So, I picked up a bear takedown mag riser with two sets of Paul Schafer limbs. One set is matched at 68#, the other were two unmatched limbs that Paul apparently retillered to match at 66#.
That's too much weight for me, though I'm working towards it. I plan on keeping the 66 unmatched limbs, but I'm considering selling the matched set, or trading it for a wood riser. I just want to know more about Paul, who he was, what he did, and what people think about his bear limbs before I decide if I should hold onto them.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=88&submit=Go
Wow. A ton of information there. Some good stories.
Makes me wish I had a chance to meet him, he seems very well regarded.
I'm still interested in what people think about his replacement bear td limbs, though. So let's it. I've found one review of them, but I like to get multiple opinions before I make a call. Generally, one of them being my own.
Supposedly the word is that Dave Windauer's father is going to be publishing a book on Paul's life sometime soon. Keep an eye out for it.
I'd give Dave a call I'm sure he'd know more then most.
Paul Schafer was a LEGEND in my eyes
Dave Windauer has some info on his website about his mentor...Paul Schafer.
Dave's father is also writing a book as was mentioned....
There were some great stories in PBS when he died and a few videos floating around.
The fella was a hero and a legend even while still alive.... Not heard much about his son since his death but hopefully the young man is doing well.
Usually the tales get taller the longer they are told but several of my hunting buddies knew Paul and apparently most of the stories are true!
:campfire:
I had a couple pair of Shafer built Bear TD limbs I used on a Magnesium riser 25-30 years ago. They were pretty heavy. The light pair was 72# and the heavy pair 78#.
They really rocked a 650 grain arrow.
Charlie, if you recall, how did they perform compared to stock bear limbs?
They were a lot faster. All of my other bows at that time were 75-80# so it wasn't the weight. They were just really fast.
Yeah, that's what they were advertised as. Good to have confirmation on that front.
Sounds like something I'd be glad to own, but I think it'd be.nice to let a pair of limbs go to somebody who knew him that might like to keep a piece to remember him by.
I'll definitely be holding.onto those retillered limbs, though. Sounds like they'll be perfect for hunting when I work my way up to 66#
I own a Paul Shafer original, thanks to a very cool brother who goes by the handle of Quickblood. Anyways I own some recurves that are very fast, and I would stack Pauls limbs up against any of them in terms of speed, quietness, and accuracy. Mr Shafer was way ahead of his time
as a bowyer. And I would also add That I think he was probably one of the greatest bowhunters who has ever brought a bow to full draw! I watch these guys today taking these big game animals all over the world with rifles and compounds, and I have to smile knowing that Paul did it most of the time on self hunts, and of course always with a silvertip recurve. I have the greatest respect and admiration for the man and am honored to carry his bow on my hunts! Thank you Quickblood and thank you Paul Shafer. :thumbsup:
I'm looking forward to reading his book.... From what I've read he was a great hunter, bow maker and friend .