So I shot at the Appling shoot this weekend and Big Jim had his traveling show there. I couldn't wait to try out a few of his bows, especially the Thunderchild. I have always liked the looks of that bow but never got the chance to hold or shoot one. 1 quick discussion with Jim and she was in my hands....the most beautiful bow I have ever seen, a 54in beauty pulling 54lbs.
Her limbs were black and white ebony and she had gemsbok (I believe) handle overlays. The grip was perfect and she pulled back super smooth. 2 piece takedown to boot (better to hide from my wife) I was smitten!
Now the biggest problem is that I cannot afford her straight out so I walked away and figured I could forget about her, I mean I don't really NEED another bow. I already used up the "backup" bow to get another MOAB.......but I couldn't shake her.
So I am doing what any normal bow nut would do..........tommorrow is payday and I will be dropping a deposit to BigJim to get on his list, will be a long wait, but will give me time to save up for her.
Has anybody else out there had this experience? Getting all googly over a bow.
I was exactly in your shoes 2 years ago. never gave Jims bows much thought although I had shot a few but all were not in my specs.
I was at Denton hill and held one of Jims bows, put it down and came back to it many times over the weekend.
I had several conversations with him and after 4 months it wouldn't escape my ind like most infatuations would. So during that time I had the opportunity to save some money, sent ina deposit and continued to save up for the rest while i was on the list.
I had a few good friends and my father help contribute in a few ways during my wait. This made my bow very special for me.
Things worked out and and I had a new ThunderChild in less than a year since my initial infatuation. I still love that bow and have no desire to order anything else. I have owned the bow for a little over a year and still enjoy it immensely.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/1430769838.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Bow%20Pictures/1430769838.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/1430825118.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Bow%20Pictures/1430825118.jpg.html)
Enjoy your new bow...
For many, the Thunderchild transcends infatuation.
Man Cyclic, that bow is beautiful! Gonna be a long wait, but she will be worth it.
Surely Friend was alluding to me! Yes googly could well describe my passion to bend a T Child. Shoot on over to Howard Hill this weekend and give one a test drive. Not to worry you wont have trouble seeing Jim :scared:
I had me a thunderchild at one time. I would like to find another in the 40lb range one of these days! They are sweet shooters and carry a fair amount of eye appeal!!
I have it also. Got my custom Thunderchild back last August and I'm dreaming of another one
I,'ve been smitten with them for a while now, got it bad.. Been itchin and twitchin to get on the waiting list for a while now. Getting married in August, pretty much promised to behave myself, stay focused until after the wedding.
Be mighty surprised if I don't get on the waiting list before the end of September!!.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/0be8d700-20b7-42e1-b6f2-d6a90df8f78a_zpsk5y1cx2m.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/frenchymanny/media/0be8d700-20b7-42e1-b6f2-d6a90df8f78a_zpsk5y1cx2m.jpg.html)
:campfire: :archer:
F-Manny
F Manny, nice to see that bow working! What kind of quiver are you running?
Muttly, get on the waiting list now. You will not get your bow until after the wedding and you can use some of your honeymoon funds to pay it off. By then it will be too late for her to change her mind. :readit:
JR, Manny has one of Big Jim's Quivers.
Mine came in the mail last Thursday.
Cyclic, what are the specs of your bow above? Length and woods if you don't mind.
Well I am hooked now, just sent in my deposit and got on the list! Man this is gonna be tough to wait.
Jim builds some beauties, that's for sure!!!!
Bisch
X2 Bisch
QuoteOriginally posted by JR Williams:
Cyclic, what are the specs of your bow above? Length and woods if you don't mind.
56" 52 Lb @ 28.
It's a walnut Crotch riser with Tiger Myrtle veneers. The riser wood was sent by me from a friend who knows wood and I knew the moisture content was in the right range. The veneers were hand picked from Jim's shop by good friends. It has sheep horn overlays and a beaver tail grip.
I ordered the Take down right away because I would have just wanted a take down in the future anyhow. I figured if you are going to do it. do it right the first time.
Jim has some awesome wood in his shop. Let him know what you are looking for when the build time comes and I am sure he will not disappoint.
I spent my wait time scrolling through his slide show looking at different combos. I knew I wanted a darker classy bow with subtle contrast.
be sure to share pictures when you have them.
Thanks cyclic. I too am looking to get a takedown with gemsbok overlays. I know I want black and white ebony limbs and dark woods on the riser. I still can't get over how well that 54 in bow shot at my 28in draw length......it felt awesome.
I have one.....no....its not for sale :bigsmyl:
Haha, if the one I get feels half as good as the one I shot I don't think it will be getting sold either!
I also have one....and like Terry... It is not for sale. Oh by the way, B&W Ebony takedown with gemsbuck tips and riser overlays. It is my go to bow (actually Bowhunter4life old bow)
It is 56" and 64lbs at my 26 but feels sooooo much less. Smoothest bow I have ever felt
Jim has incredible BW ebony in stock. you will not be disappointed.
Jim was great in working with me to make a bow from woods from my land here in Ind. Plum, black oak and mulberry are the woods one can see, along with a bit of teak and mahogany layered in the riser, while the work is done by the standard boo core. He showed me real patience and I let him go with what he thought best with the placement of the woods.
I have a preference for darker wood bows and Big Jim nailed it for my TC with stained curly maple veneers. Great shooter.
(http://i1338.photobucket.com/albums/o691/toddgregory1/Hntg2011%20014_zpsc9egk3nz.jpg) (http://s1338.photobucket.com/user/toddgregory1/media/Hntg2011%20014_zpsc9egk3nz.jpg.html)