Well gang, I have spent a month searching on my own for info regarding this Bighorn longbow I acquired. I have exchanged PM's and emails with a few very knowledgable individuals, and now I'm finally posting this inquiry thread.
I recently went up in weight after trying a buddies #100 Hill and wanted a heavy hitter of my own. I found this Bighorn locally, and have been in love ever since.
It's gotta be one of the best shooting longbows I've owned, and I've been through a lot. Problem is, I don't know who this particular bow was made by? There really isn't many discriminating marks that tell me one way or the other.
There are some initials under the specs (R.C.M) which lead me to believe that they are the bowyers, but could easily be the initials of a previous owner. Basically, on the side of the riser, under the leather grip says:
Custom Bighorn
66"
75# @ 28"
R.C.M.
That's it. No serial number, date, or any other markings. The pics below aren't very good, as they are from my phone, but maybe someone can help identify with it. The bows profile strings to a D shape, but unstrung its a very mild R/D.
In my research I have discovered that Custom Bighorn and Bighorn are two different companies. Custom Bighorn being predominantly from Colorado, and Bighorn from Wyoming?
I also know that Custom Bighorn has been through many owners and bowyers, which I have lost track of during my research.
There is a Custom Bighorn Recurve that was just posted in the classifieds that is serial numbered and dated 2001 that also has the same initials, but followed by "RN" which leads me to believe that particular bow was made by Ron Nelson.
I would also like to find out what wood is used in this bow. Looks like Osage lams in the limbs x3, and a riser of maybe red elm?
All I know for sure right now is that I own the very best shooting bow I have ever owned at a fraction of the cost of previous bows, and it will have to be pried from my cold dead and sore fingers. And yes, my shoulder hurts from shooting it so much, but I can't put it down. :knothead:
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/caseycapaz/Archery/f8d16137a8cc4f8645910450935b0331.jpg)
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/caseycapaz/Archery/0fa80705d8118328a76b0291f89d2382.jpg)
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/caseycapaz/Archery/cb094638ed8aa04fd30fb11babc43674.jpg)
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/caseycapaz/Archery/e84bf8bdb7980dccff3c616849bdaf89.jpg)
Nice bow Brother , wish I could help. :wavey:
If you do not get a response, try the Collectable forum.
It looks to be a KOM era so it is around 2000.
Thanks guys.
Feliciano,
Do you happen to know the time period or years KOM owned Bighorn?
Casey,
On the belly side of the limbs does it have "Bighorn" or "Ramhunter" ?
Wow! Beautiful bow!
Now that there is a mans bow.Definately looks osage which is always smooth and fast.She is a beaut.
Thanks guys.
Tater,
No other markings at all.
Casey,
My best guess, based on no writing on the belly side of the limbs and the tip overlays, is post KOM era, probably built during the period Bud Boker owned the company..... :dunno:
No matter who built it looks like a very nice bow..!..
Used to be a member here named Randy Meek with those ints. of R.C.M......Member #4442
I just looked it up in the directory thing up top there and he hasn't been on here in quite some time :dunno: Could be him if he's still around?
Looks almost identical to a Ron Nelson post KOM era bow I had made in I believe 2007 or 2008. It was all osage limbs and what Ron called "ramwood" handle which was his version of dymonwood I believe. When strung mine had just a touch of reflex at the end of the limbs otherwise mostly a "D" shape strung.