this one (about a year all said and done) which would make it that much worse if I just ruined it. I was also planning to take this thing hunting next month, so suggestions on whether I should just get back to the shave horse and make a new bow would be appreciated.

sleek:
It happens. Usually the bow is fine. You did what you were supposed to do. Only thing left is to rebuild confidence and start shooting it, pulling it a little further each time until you are at full draw.

Selfbowman:
Well said Sleek

organic_archer:
I teach bowmaking workshops throughout the year and even with regular forewarning, a few first-time bowyers/archers have accidentally dry fired their bows. Most have been at full draw after failing to get good arrow nock registry on the string. None broke outright, and in all but one case there has been no news of breaks since.

Although it’s best to avoid it at all costs, I think most selfbows can handle a dry fire or two. The one student bow that eventually broke was after 5 dry fires back-to-back. It took a while for the person to figure out the arrow situation. I let them know the bow would eventually break, and it did, but 4-6 months and thousands of shots later.

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