Print Page - Lets see your Big River Bows

Title: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: BowHuntingFool on July 24, 2009, 12:06:00 AM

Well folks I just ordered a Big River Longbow from John McDonald. As you know he has no website to drool over. If you have one of Johns bows and would like to help me ease the pain of waiting, post some pics of your Big River bow, thanks!

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: JCJ on July 24, 2009, 07:05:00 AM

68" Hill Style
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/yew2.jpg)
68" Hill Style "Hunting Stick"
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Hntstk5.jpg)
64" Hybrid
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/BigBlack2.jpg)
66" Hill Style with Tulipwood veneers
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bigriv4.jpg)
68" Hill Style with locator grip
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/BigRiverHillRiser.jpg)
66" Hill Style
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/BigRiverRiser.jpg)
66" Hybrid
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/DSC_0001.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: BowHuntingFool on July 24, 2009, 09:45:00 AM

Awesome, now thats what I'm talking about!

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on August 22, 2010, 07:46:00 PM

Do you have any to add Joe? :rolleyes: :bigsmyl:

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Earl Jeff on August 22, 2010, 09:44:00 PM

(http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss115/earljeff/newbigriverbow007.jpg) (http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss115/earljeff/mainebearhunt2009025.jpg) (http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss115/earljeff/Mcdonaldbows2003.jpg)
I have two and one on the way

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on August 22, 2010, 10:02:00 PM

Earl what is the veneer wood on the left? Also what is the riser material in the 1st? I am seriously contemplating getting a take down but haven't decided on what or how. The what is the wood, I already know what weight and length. The how is the $ part.

Part of me wants a pretty bow which I know John can easily make with flying colors but part of me wants a simple red elm veneer bow so I am looking at my target and not the bow. :biglaugh: Seriously, I like the red elm I already have the Dirty boo and his fiddle back maple. I like character in a bow wood too :dunno: I'm torn!

I was hoping by bringing this back up I would see some of his bows I hope people would include bow woods too.

Thanks for sharing.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Earl Jeff on August 22, 2010, 10:12:00 PM

Charlie. The first bows riser is cocobola and the limb veneers are Myrtle which is the same bow asked about in the third pic. I knew you could do it. I think I already mentioned it but my next B/R Bow is all black. Phenolic riser and black glass limbs.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on August 22, 2010, 10:28:00 PM

Hey Earl, I saw your new bow last week. I actually helped on some sanding & finishing of it. You will be pleased, she is a beaut.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: HornHunter on August 23, 2010, 08:42:00 AM

dont worry earl, john just gives him a scrap piece of wood and sends him to the corner of the shop, and tells him to sand till its all gone

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on August 23, 2010, 11:04:00 AM

Then I sweep up the saw dust and stick it in my pocket I plan on reassembling the bows at home. :laughing:

I would place my order now but John just builds them way too fast. I need to make sure I have almost all the money before I order, or ask him to hold the bow until I can pay it off.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Earl Jeff on August 23, 2010, 05:02:00 PM

:scared:

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on August 23, 2010, 07:40:00 PM

There aint no spare corner in John`s shop!

HH is just jealous his bow is so much uglier than mine.

Not to worry Earl, there is no one more particular about sanding & finishing than me, the bow is beautiful!

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Earl Jeff on August 23, 2010, 09:16:00 PM

:pray:

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: wv lungbuster on August 23, 2010, 09:25:00 PM

What models or styles does John McDonald make?

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on August 23, 2010, 10:42:00 PM

John makea a 59 Kodiak replica, 68 Super K replica, HH style longbow, r/d style longbow, r/d flatbow, recurve with a few handle styles, 21st century style longbow & he has been known to make a little Pecula(sp)td.

He is one talented old geezer. Not too many 82 year old guys will call you at 6:30 a.m. to talk bows & arrows.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on August 25, 2010, 10:39:00 PM

Yeah, i told John to take his time with the bow i ordered, didn't want it till maybe Nov. Well he doesn't listen to well. LOL. called me two days ago and said it will be done in two weeks!! i told him my girlfriend is not going to be to happy about it, John then said ( well don't tell her) i said i have to, she is paying for it!!! Well he thought it was funny. LOL

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Earl Jeff on August 26, 2010, 07:16:00 PM

Hay brian if ya see John tell him the Money is on its way.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: anw0625 on September 05, 2011, 04:43:00 PM

Can I see some more pics?

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Shawn Leonard on March 25, 2013, 06:32:00 PM

Old thread but would love to see and hear more, just traded for one, still on the classifieds if ya'all want to take a peak!! More pics. would be nice! Thanks! Shawn

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on March 25, 2013, 07:20:00 PM

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=123599;p=1

Here is one I just had made. Pretty obvious I`m a Bigriver addict, I own or have owned around 20 of them. They are nice shooters, affordable & made by an old geezer that I like to harass. You should be pretty happy with that one.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Shawn Leonard on March 25, 2013, 07:47:00 PM

Wow, very nice!! What does he charge for something like that??> Shawn

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Rudy Cariello on March 25, 2013, 08:01:00 PM

Here's a picture of the "grumpy old man" himself with a bow he donated to our 19th annual pheasant shoot in 2008 and the lucky winner on the right.

Second picture is of another of John's bows from this past fall.

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/halter_zpsce756faa.jpg)

(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/phpGULmCyPM_zpse7435fb1.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: papawoody on March 25, 2013, 09:39:00 PM

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: papawoody on March 25, 2013, 09:42:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by papawoody:
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/woody283/0503121856b.jpg)

(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/woody283/2a837578-d15c-4add-83f4-9bd389f7e00b.jpg)

(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/woody283/0503121857aa.jpg)

(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x370/woody283/0503121855a.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Gator1 on March 25, 2013, 09:45:00 PM

I had a chance to meet john about 4 years ago.. He had an all tulip wood recurve fantastic shooter....

He is a tremendously nice gentleman..

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 25, 2013, 10:02:00 PM

Thanks for bringing this up Shawn.

Brian's bow is a bit of a one of a kind.

59er recurve
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/1362784607.jpg)

My dads 59er
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/1357047816.jpg)

Long bow
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/1296261062.jpg)

(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Kills/1352677990.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: tracker12 on March 26, 2013, 03:08:00 PM

Charlie
Is that last pic with the buck a 21st Century copy. What is the riser material?

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Igor on March 26, 2013, 03:42:00 PM

One of a couple of Big River longbows I've owned...great shooters!

><>>
Glenn

(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb364/gabedard/Big%20River%20Longbow/BigRiverLongbow002.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 26, 2013, 05:26:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by tracker12:
Charlie
Is that last pic with the buck a 21st Century copy. What is the riser material?

Please do not quote me on this but I think John has the old 21st century Form. If not his R/D long bow is very similar with the long riser.

The one pictured has a riser made from Che-Chen because its what he had when I visited. The limbs are bamboo.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on March 26, 2013, 06:50:00 PM

John & Jim Ploem became friends on a texas hog hunt years ago. John got the 21st Century form from him, and makes a dandy replica.

His risers are a little more refined & less blocky than the buddy & jim bows. He does not usually use reverse tapers like them either, but the geometry of the bows is the same.

They are really nice shooting bows.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Shawn Leonard on March 26, 2013, 07:34:00 PM

Thanks guys, anymore?? Mine should be here by Thursday or Friday!! Gonna try and take a couple turkeys with it this spring!! Shawn

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on March 26, 2013, 07:52:00 PM

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/osagewidowwannabe005.jpg)

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/blackwidowcopy043.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on March 26, 2013, 07:55:00 PM

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/P1020034.jpg)

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/P1010258.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on March 26, 2013, 07:56:00 PM

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/Hallstead/P1010259.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 26, 2013, 08:29:00 PM

Brian, That is a nice line up! :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Brianlocal3 on March 26, 2013, 08:31:00 PM

Big river,
How can you sleep at night not having one of his Straightlimbed bows?
Nice lineup

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Shawn Leonard on March 26, 2013, 08:32:00 PM

Wonder if we can talk him into making a static tip, I would order one tomorrow. I know he is an older gentlemen but ya never know! Shawn

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on March 26, 2013, 08:51:00 PM

Brian, what makes you think I dont have one of Johns Hill styles? Pau ferro, bamboo & yew oh yeah.

Shawn, it is too much work for him to make the forms these days. 84 years will do that to `ya.

He has more styles of bows than any bowyer I know of. Hill, flat bow, r/d longbow, 50 style, 59er, 69er, pakula t/d, 21st copy. That is a lot of forms & formulas to remember.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Bigriver on March 26, 2013, 08:54:00 PM

Those table bows are Johns display at Horicon traditional shoot last year.

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Shawn Leonard on March 26, 2013, 09:20:00 PM

Brian, no doubt just hoping!! Never hurts to ask, Hell I am 48 and lucky to remember my own name! Shawn

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: HornHunter on March 27, 2013, 11:06:00 AM

See if BR can post up a pic of my new bow from John

I asked him to copy a handle design off an old Bighorn that I have. And he nailed it, this thing is incredible, I literally put a string on it a week ago, and have not tweaked it since, have shot 2 nocks already.

Faster then any other bow I own including a spider bow, shooting a 550 grn arrow,

The guy is amazing, and what a character, I asked that the bow weigh in somewhere around 53 -54 lbs.

the inscription reads:Custom Big River Bow for Scott George 53 - 54 @ 29

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on March 27, 2013, 11:07:00 AM

Shawn... Why did you have to start this!!

Big River 59er

(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/Tiger59erBigRiver009.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/Tiger59erBigRiver001.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/Tiger59erBigRiver007.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on March 27, 2013, 11:13:00 AM

More???? My 2pcs Big River Longbow.... SWEEEET.

(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/2pcsBigRiver005.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/2pcsBigRiver006.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/2pcsBigRiver011.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/2pcsBigRiver007.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on March 27, 2013, 11:21:00 AM

And Finally the rest all lumped together :bigsmyl:

(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/DSC00017.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/DSC00015.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/DSC00013.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/DSC00007.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/DSC00004.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on March 27, 2013, 11:33:00 AM

And a couple critters i took with my very 1st Big River longbow,, that i named " Indian Summer"

(http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/P1050325.jpg) (http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/rafaelwoods/P1050369.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on March 27, 2013, 11:37:00 AM

OOPS .. Hope that last one isn't to big. All together i have 5 of John's longbows and 2 of his recurves, and only got into Trad Archery the beginning of 2010. :banghead:

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 27, 2013, 08:39:00 PM

Great To see you posting again Rafael. Hope you have been well!

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Shawn Leonard on March 27, 2013, 09:44:00 PM

GBKED, very nice!! I cannot wait, maybe tomorrow I will have mine!! Great pics.!! Shawn

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: smoke1953 on March 28, 2013, 06:11:00 PM

(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/McDonald020.jpg)
Whip and I went visiting yesterday and we got a tour of his shop. A few of you guys have a place in his Hall of Fame and he let me take a few pics of his walls.
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/McDonald016.jpg)

(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/McDonald018.jpg)
Brian(BigRiver) does much more than he'll admit to help John out.

(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/McDonald017.jpg)
Mike Hoffman, Wis Trad Archers

(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/McDonald014.jpg)
(http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo306/bhaukom/McDonald015.jpg)
And Rafael(Greatbrownknockemdown) gets a wall to himself. Probably because he bought 5 of his bows or is it 6?

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: sticshooter on March 28, 2013, 06:19:00 PM

here is my Hill style made by John. Its I the top 3 that I will be keeping for a longtime.<><

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/fishrofmen1/bows/100_0939_zpse5d0755b.jpg)

Title: Re: Lets see your Big River Bows
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on March 29, 2013, 08:25:00 PM

Thanks for the pictures. they are great!

Trad Gang

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