Old bow info

[whauburger]

I know some of you fellas know more than I do about older bows and could use a little info on a couple I recently acquired.

First is a Bear Kodiak Deluxe, serial # 1A 404 60" 50# I have no string for it and was debating on getting on and shooting it unless it holds some value.



Second is a Browning Explorer II, This is a 4 wheel compound wood riser. Any value or just a wall hanger? Only issue I can find on it is one of the limb bolts is missing the original washer and has a brass washer as a replacement.

 

[whauburger]

 

[Robin]

I don't know how old your Bear is from the Sr# but if it has the older, kind of rusty red glass laminations I wouldn't shoot it, the newer lam's should be good to go, just run your hands up and down the limbs and if you don't come away bloody you should be okay. Those old Bear bows were pretty nice, smooth shooters depending on the model. 60" is kind of the minimum for a smooth shooting recurve, longer like 64-6" is better, but unless you have ape arms and a 30" draw 60" is okay. People tend to over draw their normal draw length, I don't know why. Even if your draw is 26" that bow will still have enough power to take any deer in this state.
Robin

 

[whauburger]

Thanks, from what I found so far it is somewhat rare. 1960 was the only year they made this model and not a lot survived as the glue caused de lamination quick. Some accounts were the glue failed before they were even sold.

 

[218bee]

I had that type Browning bow. Shot OK but there are so many better bows out there nowadays. I bolted a reel setup on mine and relegated it to bowfishing only. Explorer 2's are gonna fetch $30-$50 on Ebay. Crank down the limbs/power and it'll make a great starter bow for a beginner.

I would string that Bear and try it. If its not for you, sell it on Ebay...It'll bring more than the Browning..providing the limbs are straight. Take the Bear and extend it pointing outward away from you. Orient the tips so their points are curving down towards the floor. Look down the bow from your hand to the far tip (tip to tip) and see if they are symmetric. A lot of times, older recurves will twist and you can visually see the two tips are crooked. First thing I look at when buying an older bow..

 

[whauburger]

I have a few recurves for hunting and one set up for bow fishing, the Browning might have to act as another bow fishing rig. From what I can tell the Bear should fetch well over $500 from collectors, possibly over $700.

 

[Acer-m14]

try here for strings ... give them a call ..

60X Custom Bow Strings | Compound, Recurve, and Longbow Strings

 

[redtail]

Archerytalk.com is where you really want to ask.

 

[Acer-m14]

Archerytalk.com is where you really want to ask.

that's where i got 60x from .. good site .. lots of info there ..

 

[S&W Fan]

An even better site that I Have been a member of for 20yrs. Is www.Tradgang.com With the photos that you have and one or two more of the limb tips someone there will give you all the info. You need on that Beautiful Bear Recurve.

 

[S&W Fan]

@whauburger A Kodiak Delux is a really nice bow and 50#’s is a very desirable weight. Can you post more clearer photos of the limbs? Front and back side top to bottom and limb tips.