Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: MATHEWS2005 on November 27, 2010, 10:33:00 PM

Title: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: MATHEWS2005 on November 27, 2010, 10:33:00 PM
ANYONE OWNED AND OR SHOT A BEAR ALASKAN BOW. I'M LOOKING TO MAYBE BUY ONE TO SHOT NOT COLLECT. HOW DO THEY SHOOT. THE ONE I'M LOOKING AT IS #45 28" 62"
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: Whip on November 28, 2010, 08:36:00 AM
I love the old Bears, but I don't have any personal experience with the Alaskan.  There must be someone around here thought that does.  You might also try posting the same question in the History/Collecting forum.  Lots of those guys have experience with the old bows.
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: Rob DiStefano on November 28, 2010, 08:53:00 AM
randy, since you been making posts about buying a trad bow, respectfully consider the following ...

1. asking opinions on bow performance ("how do they shoot?") is highly subjective and you'll get a wide spectrum of answers, none of which will help your bow quest and probably only confuse the issue even more.  you still need to try out as many bows as possible before plunking down yer dollars.  if you can't do that, you're guessing - and since you have little or no trad bow experience, that makes matters all the worse for you.

2. read the "new to trad archery?" link in my sig line.

3. old bows and old glass lams can bear old problems - you need to be wary of that.

4. if you can, by all means visit a local archery club or store and seek out 1-on-1 help by a knowledgeable trad archer.

5. a good used bow that's matched to YOU would be a best bet for your first trad bow.  seek help in picking out the right one, once you reasonably know your draw length and effective holding weight.

5. consider not typing in all caps -  on the net, that's considered SHOUTING.  ;)

6.  good luck, you'll need it!  :wavey:
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: nd chickenman on November 28, 2010, 09:06:00 AM
I have had the Alaskans move thru the collection. I have found them all to be very nice shooting bows. I currently have only one that I shoot in the winter. Light weight, 35# 62" bow. If the price is right I would say go for it!
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: MATHEWS2005 on November 28, 2010, 09:44:00 AM
Thanks Rob for the info
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: Rob DiStefano on November 28, 2010, 10:13:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by MATHEWS2005:
Thanks Rob for the info
you are most welcome, sir!
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: doug77 on November 28, 2010, 10:16:00 AM
Randy, I don't know ware you live but their are quite a few trad shooters in Iowa. I'm just north of IC but I'm a lefty so that wont help you out much. Theirs a trad leauge in IC and CR that start right after the first of the year also.

doug77
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: OldSkoolArcher on November 28, 2010, 10:31:00 AM
Alaskans really changed through the years. Any idea what year/style it is? I have a dual shelf '56/60 that is a hammer.
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: MATHEWS2005 on November 28, 2010, 06:34:00 PM
IT DOSE HAVE A DUAL SHELF AND ORANGE AND BLACK LIMBS.
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: OldSkoolArcher on November 28, 2010, 09:24:00 PM
That would be a 1959 or 1960. They are refered to as the Halloween Alaskans, Great Bows. Narrows shelves though, require a decent amount of cant in the bow when shooting. If I am not mistaken it should have an Aluminum Coin.
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: Jeremy on November 29, 2010, 08:15:00 AM
Yup, that's a '59 or '60.  Nice bows.

My favorite of the bunch is the 1958 Alaskan.  It was the first year it was offered and is a dead ringer for many of today's r/d longbows.
Title: Re: BEAR ALASKAN QUESTION
Post by: Shaun on November 29, 2010, 08:32:00 AM
Randy

I am very fond of the "Halloween" vintage Alaskans. Here are a couple that I have and have hunted. Love the way they shoot and point.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Alaskan59001.jpg)

Where are you in Iowa?