Somebody please school me on what I'm looking at lol!! I just traded for a Vintage Fred Bear Grizzly Recurve 45# 62" 1953 Canada Grayling Michigan. I don't know if I should shoot which I'm sure I will lol or if it is a valuable piece. Does anyone know about it. Any helpful information on it would be greatly appreciated. It is in great shape for its age but looks like someone may have put some type of clear coat on it I will try to post some pics soon. Any thoughts?
I have one I shoot from time to time. Does it hsve the static tips? Pics would help!
The 1953 is most likely the patent date and not the year of manufacture. Like Dave said, pics would help.
(http://https://goo.gl/photos/7dENyByW78mu3hbb6)
(http://goo.gl/photos/aydQRS1BKD9teZUw5)
(https://goo.gl/photos/7dENyByW78mu3hbb6)
(https://goo.gl/photos/2cz7AuNg78xtChGG6)
(https://goo.gl/photos/JdJbZGuEQ6DG1KMC6) (//)
(https://goo.gl/photos/APnPgrJv3cuKu2xm7)
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The bottom limb seems out of alignment just eyeballing it is there an easy way to correct that
"If it's a 58" bow that's shaped like a new model Grizzly, then it's a 1967 bow (the first character "7" in the serial number denotes 1967. I believe this dating method only applies to Bear bows made from 1965-1969). Bear made 56" Grizzlies for a couple of years, I think in late 60's or early 70's, but the vast majority of Grizzlies are 58". Older Grizzlies, up through 1963 I believe, are 62" long."
I found this in an old thread. If correct Id guess it'd make yours a 1969 since your first number is a 9. I could be way off though, but it looks right. For the limb twist... You can find a lot of options by doing a search, but I'll offer some help, take it for what it is..
1) Always use a stringer
2) unstring the bow and run the twisted section under warm water for a bit.
3) counter-twist by hand and hold until it cools
4) repeat as neccessary
5) restring and hang by string level
I've never had a hard time untwisting a bent limb but I suppose I've never had to do a super bad one either. Some say heat gun, some say hairdryer, some say no heat. Warm water seems to be a happy medium thats been successful for me more than once.
Looks like a good ole 58" Grizzly from the 70's from the serial number starting with K (almost positive). Really nothing fancy but great shooters. I would get a new string and have at it....as long as it checks out safe. That pic of the limb with the string looks like the limb is twisted, could just be the pic angle though.
It is an early 72 model because it is 58" and decals are on the belly of the limbs. It has fairly low value. $150-175 if in good shape. I have the same model and shoot it regularly. Take the twist out of the limbs and shoot her.
Great info guys I'm gonna take her down to the glass and then try to get the twist out the report her thank you guys for all the history and helpful tips!!!!
QuoteOriginally posted by bucknut:
It is an early 72 model because it is 58" and decals are on the belly of the limbs. It has fairly low value. $150-175 if in good shape. I have the same model and shoot it regularly. Take the twist out of the limbs and shoot her.
Nailed it! Absolutely Great Shooting bows. The twist is minor and probably easy to fix.
Don't know if it's the pic, but that one showing the string in line with the limb makes it look as though the limb is twisted. Other than that I have nothing to offer.
Why don't I read all the posts before offering my uninformed observations? :banghead: At least I was right about the twist.
That should clean up nicely. Good luck with the restoration. Grizzly's are very underestimated shooters-'a solid working mans bow'.
It came out ok and most certainly better then when I got it. They must have sprayed a clear coat of some sort
It was nasty lookin and I'm pretty pleased with the outcome of my 6 man hrs of off and on sanding but now she is back smooth again.
Good work!
Bisch
Does it have a twisted limb? Or is it not even strung in any of the pics above?
It had a twisted limb it pretty straight now.