buying a used bow

I am new to archery. I am the noob of noobs. I have been rifle hunting for more than 15 years and I am excited to get into big game(mule deer and elk) archery hunting. I am thinking about buying a used bow but was wondering if that is generally advisable? Are there bow manufactures out there that have a transferable warranty? What do I need to look out for if I do go the used route? Obviously, I know I need to find a bow that fits me but are there particular components that wear easily that I should check out before I make a used purchase?
Do I worry about buying a potentially stolen bow? I basically have no idea where to start.. How do I know a deal when I see one?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

If you're just getting into bow hunting and you don't know alot about it try to buy a bow from a dealer chances are if a dealer is selling a used bow they have checked it out.Look at the limbs for cracks, cam or wheel shouldn't be bent or nicked, check out the string and cable for to much wear/ He can help you learn things about the bow, plus you can shoot it at the shop.

You need to find a bow with the right draw leangth for you !!! plus the right draw weight that you are able to pull!!!

Shoot as many bows as you can that fit you then pick the one you like the best. Componets don't seem to wear out it's more like something better comes along. Just make sure you buy quaility accesories for it that will last a long time if you're serious about hunting. Bows and the things you need to put on them are like everything else these days......pretty exspensive.

NEVER PULL THE BOW BACK WITHOUT AN ARROW NOCKED !!! if you let the string go accidently without an arrow nocked chances are the bow will be destroyed or close to it.

Certainly nothing wrong with buying a used bow as it's a great way to get a year or two old high end model at a significant discount over this year's models. Most manufacturers are going to apply their warranty period to the original owner however there is at least one that has a transferable warranty...sorry I don't remember the name right now but it's one of the mid-size players.

I'm not sure what you'd do about a stolen bow...used purchases online carry all the same risks as buying computers and bikes and everything else. Theoretically it's possible but I've never heard of it happening.

In terms of what to look for: you always want to look for cam damage, cable and string wear (easily replaced), damage to the limbs particularly at the limb pockets and axles, stripping or cross-threading of various component mounting holes on the riser, etc. Lately I've come to view ebay as a little inflated on used prices but the Archery Talk forums are a pretty safe place to buy if you do your research...tons of variety there, they have a black list of questionable sellers, a feedback process, and I have found that nearly everyone provides honest assessments of what's for sale. If you're buying in a shop obviously you have the product in front of you and generally that brick and mortar store wants you walking back in again.

If you're just getting started, definitely take the previous posters advice and visit a couple (or more) shops and shoot a wide variety of bows...short, long, slow, fast. A good shop will spend a lot of time with you, make you feel comfortable, explain things, answer questions, etc. In the end, don't get too hung up on brands and buy the bow that feels best to you. We're fortunate to live in a world where all of the major manufacturers are producing superior hunting tools. Don't shy away from ready-to-shoot packages but be prepared to upgrade sight and rest.

Two years ago I was where you are at now. I found a shop that made me feel comfortable and they probably spent 2 hrs with me my first day in the shop. I found a bow I liked and walked out with it. But be careful...I've walked out with two more since then ;-)

Just found in another thread...Elite has a transferrable warranty and makes a phenomenal bow. The Hunter and Answer models both have loyal followings.