If you could only own one bow, what would it be?
I have owned too many bows: mild R/D bows, more aggressive R/D bows, recurves, American longbows, flat bows. But if I could only own one bow for the next ten years, I know which one it would be.
A Heartland longbow, made in Nebraska by Cory Egert. What is your one bow?
My current 'One Bow to Rule Them All' is my 2pc Javaman Elkheart. I'd survive just fine if I didn't have any others. It is a sensational bow with all the right stuff.
That being said, if I didnt have my Elkheart, or Stewarts, etc
if I HAD to choose ONE bow and its all I ever could have, gun to my head,
It would definitely be a 62" Centaur Chimera XTL Dark Matter 2pc with wood scales over the DM riser, stippled and engraved grip, snakeskin backed, with bighorn sheep riser and tip overlays.
Hoping to get back on the list for one in early 2015.
If Leon built a 2pc Slammer with phenolic riser it would be hard for me to choose.
American Longbow. :shaka:
Never seen this question on here before. Lol!
Did a quick search!
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=137768#000000
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=129128#000000
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=125011#000000
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=103614;p=9#000126
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=100067;p=4#000058
Only took a couple minutes, should be a few answers in there for ya!
Tracy
In case the other searches prove unsatisfying :biglaugh: Mine would still be a Centaur of any flavor. My current 2 are both Chimera's 60" 50# - 52# @28 (I draw 29+).
I've shot a few not as many as some here but when you shoot one that has it all you just know it is hard to beat!
I've not tried EVERY bow so I couldn't make an educated decision on that one. Although the list is getting shorter as time goes by.
FRANK-N-BOW
DAS riser, Morrison MAX-1 limbs, DAS fittings, feather rest from TRAP, Rhino string from Allen @ "lefties-r-us"
Cool Bowitis! Now that sounds like a winner.
if it was a bow that was almost impossible to get its the Harrison Siberian Wolf.
if it was a bow that is currently available and I could have it tomorrow it would be the JD Berry North Star.
The next one
DDave
I think a nice fast Hill bow would keep me content. Enough of every catagory for my taste. Which Hill that is, I have no clue. But its next on my list..
If I had to keep one bow, it'd be my Hill Big 5
I have always had an affinity for Morrison recurves. That and a 'tip are next on my list.
Jake
For now it would be my 58" 3 pc. Stalker longbow. It tuned easy and whatever mojo South put in it I just don't seem to miss. It's a beauty to boot. However I should be getting my Berry Taipan from James in Nov/Dec so my answer might change when I get that. :goldtooth:
For me it would be a Big River 21st Century style longbow. I've owned others that surpass it in certain qualities, but all around it fits me well and flat out shoots where I look. Now if I had some cash to spare and somehow managed to find one of Fred Anderson's Skookum specials that scaled around 48@28 then I would have a different response more than likely.
It would be my Samick Verna. It works better than I do never had a bow that didn't. It will kill anything I hunt and that let's me spend my money going hunting. Now for me about hunting not bows. At one time it was about owning the right bow and after 41 years of bow hunting I am over stuff I would rather hunt with a old cheep bow than set at home. But that's just me, to each his own.
Tom
No questions asked, my JD BERRY taipan.
perfectly happy with my osage self bow but 2nd choice my kodiak magnum
Larry
Not going to happen.
Javaman Elkheart here too!
Two Tracks Echo!
Very tough choice but the bow that defines, sexy, classic, great shooter, is my 1964 Bear Grizzly
Any Bob Lee :thumbsup: My personal rule is to pick a bow during winter moths and just shoot that one all year to prepare for hunting season.
Okay if really pressed I suppose I could be content with this one...if you ever get a chance to shoot a 64 inch Kodiak Deluxe take it...in spite of the urban legends surrounding them they are terrific shooters and very fast
DDave
(http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab54/damascusdave_2009/P8032498.jpg) (http://s849.photobucket.com/user/damascusdave_2009/media/P8032498.jpg.html)
Morrison and Toelke bows
In my three escapades into traditional I too have owned a bunch. A couple of makers, multiple times.
I still hold Mike Fedora and Wes Wallace at the top of my list so far as custom recurve makers.
However this year I started shooting a Titan III metal riser and ILF limbs. I shoot it better than even my Fedora and extra limbs are reasonable. I have a 40# set for indoors and targets with a 52# set for hunting.
It is not near as nice looking as the Fedora but it suits me well.
Unfortunately, I cannot justify two bows and I am trying to sell the Fedora.
My Heartland 3-piece.
JD Berry Misty Dawn, 68 inches long.
Bob.
One of my James Berry longbows
Tastes change as we age or change our focus on what we do in archery........Right now my one bow choice would a "D" shaped longbow 45# @ 29" 66" and with a dual shelf. Brand? not sure but there are a bunch of good choices. :wavey:
Just one bow? Hummm...
That would mean versatility was key. Jack of all trades and master of none I'd say. Would need to be nearly indestructible. Would also have to be a takedown for travel. The ability to shoot a wide range of arrows would be paramount.
For shear versatility and durability, I'd have to say my ABS QN2. I'd want a set of 64" 52#@28" limbs for it rather than the lighter set I've got right now. The tuning options offered by a plunger are staggering. Has a lifetime warranty, its a 3 pc., smokin' fast, dead in the hand, and QUIET!
One of my own no-name builds 68" NTN American Flatbows. Smooth quiet and knows where I'm looking!
Schafer takedown longbow.
Love 'em all, but my Schafer Silvertip TD recurve would trump all others in a MUST situation.
Ron W. is right on this one. Tastes and focus change as we age. I have enjoyed quite a few longbows and recurves.
I have tried to become a one bow guy lately and the only one that meets that requirement currently is my Black tail recurve. It shoots where I look better than any other bow I have.
Ask me in a few months at it might be different as I have never had a Morrison, Black Widow, Schafer, the new Kota recurve etc.
Maybe we should limit the ability to respond to guys who have had 100 or more bows? I have quite a few to try yet.
Either a Hill longbow or one from Northern Mist. J. D. Berry bow would also get consideration. Anybody got a coin?
Well since all I have shot is Bear Kodiak models I guess I would have to say my dads old 1966 Bear Kodiak 42#@28. Seems to shoot smother than my 2012 Super Kodiak, which happens to be a good shooter also.
My Northern Mist Shelton is the best ASL I own followed closely by a JD Berry Vixen. I would like to get my hands on a Schulz to add to the stable.
(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/bsv1960/sweet66/5CD8C135-D976-4703-AC18-063634FFF4DD.jpg) (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/bsv1960/media/sweet66/5CD8C135-D976-4703-AC18-063634FFF4DD.jpg.html)
(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x353/bsv1960/sweet66/null-81.jpg) (http://s1177.photobucket.com/user/bsv1960/media/sweet66/null-81.jpg.html)
Silvertip!!
My Schafer one piece recurve
Don't even own one but I would go w/ a MA Widow. A company w/ great rep. and is well established. The design hasn't changed and many used MAs are about.
That's the practical side.
For my holy grail Habu Vyperkahn
Give me a bow and I will be happy.
I am liking me a 60 Kodiak some these days.
My St Charles Thunderbird hands down.
Black Widow PLX
A Schafer Silvertip recurve takedown would be my first choice, but.....
I am sure that we all could adapt to whatever bow it happened to be. As long as I could have the experience of getting in the woods, the particular bow is secondary.
60" Super Shrew or JavaMan Falcon.
Short enough for a blind and the shooting qualities of a much longer bow.
Its my go anywhere do anything bow.
Silvertip, gotta love them.
As far as owning only one hunting bow, used and not afraid to abuse, I would choose my Kanati.
If I were to own only one bow and price is not an issue and looks count too, I would love to have a 56" Black Widow one piece recurve like a PAX in B&W Ebony or tulip wood. Or, maybe the same wood in a Kanati.
Wow, there are some awesome bows on this list!
Sentman Cur Dog is chasing around my Firefly static tip. Two different bows but both have their qualities.
I already own it.
Toelke SS static recurve. An unbelievable shooting bow.
Taking the advice of those who sold bows they could shoot like no other and later regretting it... I am never letting this one go.
Joshua
My Black Widow pchx....I actually enjoy shooting the pl a bit more but I think the pch is the best all around hunting bow out there so overall I'd take that
Vyperkahn gets the call.
Northern Mist Whisper or Classic
Hands down a Critter Gitter from Great Northern BUT since Jerry doesn't make them anymore ??? I'd have to say my 64" Robertson Purist 58 lbs @ 26"
Tradcst
I've always dreamed of owning a new Bear Takedown with a B riser and #3 limbs somewhere in the high 40's or low 50's in poundage, so that would be my pick in the hypothetical. Never could seem to scrape up enough stash to buy one.
Schafer Silvertip TD recurve no questions
EagleWing of course. Mine would be the new Steppe Eagle D and R.
God bless, Steve
My American Saxon longbow 64" 55@28 (my Elk rig), Or my Roy Hall 3pc Navijo 62" 50@28. I will never sell ether one.
Palmer 64" Classic.
Centaur triple carbon elite td
I have and had a lot of great bows but if I had to go down to one it would be a Northern Mist Shelton with the Classic running a close second. God bless, Scott.
I responded to this in 2014...it would still be my Hill Big Five
Black Widow PL longbow, 66", take-down, Toby grip with beaver tail wrap, 58@31".
No doubt, no hesitation.
i love my glass bows,
but if only one bow-
one of my self built, character yew longbows, maybe with slightly flipped tips, around 64" or 65" with ling cod skin on the back!
black wildebeest horn tip overlays, and impala horn handle overlay!
Wes Wallace recurve
QuoteOriginally posted by South MS Bowhunter:
In case the other searches prove unsatisfying :biglaugh: Mine would still be a Centaur of any flavor. My current 2 are both Chimera's 60" 50# - 52# @28 (I draw 29+).
I've shot a few not as many as some here but when you shoot one that has it all you just know it is hard to beat!
I agree with this. I can't get over my centaur..
Have to go with Thunderstik MOAB and Big River 21st century style. Two bows one wife not bad.
I will limit my choice to bows Ived personally owned...
A Dwyer Original 66" and 48@28. Feather light, classic lines, super quiet and the bow I just love to shoot.
(But that in no way implies that I don't have a wandering eye!
Wapiti 3pcs recurve made by Kieth Chastian. 60" and 50@28. But I would give my 8yr old grandson my crow creek blackfeather longbow 60"51@28 and my wife would get my tall tines 62"59@28 just in case...
62" Morrison Shawnee with carbon/foam longbow limbs and 50@28". My favorite combination.
My bows are for hunting and the one I shoot the most accurately on a day to day basis is my original Titan ILF setup.
ummmm True? No, Wait, ,,, False! I don't understand the question?
Give me a stick and string and I am a happy Man.
I am sure i answered every one of those other threads differently but at this stage in my life, I am Partial to Big Jim's Thunder Child.
Last Time it was my 60 Kodiak (still love it)
The time before was my Bear Grizzly (still love it
Tine before that was a Big River 21st century (still love it)
I find that if I spend any time getting to know a bow, eventually we become friends and usually lovers. Often if I do not like a bow, its my own fault.
It would be my black widow K B
That's easy my :help:
I'm not getting married? I can't pick only one!
The bow that I shoot well and performs well is quiet and is pleasing to the eye. I cannot pick just one so I narrowed my list to two bows that I would never part with.
1- PA X 60" Black Widow recurve...
2- Hoyt Pro Medalist Hunter 62" awesome Earl Hoyt Jr recurve
My 2-piece Big Jim's Thunderchild
My Dwyer Dauntless, only one that comes off the rack anymore.
One of the "modern" take-down recurves with 2 different set of limbs. On light and one heavy
I love my two piece Caribow Featherhorn. Itching to try a wolverine next. The featherhorn would be my one or nothing bow.
That said, there is just some magical aura about a Jerry Pierce Choctaw recurve....
It's hard to stop shooting my thunderhorn heart stopper once I start, so I'll say my 60" thunderhorn heart stopper :)
chek-mate hunter 1
Refuse to pick. Bows are like chips you just can't have one.
Schafer silvertip 64" 55@28" camo limbs w/walnut riser, off the shelf, tillered for split finger, w/checkered grip.
I have two already except one is a 60@28
When it gets here it'll be my new Widow PCH X...
I can only shoot one at a time anyways!
Although I will be keeping my first two bows too... and I may shoot them from time to time... but that's okay.. right?
I,'ve had the bad feeling once or twice that the Wes Wallace Royal take down I shoot every day rain or shine is "the one". It's a beautiful bow, it,s fun to shoot, easy to shoot well, and relatively easy to get down to a more transportable size if necessary.
R/D Longbow
My Samick Sage bought used for $95.00. Smooth!
Sarrels Blueridge takedown longbow for me!
Bisch
If I could only keep one of the bows I currently have, It would be my Robertson Vision longbow. I have lots of bows that I love, but if I could only keep one, That would be it.
Black Widow PSAX
Whippenstick Fire Hawk
Habu Vyperkahn, so darn easy to shoot accurately
Crooked Stic 58 in. Hyperstic longbow.
A Wild Horse Creek Mariah recurve, the one I own now:)
A two piece version would be nice, though.
Be hard to give up my A & H ACS.Like it more everyday.Just fits me real good.
For fun and tradition it would be of the Hill variety, for target shooting of the 21st Century variety and for hunting of the Super Shrew variety. Let me check my 'Always Remember That Just One Bow Is A Very Very Bad Idea' room full of bows and I'll get back to you. But I do like variety.
And don't forget that special arrow to go with it...the one that's EVERY true archer's favorite... a wooden one of course. :biglaugh:
Having just one is no fun, but if I were forced to it would be:
60" Toelke Chinook 1pc or 2pc Micarta riser
The 60" Chinook for me is the Grail overall. Simply sensational.
Fred bear take down
Fred bear take down :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Like the last time this post came out, my 1960 64-inch, 45 lb Kodiak Special is still my best shooting bow for me. Has a few deep stress cracks just above the riser but I have some stress cracks from old age too. It'll outlast me. Not my best looking bow but best shooting.
Had lots of old Bears, a few Wings and Damon Howatts, but the '60 Special's grip is fat enough it just fits my big hand and lunch grabbers real good, and I like they way it is sort of a hybrid in regard to being a stable target bow but with classic hunting bow characteristics. It shoots those skinny Easton Trad 600's like a dream at long field archery type distances and is steady as a rock. With my short draw length, point on only 40-yards but that makes it really easy to aim and stick'em in there. Those arrows fly at the longer targets like I remember when I shot field archery long ago and the arrows sort of sink down into the target. Just a smooth shooting bow and a real piece of art work.
If it could be better, I wish it had both sides with white glass like '62 grizzlys, then it would be even a better looking bow. A little lighter draw of 40 to 42 lb would make me even happier but my 45 lb is awful close with my 26-inch draw. Think they will plant this one in the ground with me on the fourty-four north of Bristow, OK someday.
One bow only???
There's no way.
Lately though I carry my 2 pc Thunderchild a lot and my RER Vortex.
Having a Holm-Made longbow built soon.