I got my new Shrew Safari today and opened it up at work to admire another gorgeous object created by Gregg Coffey through an adaptation of Ron LaClair's original Super Shrew design. The bow looks as deadly as it is beautiful, and I'm here to tell you -- IT IS!!!
As soon as I got the bow home and had dinner, I took it out for a quick shooting session shortly before day's end. The light was fading quickly, so I "warmed up" by shooting five arrows from the Classic Hunter that Gregg built me using the same board of Koa as the one he used for the Shrew Safari. My shots from the 53 pound Classic Hunter were fine, but I was just trying to loosen up my body for the much heavier weight of the 70 pound Safari model. I pulled the five arrows from the target, then picked up the Safari, nocked an arrow, drew the bow and sent the first arrow ever shot from the Safari toward my target sitting 18 yards away. Here is what happened:
(http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/amar911/FirstevershotwithSafari2.jpg)
I was incredibly impressed by the stability and accuracy of the bow, but not surprised, since I have been shooting Shrews for years. The heavy 850 grain arrow hit the target with authority and almost penetrated to the back of the bag target, which is quite a feat. I retrieved a camera to document the shot, and before thinking about photographing the bow with the first arrow, I pulled the arrow out of the target. Damn it! So I shot a second arrow so I could have it in the target when I photographed my new Shrew Safari. I decided to also photograph its older, but smaller brother, the Koa Classic Hunter. (Sorry for the not-so-great picture. I had to use a flash because daylight was just about gone.)
(http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/amar911/KoaSafariandKoaCH-secondarrow1.jpg)
My second shot wasn't quite as good as the first, but not a lot worse (I was aiming at the center bulls-eye both times). Most of my other shots with the Safari were similar to the ones pictured -- until I started to fatigue, that is. If I do my part, this bow and arrow combination will take care of an Asiatic buffalo. I hope not to do much damage (preferably none) to this lovely bow while hunting in the Outback, but I know it is tough as nails, despite its beauty. I will take it to the range soon to see how its speed compares with my Super Shrew Samurai that I used on my buffalo last year. I expect them to be fairly comparable since they are within two pounds of one another and are both Super Shrews. Even though the Safari model is much prettier than the Samurai, the Safari has considerably stronger construction because of the materials used, and it is built to take just about any abuse that might ordinarily be encountered.
Allan
Very nice Allen! Good luck on your hunt, can't wait to see the pics and read the tales :thumbsup:
awesome, make sure to take pics of the hunt, and report!
and when you are done with that bow, I would love to have a shrew in that weight! what a bow that is.
Go get 'um Allan!
Allan I saw the beauty of your Safari in the pics Ron posted on another thread,now the pics of the shooting,great hunting machine you have there.For sure 70# make the difference you need for those critters and they are good for practice so when you use a lighter weight bow it comes up like butter. :thumbsup:
Allan,
Like you said, I'm not surprised by the outcome. The grip makes these bows so consistent. Good luck with your training. July's going to be here before we know it. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I'll be at the 3-D range today with fellow Shrewhaven chef Greg Nicolaou (he's the real chef of the outfit-but he trained me). He favors his Super Shrew Scout recurve in a 58" length and I'll be shooting my 60" Super Shrew. Of course there's always a good natured competition. ;)
Very nice!
Excellent! You can't beat the combo of Sir Ron and Greg some of the finest craftsman and gentlemen in the buisness.
Great shooting, Allan. When do you want to head to the range? I need another lesson, lol.
P.S. Your pm box is full
Allen,
That is what traditional is all about...a beautiful, well crafted, bow and the anticipation of the hunt. Then we carry the memories of all the people who have been a part of making it happen and of course the animals we encounter and the hunt itself.
Your posts are a reminder to us all of how blessed we are.
Thanks,
Lyle
Very nice!!
Looks like you will be ready!! I believe in the scattergun world those would be a matched pair.
Congrats on your new bow Allan!! It is amazing and I know you'll put it to good use! :thumbsup:
nice shootin
Allan, I told you that bow had plenty of Mojo built into it... :readit: That first shot is a SIGN......
:archer2:
(http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/amar911/FirstevershotwithSafari2.jpg)
Buffaloes beware!
Great Stuff Allan !!! I will be getting mine shortly.
Tom,
Make sure and post some pictures with comments about the bow when you get it. What are the specs of you bow and what do you plan to hunt with it?
Allan
Great bow Allan. I am thinking about ordering a Shrew Gold.
Donald
I have a couple of the Shrew Gold bows, Donald. You would love one. No one does Osage better than Gregg.
Allan
Allan,
My Super shrew deluxe is 43# at 25" which is my draw length. That 70 pounder must throw a heavy arrow like a RPG!
AWESOMEEE :archer2: