Trad Gang

Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: Blackhawk on December 06, 2010, 11:50:00 PM

Title: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Blackhawk on December 06, 2010, 11:50:00 PM
...it's a piece of history.  At least that's what I think of the 60" 1957 Kodiak.
 
It was 1957 when Glenn St. Charles, Keith Clemmons, and Dick Bolding made that first historic trip to Alaska to hunt the Little Delta area.  They all carried 60" 1957 Kodiaks with Glenn carrying a 57# model.  I'm not sure what weights the other two hunters carried.
 
For some reason, I had never been able to grab the 60" version, but I had a couple 1957 Kodiaks in 64" that were great shooters.
 
Then along comes Tradgang's "JohnnyRazorhead" who offered me a great 50# version (seems to weigh a bit more) and I grabbed it.
 
Darn, that bow is so quiet and soooo fast.  Those that have one or have shot one surely know what I'm talking about.
 
Yes, I believe this bow is a piece of history...and thanks John!

 (http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d108/lwscott/P1040059.jpg)

 (http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d108/lwscott/P1040044.jpg)
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: johnnyrazorhead on December 07, 2010, 12:54:00 AM
Great looking pics Lon.Glad you are enjoying the bow,it truly is a piece of history.Fred and Glenn would be proud.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: shick on December 07, 2010, 06:20:00 AM
Lon, I agree with you.  To me the '57 represents yester year bowhunting at it's finest.  I had a 59# 60"er once.  Although it was too much bow for me, it was one of the quickest if not fastest shooting bows I have ever shot.  Good for you.

Shick
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: OldSkoolArcher on December 07, 2010, 07:10:00 AM
Lon, Gongrats on a great bow. John said how nice it was and WOW he was right. Enjoy it!
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: NancyVTAS on December 07, 2010, 09:17:00 AM
Ditto on the '56 and both years of the Kodiak Specials !!!!
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: NancyVTAS on December 07, 2010, 09:20:00 AM
I read somwhere the" Little Delta Bow" was a '57 special?  Anyway I have 6  '56 /'57s  Dick
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: OldSkoolArcher on December 07, 2010, 09:30:00 AM
I have been wanting to try a '57 but haven't found the right one for the right price yet.

I sold my 59# '56 a few weeks ago and picked up a 54# this morning for a song. I really liked the previous one I had but it was just a bit too heavy, hopefully this one shoots just as well.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Grant Young on December 07, 2010, 09:32:00 AM
I've always been partial to the '57 and '58 models as well. I think they are the quickest bows Bear built as a general rule. Little touchy to shoot compared to the later heavy risered editions but very fast and a pleasure to carry all day. Congratulations Lon.    Grant
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: toehead on December 07, 2010, 09:54:00 AM
After reading Bows on the Little Delta I bought the first '56 then '57 I could get.  Sold the '57 because it was a little light (REGRET IT) and Gave dad the '56 for fathers day.  Am now on the prowl for another '57 in the 50-60lb range...
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Jack Shanks on December 07, 2010, 09:57:00 AM
OldSkoolArcher,

 I should have known! I asked a quick question from the seller and didn't receive an answer right away. When I went back to hit the buy it now anyway it was gone.

 I looked a long while to find a 57 Kodiak in my price range but finally found a 64" a few weeks ago. I hope to find a 60" to go with it at some point in time.

Great bows!
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: OldSkoolArcher on December 07, 2010, 10:09:00 AM
Jack,   ;)
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Blackhawk on December 07, 2010, 10:16:00 AM
NancyVTAS,

I will try to clear up the confusion without too much mud.  As I said, Glenn carried a '57 Kodiak as did his partners on that first hunt.  

Upon his return, Seattle hunter Bill Brown ordered a 64" heavy weight Kodiak Special from Glenn (59# I think) Brown then went on his own hunt to the Little Delta in 1958.  

Glenn's son Joe St. Charles got that bow after Brown's death.  Since then, this 1957 Kodiak Special has been on several hunts.  There was controversy later on surrounding the bow, and that is not worth discussing here.

I hope I've got this right and not muddied the waters.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: OldSkoolArcher on December 07, 2010, 10:39:00 AM
Lon, Very Cool History. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: d. ward on December 07, 2010, 10:49:00 AM
oh yes Lon those are super good shooters bd
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: cacciatore on December 07, 2010, 10:54:00 AM
I love them,I would like to find a good lefty!
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Bjorn on December 07, 2010, 01:58:00 PM
Wish I had a 60 inch 1957 KS! The 1957 KS is truly remarkable, I have a 70", 66" 64" and a 62" version, all 50- 52#-and nail drivers all! Lon you are fortunate to have that scarce length model-I am still looking!
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Larry m on December 07, 2010, 05:58:00 PM
Blackhawk
Here is a photo I think you will enjoy. I have one 57 which is 60#'s. A bit stout for me now but years ago when I shot it I was amazed at how nice it was. Love the clean classic lines of this bow.  (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll292/toxo-collector/archery253.jpg)
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: OldSkoolArcher on December 07, 2010, 08:25:00 PM
Bjorn, PM sent.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: mullet on December 07, 2010, 08:55:00 PM
I feel lucky. I got a chance a couple of years ago to buy two, for $400. I have a 45# in almost, if not mint with the limb quiver and box it came in. Also a 55# that needs a little Bowboc work but still shoots great. They are smooth and fast. Also picked up a 62" KS @ 35#.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Bjorn on December 07, 2010, 09:24:00 PM
Larry, you are far too humble, your collection continues to impress!!
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Larry m on December 07, 2010, 09:35:00 PM
Bjorn
Thank You! It's a Hobby I enjoy and allows me to relive my younger years. It's the pursuit and discovery not only in tangible items but in info. Just like what is shared by you and others at this site.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Blackhawk on December 07, 2010, 09:48:00 PM
Yes, that is a great photo...and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: cacciatore on December 08, 2010, 06:07:00 AM
I second Lon,nice pic.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: d. ward on December 08, 2010, 07:59:00 PM
Thats a great pic of Glenn and Lloyd bd
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: sticshooter on December 08, 2010, 08:45:00 PM
I think I have a 57 that Bowdoc redid for me awhile back. I sent it out among the Tradgang crew to shoot it and andd then it is going to the ST.Judes auction this year. Dang if I even know where it is now LOL. But i have one here that i love to shoot great bow and very oldschool.<><
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: hormoan on December 12, 2010, 04:08:00 PM
Hope it's ok to post this,1957 KS 66" 52# bought it of the auction site absolutly mint. WOW what a shooter!!
  (http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Bear%20Kodiak/Bear%20Kodiak%20Special/DSC00836.jpg)
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: Larry m on December 12, 2010, 06:37:00 PM
It's Always Good to see pictures of Classic Ole Bows. Very Nice!
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: ishi1archer on December 15, 2010, 04:15:00 PM
I have a 56" 40# @ 26" and a 60" 54# @ 28". I love shooting them both. The 56" at my 28" draw is a real sweet bow to shoot.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: yeager on December 15, 2010, 04:19:00 PM
Yes, the '57 is a great bow...love the looks of those maple risers.  I own two - 64"/52# and a 60"/50# which I just started refinishing.  Even the '58 is a cool looking bow.  Recently refinished that one, 60"/59#....the white limbs which were yellowed over the years, came out beautiful.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: copicasso on December 17, 2010, 10:40:00 PM
I love the 56/57's. I went so far as to have a 56 relimbed rather than throw it away.My son is getting a 55 kodiak@31lb for christmas.
Title: Re: The '57 Kodiak is not just a bow ...
Post by: 69RECURVE on December 30, 2010, 12:52:00 PM
I recently picked up a 1957 60" 50# from fellow trad gang member "biffwyo".

I was absolutely floored on how well this old bow shoots. It is lightweight and very fast. I was wondering what the letter is above the serial number? Mine has an "R"

Thanks