I'm really liking what I've seen of the bows from Big Jim's, wondering what people think of the two models? How's a guy to choose without actually shooting them, which isn't likely to happen. Can anybody give me an idea of the shooting characteristics of each? I know the Thunderchild is a little shorter with a more forward handle, is the Buffalo bow also a hybrid type? Any photos would be great, gratuitous bow pics much appreciated. I'm a bit fan of pretty wood and the Big Jim bows I've seen in photos seem to have this in spades.
Looking at getting back into traditional shooting, not giving up my UltraElites, but something is missing without a stickbow. I have had a Monarch longbow, Robertson Peregrine, and a Blacktail Elite, all of which I hadn't let go over the years. The stories of guns and bows I shouldn't have sold...
Tod: I have not owned a Big Jim Bow yet, But I'am with you, really like the looks of his bows. Everything I have heard about them has been positive. I'am going to order his Thunder Child with tiger myrtle veneers, haven't decided on riser yet. A 56# @ 28" and 56" long. Saving funds now. Good luck on your decision Don
I have a Buffalo bow. The T-ganger I got it from broke a tip and had the bow shortened, it went from 64" to 60" it is now 99#@28. The bow is a take down and is rock soild when strug. It was big Jims personal bow. He wrote "buit by Jim for himself" pick a spot. This is an swasome bow when you pick it up it is so accurate and very fast. Gabon eboney and cocobolo with white acient stripes in the riser and beavertail grip ad the macasser eboney veneers well you get the picture. SWEET!!! I would buy another one great guy great bows. He is over a year wait now and I can see why. I bought the bow for a workout bow and now I find myself shooting it alot. The Buffalo bow has alot of RD and when it is srung it is not a D bow, I would say it is a hybrid type for sure. No hand shock and very quiet. Hope this has helpes I don't think you will be disappointed in either bow. He is a masterbowyer for sure.
Your going to get a lot of comments from many of us "Jimaholics".I own two of his bows ,a Thunderchild takedown and a 3 piece Buffalo bow.My boy IT IS MONEY WEll SPENT.They are as good as bows get in every aspect.The only way to get mine are to pry my cold dead fingers from around them.Yes they're that nice.
Longstykes - That is going to be a beauty, myrtle limbs are really catching my eye.
Sorefingers - No need to explain your handle with a 99# longbow in the stable.
Thanks so far...
I have a 62" 58# @ 29" 2-pc buffalo and am on the list for a second which I'm leaning toward a 56" 2-pc TC at around 50-52# @29". So ask me in a few months and I'll let you know. :D
Easykeeper - Big Jim has 300+ pics on his web-site.
I ordered a 58" Buffalo Bow and a 56" Thunderchild early last summer as I couldn't deside which style bow to order myself both looked great.The last time I spoke with Big Jim he was running behind do to all the orders that poured in last fall so he thought maybe around Jan my bows might get built so I have been stareing at the phone everyday waiting for a call. :D As of the last few weeks I have been thinking of just building two Thunderchilds do to the fact I like shorter bows so much. I mainly shoot 54"-56" bows now about 90% of the time.
Sorefingers,
A 99# two-piece? That is impressive. I've always wondered what the carbon fiber two-piece systems could take - now I have my answer. Where are you located in MO - I'd wouldn't mind meeting up at a shoot and taking a look at it. Take care.
sorefingers indeed,I heard my shoulder pop just
reading about that 99#er. Big Jim must be doing
something right,rarely see any of his work in the
classifieds.
Easykeeper, I am a Buff guy: Loved my buff so much that I had to have a 2 pieces, exactly the same, but take down for traveling
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/Dec302010004.jpg)
If like me you like long bows (both the Thunder and the Buff are hybrids) you'll like the Buff, if you like shorter bows the Thunder will do it!
BigJim is a true gentleman to deal with
F-Manny
Both are great shooters and works of art and I don't think you could go wrong with either. I have 2 Thunder Childs and I had to sell my Buffalo to buy new tires. The Buffalo is my favorite because I can shoot it better, but my buff was a 1pc and wouldn't fit in my truck with the kids car seats in it so I had to let it go. I can shoot the TC's good and they are perfect for all my hunting needs. I still plan to get a couple more buffalo bows though when my finances allow it, and if Jim ever makes a "D" shape longbow well then I'll be putting an order in for at least one of those.
QuoteFrom Kenneth: and if Jim ever makes a "D" shape longbow well then I'll be putting an order in for at least one of those.
X2 brother Kenneth
I'll try to talk to the Guy!
F-Manny
My first instinct is toward the longer bow, just the traditional thought that they tend to be more forgiving, less finger pinch, ect. Every fall my hands and fingers crack like dry clay so I really notice finger pinch. But then I read how many people like the shorter hybrids that are being built now, makes me wonder if they're on to something haven't tried. The shortest bow I ever had was a 60" Peregrine from Robertson.
Frenchymanny - What is your draw length? I think my DL is somewhere in the neighborhood of 28", I shoot almost 29.5 with my compounds, pretty average.
Steel - I'll be watching for your thoughts on your new bows, I'd be chomping at the bit too.
I have browsed the gallery on Big Jim's website, leaves a drooly mess on my keyboard. I'd love to see pics of Tradganger bows too.
Tod I draw 27"
Just check yours, as you cannot compare compounds and trad bows
I come from shooting D longbows, so I feel comfortable with 62" bow length.
For stalking and tree stand that's perfect.
If you hunt in pop up blinds i can see the advantage of the shorter bow.
Decisions decisions :bigsmyl:
Anyway I'm sure it will be a good one!
F-Manny
QuoteOriginally posted by Frenchymanny:
QuoteFrom Kenneth: and if Jim ever makes a "D" shape longbow well then I'll be putting an order in for at least one of those.
X2 brother Kenneth
I'll try to talk to the Guy!
F-Manny [/b]
Manny, I've talked to him about it and it's just a matter of time and getting caught up with all the orders so he can do some R&D. I thought about not bragging on his work so much but that wouldn't help since just about everyone that's ever held one of his bows puts an order in. :)
QuoteOriginally posted by Easykeeper:
My first instinct is toward the longer bow, just the traditional thought that they tend to be more forgiving, less finger pinch, ect. Every fall my hands and fingers crack like dry clay so I really notice finger pinch. But then I read how many people like the shorter hybrids that are being built now, makes me wonder if they're on to something haven't tried. The shortest bow I ever had was a 60" Peregrine from Robertson.
Frenchymanny - What is your draw length? I think my DL is somewhere in the neighborhood of 28", I shoot almost 29.5 with my compounds, pretty average.
Steel - I'll be watching for your thoughts on your new bows, I'd be chomping at the bit too.
I have browsed the gallery on Big Jim's website, leaves a drooly mess on my keyboard. I'd love to see pics of Tradganger bows too.
Easykeeper, I draw about 27 1/2" to 28" when I'm wearing heavy clothes and about 28 1/2" in regular clothes and the 56" TC's are a pleasure to shoot. I have somewhat skinny fingers so mileage may vary but I don't experience any finger pinch at all. The Buffalo bow I had was 60" and it was also real sweet to shoot. I actually plan to order a 58" Buffalo when I get the funds to do so.
I would have to believe that steel is on his second bit.
Hard choice. I own a 3 week old 56" TC T/D and have shot the Buffalo bow. Both are great shooting bows. Only thing is I wished my TC was a little heavier poundage. It's 46# @ 28"....so if you get a Buff or TC just like mine and it's a little too heavy...give me a holla...might work a trade.
Mike
when it comes to dra length and comfortable draw, i taled to BigJim because i was concerned too with my 30" draw. I ended up ordering a 56" version since he told he himself draws over 30" and shoots the shorter version. Thats proof enough for me.
I'm really appreciating the input. Especially the comparisons. I've been through the past threads, might be time to give him a call get it straight from the man himself. Like to have my questions condensed though, don't want to waste his time. Sounds like he has a few bows to make...
I have a 2pc Buffalo and it's awesome. I shot a TC and loved it so much I have a 2pc on order. They are both superb bows. You can see the workmanship in the many pics of them, and they shoot as good as they look. Watch the Slideshow on Jim's site, but get a big "Drool Cloth" so you don't short out your keyboard! Lol!
IF you are sure you want one, I'd call Jim and make a down payment. Jim's bows are hot property now and it'll take awhile. Then send him some when you can, or put some money away for when it's done. The waiting list won't be getting shorter, but his bows are well worth the wait.
QuoteOriginally posted by sorefingers:
He is over a year wait now and I can see why.
:scared: :scared: :scared:
Really?! Has he suddenly been flooded or what?! When I got on the list in november it was only a 6 month wait! Did he, himself tell you the wait is up to a year?
I ordered a Thunderchild t/d last week and Jim said 7 months.
Why choose I think one of each is in order or two or three :)
Just click on the Slideshow link...
http://www.bigjimsbowcompany.com/
I don't know about a year wait time I am getting close to seven months myself on my two bows ordered.I think Jim was around a 4 month wait time when I ordered but after seeing one of his bows and placing my orders I knew the day would come when he backed up 6-12 months his bows are just two nice and priced very fair.
I just heard that he was a year out sorry!! Jim himself didn't tell me.
Mike I don't know how you could even think about parting with that georgous bow.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Big%20Jims%20Bows/006.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Big%20Jims%20Bows/032.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Big%20Jims%20Bows/002-1.jpg)
LOL! coaster500,
she ain't left yet! I love it, just wished it was a little more poundage....it would take one like it to replace her.....IDK,,the more I think about it, I may just get a heavier one and keep this one for the cold days or keep for later in life. It's the nicest looking bow I've owned.
Mike
Guys- I apreciate the kind words. Lets clear up a couple of things. First, my "estimated" wait time is about 7 months. However this is subject to change due to extremely heavy phone traffic.
That hasn't changed much since June when I went to 6 months. I have experienced some growing pains and learned a thing or two and hope that I have eliminated a few time robbing issues.
Steel- You are the first person in the next group of bows that i will build. I will be calling in a couple of weeks to confirm specs.
I want to thank those who were so very patient when waiting for there bows. I am only able to spend about 50 hours a week on building bows. The other 50 must be divided amongst my deminishing roofing buisness and my growing archery supply buisness. My wife is quite gracious enough to accept what time is left... mostly :)
As far as what type of bow to choose: Of course I am asked this question all of the time. I have been shooting my buffalo bows for a long time and have grown quite fond of them. Change is never easy and I was reluctant to spend too much time with the ThunderChild. I knew it was smooth and quiet. Although I shoot every bow that leaves out of here, I hadn't made a bow in my draw weight to get a real feel. I missed weight on a higher pound bow about 2 weeks before ETAR and decided to keep it. I got to shoot about a doz. arrows out of it before I received an offer I couldn't refuse. Here lately, I had changed a little item in my takedown components and accidently glued a high draw weight bow back into a one piece so I decided to keep it. I started tuning an arrow for it only to find it shoots the same arrows that I shoot from my buffalo. Both bows are around 80lbs. The
TC is a 56" and I draw it to 30.5". I don't have any problems with finger pinch and I would say my fingers are a mite bigger than average. I don't have any stacking problems with it and the scale proves there to be no stacking until about 31" on a 56" bow. It is a real shooter. fast and quiet with no hand shock. I am working on brackets to offset my quivers for the TC too.
I doubt that it will take over the Buffalo for favorite child, but that is only because of how much time I have spent with the Buff's. I can't keep a bow for more then 4 months anyway. I actually sold the TC 3 days after I finished it and the gentleman had to back out because of a serious injury.
I hope this has helped. I will continue to give it my very best and although I can't promise shorter waiting lists, I will continue to work on my delivery schedule.
thanks again, From: BigJim, Barbara, Debbie, and Lakey.
Mike, just make it your retirement Bow ... way to nice to let go !!! But if U do ???? click the name over my Avatar :)
Like I said I own both,they are both great with no negatives on either.I've become real fond of my TC because of the hunting I do .With the limitations we impose on ourselves by shooting Trad bows I honestly think the TC IS the ultimate hunting weapon ,it has it all and with the level of workmanship and the true beauty of the woods Jim imparts on his creations I honestly don't know of a better bow and I've owned almost all.
You guys need to leave Big Jim alone until he finishes my bow! It is supposed to take shape in February according to my last email from Jim, and I'm pretty excited to see the finished product. As far as waiting times, I placed my order in late September, so 6 to 7 months was accurate at that time.
The wait times don't seem bad when you consider the obvious quality being put into the bow. Six or seven months probably seems like a lifetime if you have one on order though, especially when you see some of the bow photos.
Trust me it is well worth the wait! If you're like me the wait isn't that long cause it took me that long to figure out what wood combo I wanted.
I will admit to not being a patient "Waiter" with my Buffalo, but once I had it in hand I forgot all about it, that bow is just soooo beautiful! Now I have a TC on order and since I know what an absolute masterpiece I'll be getting the wait is a piece of cake, well worth every minute. It helps that I have a Buff to play with in the meantime. Lol! Now, listen to Centaur and stop bothering Jim so he can build bows! :laughing:
Jim,
The wait is not bad at all...especially considering the product for the price. I didnt in any way intend to make the wait an issue. I apologize if my post came off that way. I agree with Kenneth...I'm needing the time in order to pick out the woods! Keep up the great work!
No offense taken. there was a time when I was the one waiting on a custom. I know the feeling.
December and Janurary were tough months. We don't get much cold down here normally and I don't have heat in my shop. This year we have been hit by that terribly global warming thing with record cold spells and it makes glue ups difficult. We should be over most of it and time to cruise along.
thanks, bigjim
I would love to order another Big jim but the last one cost me two extra prescriptions for my anxiety,when I got the bow it was worth it.Everyone out there when your bow does arrive it will be worth it.Plus just dealing with the little Fella is a treat in it self.
I didn't know the wait had gotten so long. I've flirted with ordering one a few times. I guess I should've swung at the first couple of pitches. They sure look like awesome bows and Big Jim has an amazing choice of woods.
Pandora,
Yes, the 1st couple of pitches were strikes.
What do you anticipate the next pitch will be?
Big Jim doesn't give up very many walks.
Hey , I'm swinging now.
I'm the lucky guy that got Kenneth's bow. It' been awsome shooting so far 'cann't wait for spring
Burt
i am glad there is a wait.Jim said he is out of the dalmation ebony but is activly looking for more.i hope he finds some before it's my turn.i also like the striped ebony but that dalmation takes the cake for me.either bow you chose,you will not be dissappointed.there is a reason that you don't see them in the classifieds.i think i am going to start paying mine off early,steve