I got a Bear Montana today. I think I like it but never had a real bow before so it is hard to judge to others. But I don't like the grip leather. Is there any one out there that makes nice ones for the Montana?
Bob, you could probably do a real nice bang up job of it yourself. Check the how to section or do a search here to see what you come up with. I know for a fact there have been several pictorials in the past on how to install grip leather.
I have 2 Montanas and the factory leather grips do leave something to be desired. So I have been useing the rubber Sure grips and come to like them. I also put one on my Mahaska longbow.
I have plenty of leather for wrapping a grip and it's not that hard to do.
What type of leather are you looking for? I have a few different colored deer skins that can be used smooth or suede side out. Some split pigskin that's more durable than the suede deer, and some veggie-tanned calf and goat for a smooth tough as nails grip.
I've been sending the stuff out to folks for years now, so let me know what you're looking for and I'll send out enough for a wrap.
There's a video on 3Rivers website on how to do it. Check out the video that goes with this product, http://www.3riversarchery.com/product.asp?i=6212
Zack
Just did a search on the words "grip leather" in "subject only" function and a bunch of topics come up.
Here's one that shows some REALLY nice grips.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=066956
This one is more what you are doing as it shows a longbow grip.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=061338
Several how to links in this one.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=048083
Slightly different method for a longbow.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=042257
By the way, old purses or leather coats from a thrift store or yard sales are about the cheapest source of leather you will find.
Bob, I replaced mine with a lace up piece from Mike's Archery Leather. He sells the kit on his site, mine came with 3 different pieces of leather, lace, 2 needles all that is needed to do it yourself! Very easy to do and looks and feels better than the grip thats come from the factory!
I forgot to add, the Montana is a great bow, I have one in 55#s.
You said that you have never had a real bow. My advice would be to not start to heavy. I know the lightest weight the Montana comes in is 45# and that is still too heavy for a beginner. You need to develope good form and build up strength first.
I shot my 55#er quite a bit last fall, even after I got tired I wouldn't quit. Now I'm paying for it, I have tendonosis and can't shoot a bow. This could take months or years to heal. It's a curse that I have to deal with now.
If your just starting, do yourself a favor. Store the Montana and buy a lighter bow, a max. of 40 pounds, and don't over-do it.
Zack