I have been paying attention to traditional bows since the 1970's and am aware of the Bighorn bows and the mark they left on traditional bowhunting history.
That said until today I never owned one or paid particular attention to the companies bows.
Today I traded for a 66" deflex/reflex longbow. It marked Custom Bighorn. 66", Serial # 04439, 55# @ 28-1/2".
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/bighorn1.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/bighorn2.jpg)
It has Elm limbs under clear glass and the limbs are very noticeably trapped from back to belly.
The tips sport Sheep horn overlays.
I think the bow is from the mid- 2000's but who can tell me anything more about the bow such as builder, recommended brace height, etc...
Thanks in advance!
Jay
The only thing I can tell you, is that I really like the looks of that riser! Congrats on a great find. :thumbsup:
It was made by Fred Asbell's company, Bighorn Bowhunting Company when he still owned the company. They were located in Ft. Lupton, Colorado. At that time, I believe that the Nelson brothers worked for him as bowyers. Great people and great bows. I still have mine, a 62 inch 65 lbs. at 28 inchwith baboo limbs and a fancy riser.
ttt
King of the Mountain bought Bighorn in the early 90s and produced them until around 2001-2002. They were bought by Bud Boker,IIRC. He died not long after and Bighorn has been up in the air since. The bow you have is a Ramhunter.
I'm a big fan of the bighorns.There smooth fast and quiet.I've never shot one that didn't feel good in the hand or at the shot.They are very nice bows.I think that is the reason they don't show up that often in the classifieds.That one appears not to have been shot all that much the grip is hardly worn.
Late 90's would be my guess, during the time King Cavalier owned the company.
Congrats on a real nice bow.!
ttt
The ones I have seen when G. Fred owned the company had the specs on the side of the riser, not the belly. I would agree that it is probably from the time period that King Cavalier owned the company.
Good trade. I have been looking for a 2pc forever.
I am quite certain the previous owner told me he ordered the bow in 2004.
Could that be?
It could, that was around when Bud died. One of the bowyers was selling them on the auction site after that.
I think Tater is correct,I get few of them ,also if recurves,and they have the same finish and writing,made for sure by the same guy.Your bow is been the choice of many famed hunters,like Nathan Anderson and Marv Clyncke.Congrats your bow is bombproof and a great shooter.
If the bow was built in 2004, it was made when Bud Boker owned the company.
Regardless most of the work was done by Ron Nelson.
As I said it's a great bow, congrats...!
all i can tell you its a good looking longbow! also just reading the serial # my guess is the date code puts it in 04 production.
Thanks folks.
The most interesting aspect of the bow is the radical trapping of the limbs.
With the deep limb core they are almost triangular in cross section.
Over the years I have seen plenty of longbows with trapped limbs but this is unique.
I will get a chance to do some stumpin with it this weekend and look forward to shooting it more.
That's a beauty......good find!!
A few more photo's.
I was sort of lukewarm on it to begin with but it is growing on me.
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/bighorn6.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/bighorn3.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/bighorn4.jpg)
(http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/bighorn5.jpg)
Nice.Looks like it has sheep horn tips too.
Sweet bow. Too bad they're not being made anymore. Better hold on to this one.
Just a little too much poundage for me.