[ELI5] why is dry firing a bow so bad for it? Does the arrow really make that much of a difference in that regard?

Question

[ELI5] why is dry firing a bow so bad for it? Does the arrow really make that much of a difference in that regard?

In: 2366

Answer 1

A buddy gave me an awesome fucking wooden bow from the 80s in high school. I never knew this. Cue me drawing it in a college dorm (never bought any arrows) to show off for a girl and letting that strong snap.

The wooden arms splintered and a cable broke, whipping me in the forearm and cutting it open.

I was fine, but the bow was ruined, and I never got to shoot it once. Dumb high school kid. Still bummed I never got to fire it.