Archery Custom Shop

A group of three of us decided to throw on green tights and take some lessons here. It’s an old school shop, and it reminds me of the kind of place my Grandpa used to take me when I was a kid where a bunch of old dudes would stand around smoking indoors. Thankfully, the only smoking going on here was the one from my bow while I was shooting bullseyes!
Okay, so that is a slightly embellished statement. I am a beginner. The man that greeted us did so in a very kind manner and was patient and informative in setting us up. He practiced our ‘release’ with us, even though he was not our instructor. Once our teacher was ready, we went over to the lesson range. His name was Pete and he was pretty funny and informative. His reactions and the faces he made when we goofed up were priceless. He gave us great tips and gently instructed us after each shot. My favorite statement of his was «now, don’t think about anything I just told you!»
We had a blast, and are inclined to come back for another lesson. Of course, I already want to buy a bow and go running around the woods (but not to kill anything.) I will check myself though, as I don’t want to wreck myself. After all, it could be bad for my health. Instead, next time we will come back to the Archery Custom shop in real stealth form.

Walked by millions of times but tried for the first time. Had an hour one-​on-​one class. It’s a lot of fun. Coach Jim was very patient and pinned point my problems. Will go back for more fun!

Looking for something fun to do outside of your normal routine? Come here!
I had notice this place while walking up Madison street. eventually came back one day and seen there was someone being taught how to hold and aim the bow. Found out that it was VERY inexpensive to get lessons and that you can learn very quickly and once you take the first class you can come back on your own and practice… came back later that night and my instructor was very patient and attentive.
Not a bad first date ice breaker.

I came in here yesterday for a lesson, and was not disappointed! As a complete newbie to archery, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I learned in a single hour. The instructor who worked with me was incredible friendly and knowledgeable (not to mention patient!). I arrived about fifteen minutes late for the session, but still got a full hour of instruction since the person scheduled after me didn’t show up (their loss).
The shop itself has a very comfortable, cozy feel to it, and the staff is incredibly friendly. After my lesson, the instructor gave me a quick rundown on the pricing of various bows, but didn’t come off like a pushy salesman at all. He invited me to come and use their upstairs range a few times before deciding which (if any) bow to use. The super nice lady behind the counter (I’m really regretting not asking her name) also gave me some very good advice about the archery vendors at the Bristol Ren Faire (long story short, quivers are nice, stay away from their bows). There wasn’t a single aspect of my visit here that wasn’t incredibly fun and informative. They offer one on one lessons at $ 30 per hour ($ 25 for kids), and time on their upstairs range at $ 15 per hour. I strongly suggest anyone interested in learning how to use any sort of bow stop by here to get started!
The one annoying thing I feel I should mention is not the shops fault in any way. The construction in the areas a few blocks away from the shops is TERRIBLE. Whatever your estimated travel time is, add an additional twenty minutes just to be on the safe side.

I brought my niece and her cousin (14&16) for an introductory lesson and to purchase a 1^st bow for my niece. I had read some reviews about bad service so I was prepared for that. I needn’t have been. Everyone in the building was down to earth, friendly, helpful & knowledgeable. There was some sarcasm, but if you leave yourself open like I did ya really kinda have it coming… hah. We came ridiculously early and actually started our lesson a bit late, no big deal, we were informed nicely that they were running behind and I have no problem with that, things happen. While we waited for our lessons my niece was fit for proper weight bow and given some basic instruction and I had a bow being serviced so when our time came we were ready and got right into one of the best learning experiences these kids have had. We were the last lesson and we probably got 25 extra minutes on it even counting the late start. We purchased 1 new bow a doz new arrows, a handful of accessories for both bows & left having spent less than I thought we would. I have nothing but praise for this business, the people that run it and the way they do it. The kids both feel the same. They left here as excited as I have ever seen them & inspired to continue with the sport of archery. What more could I ask for?

Great shop. I’ve actually been her twice; once back in July purchase a long arm guard, and the it was quick and easy, in and out. I haven’t used the range, but I went in yesterday to get outfitted with my first bow and accessories. Jim helped me, and he was so patient and knowledgeable, didn’t rush me, and was patient in showing me how to take down my bow and string it. They have a good collection of both compound and recurve bows for sale, and they carry metal and wooden risers. They sell a lot of accessories and leading brands: SF Archery, Black Widow, Bohning, Easton, Matthews, and so on.
One thing I really appreciate is that I wasn’t pushed into buying a bunch of stuff, unnecessary accessories, or expensive gear. I was offered the chance to try it out on the range, but declined (I didn’t want to make a fool of myself!) When I asked about a bow that was $ 100 more than the one I purchased, I was given honest advice and allowed to make my own decision. (I chose the less expensive one, which he enthusiastically endorsed, and I’m dying to shoot it.) I was there for probably an hour testing out a couple different risers, trying out a couple different draw weights, etc. I ended up leaving with my first bow, a case, finger tab, bow stringer, stabilizer, and arrows. A man whom I think must be the owner also came out and talked with us for several minutes when Jim was helping me get everything put away to leave.
I don’t get to Forest Park a lot. I really appreciate the patience to help outfit someone who hasn’t been involved in archery very long with all the necessary basics, so if I’m looking for some new equipment this will be one of the shops I look to. Something I feel is important to mention: If you purchase a riser here, you may want to ask what colors the manufacturer offers. I asked about what colors it came in, and they showed me the three that they had in stock; I assumed those were the only colors. When I was looking online at a few other things, I saw that this riser comes in about 7 different colors. Luckily, the color I ended up with is probably the one I would have chosen anyway. They should be able to order something for you if you want a color/​style/​etc. that they don’t carry regularly. And I can’t recommend Jim highly enough!

I was a nervous beginner going to get basic maintenance on my purchase of a used compound bow. The owner was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. Charged me a fair price on the work and offered legitimate upgrades without actually pressuring me or taking advantage of my lack of knowledge in the sport. I drive all the way from the burbs just to get to him.

Called in advance to see what arrow brand and models available… he knew exactly what he had. I told him I’m shooting from tree stand and avg shot 20 yards. He measured my draw 29″ 60#, told him wanted something around 400 grs w/​100gr broad. He cuts it down and puts on scale 400 grs on dot arrow. I ended up getting pse sniper 2 300s 8.9gpi…29″ length I think.
I didn’t use range because it wasn’t free. Reason for 4 star. The man understands his carbon arrows. Price of arrows included everything…

I have no doubts that this shop is a fantastic resource for those experienced with archery. They have merchandise for sale, do tune-​ups, have 2 shooting ranges, and offer lessons.
That being said, I went in here for my first time not too long ago and felt a bit uncomfortable. I’ll admit I don’t really know anything about archery, but the reason I went in was to inquire about lessons and how to become more knowledgeable about archery in general.
The man behind the counter (the owner, I presume) was quite dismissive of me. I told him up-​front that I had no previous experience with archery and he proceeded to ask me a slough of questions he obviously knew I wouldn’t understand, then laughed when I had no idea what he was talking about. It really felt like he was trying to make me feel dumb in order to discourage me from signing up for lessons. I don’t understand why, because even if I don’t know anything about archery, I’ve got to start somewhere… right?
Anyway, if you already know your stuff and you can show off your chops in the field of archery, this shop is the place to go. But, if you’re like me, I’d suggest doing some research and finding somewhere a bit more beginner-​friendly.

This place is great. It’s a bit old school, but it’s a really great mom and pop shop with a much better selection than what you’re going to find at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s or any of the other big box outdoors stores that just happen to sell archery goods.
I went in today to buy my first recurve bow and they did a very thorough job of helping me pick a bow that was good for me and gave me plenty of range time with it to make sure it was a bow with which I’d be comfortable. While doing so, they even gave me a number of pointers to improve my anchor, stance and aiming, all of which helped a lot. Great advice considering I wasn’t there for a lesson. The ranges are nice as well. All of the shop staff were plenty friendly and eager to help.
Anyway, I’m really happy with both my purchase and the service. I look forward to returning for range time and some lessons. I recommend this place highly if you’re into archery.

Went out this weekend to buy some arrows and shoot. The owner (Terry) was very knowledgable and friendly. A lot of customers and regulars came through, who were likewise willing to share their opinions and experiences. The prices seem reasonable, and can even be acknowledged as cheap once one realizes he fletches his own shafts then measures and constructs the arrows to order on the spot. The ranges are well designed and spacious. Overall, a great experience.

$ 12 to go shoot arrows for «an hour» but really is as long as you want. This place is awesome. It is like a dive bar but for archery places.

Archery Custom Shop has a fine indoor range, especially for Chi winter shooting, and plenty of supplies for compound, long, and recurve bows. Range time is reasonably priced and easy to come by. Terry, the owner, is friendly, approachable and willing to answer any archery questions. Though I have not taken lessons here, often see children and adults alike. The only thing missing is space for an outdoor 3-​d target range.

Took lesson with Hubs for date night. It was fun– although my 8^th grade awesomeness didn’t return immediately.

Cool shop with a good archery range. The shop is pretty extensive, they have all sorts of bows (compound, wooden, etc) and every other equipment you need from arrows to hats and jackets. We came here to shoot around at the range. They have two ranges, one is on the ground floor, which isn’t as cool because everyone including the owner can watch you (I’m not a fan since I’m a beginner and I hate being watched). The upstairs is more secluded, it has about 6 lanes. Rental equipment was cheap, we paid $ 12 each for about 1.5 hours of shooting which included the bow, arrows, gloves and forearm shiver thing. I had a lot of fun, I recommend this place for beginners and experts.
oh and I forgot to mention that they have all different targets to shoot at, close, far, paper targets and even balloons (you have to blow them up yourself though)

Totally interesting.
Stopped in while mosey-​ing around down the street and asked about archery. Here’s what I learned:
_​Archery could be pretty affordable to get into with the initial supplies being around $ 200 total to get ya’ ready to shoot arrows.
_​They seemed to have a lot of stock and options
_​The gentleman at the counter was nice and told us about the archery range and how you could get lessons, rent time, etc.
_​As I walked out a gaggle of Boy Scouts came tromping in — Now that’s what I’m talking about… Boy Scouts + Archery! Classic!
I’d like to go back and rent to the whole place for an hour or two and have friends come get a lesson… archery party anyone?

Archery Custom Shop is, overall, an ok place. I have been here many times, and am overall happy with their range.
This shop features two twenty yard indoor ranges. The ranges are is good shape, however the target blocks on the first floor range are a bit hard, which may lead to your arrow being damaged or simply bouncing off.
Range fees are $ 8 per hour plus $ 0.50 for a paper target. Range plus rental will run $ 12 and includes everything you need. The rental arrows are older aluminum arrows, Rental bows are all older recurves with weights ranging from 15 — 42 lbs.
The owner is biased against Fred Bear bows.