Now for the story...
As many of you already know, I've gone through my fair share of bows.
Whether in the field, at the range or browsing through a traditional bowhunting magazine, there was always one bow that caught my attention.
Funny story too...
When I first started to take traditional bowhunting seriously, my friend let me choose one of his bows out of his collection to borrow. This was the one I chose. I had no clue how to tune properly, so I borrowed his arrows and broadheads too! Lucky for me, we had the same draw length! It's a sneak peek of the type of bow. Harvested my first hog with it too!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/shrew.jpg)
:campfire:
JD Berry Taipan????????
Good Shooting,
Craig
Well this year, I couldn't take it any longer and as Randy and Curt already know, I made a few inquires to them.
Here were the stipulations...
56" longbow
Solid 2 pc system
Reflexed
Built from a "trustworthy" bowyer.
With deer, goat and pig season closing in, delivery time was also a key factor.
I placed an order from a bowyer a few months back, but soon after I kindly declined my "place in line" due to a local offer of a used bow. Well things fell through with the used bow and I was back at square one...
Is that a reverse handle I see?
well, those Shrews look similar and would fill the bill. Not certain about the two piece.
CHuckC
JD Berry Taipan????????
Good Shooting,
Craig
Matt, the bow in the above picture is an older model Shrew. When I first starting taking things seriously with my trad journey, it must've been about 10yrs ago and the bow had some years on it at that point. I can't tell you which model it was and at that point in my journey, I knew nothing about bows. Sorry, I can't give you a guaranteed answer. It does look reversed from the pics, but not sure if it's the angle and trapezoid design?
Yes Chuck, Shrews would fit the bill...
Sorry Craig, not a Taipan...
I'm thinking a Shrew :campfire:
Now let's go back in time...
A few years back, Staci and I attended our first Compton's Traditional Rendezvous. (We are now members of CTB)
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/comptons.jpg)
At Compton's we finally got to meet Chuck and his family.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/store_fp.jpg)
Over the years we managed to stay in touch and chat bows and bowhunting.
It's always a gas to order a new bow!
Bisch
Chuck is a super guy! I met him at Compton a few years ago. Longbow guy now? :) I know you're not after his wool ;)
I have a "problem" Bisch... :knothead:
LOL Steadman! I may need that wool one day soon! ;) May I join the "longbow crew"??? :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
I have a "problem" Bisch... :knothead:
LOL Steadman! I may need that wool one day soon! ;) May I join the "longbow crew"??? :campfire:
You can only join the "Longbow Crew" if you quit messing around and tell us what you ordered!!!! :nono: :nono: :nono:
Bisch
LOL Bisch!!!
I need to drag out my story...
My wife is the only one around here that will talk to me about traditional bowhunting and at times I think even she wants to "tune me out".
stay tuned... :shaka:
Because Chuck is such a humble guy, I never knew...
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/tt1.jpg)
I finally found out because I stumbled upon on his Two Tracks fb page. Chuck from Two Tracks was building the Shrew bows!
I immediately messaged him. After a lengthy discussion, my hopes were once again up about ordering the "type of bow" that I've always liked!!!
In the past I've owned one piece, short, reflexed longbows, but they were a hassle to travel with, especially because I was hunting off island at least once a month if not more.
Knowing that I needed a two piece bow, I've always kept my eye on two piece systems. There was one company that I was aware of that made the type of two piece system that I liked, but the shortest length was 60".
I understood that bow bolt was a proven design, I just personally didn't care for it.
Chuck mentioned that he was working on a two piece design and it was the one I preferred.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/tt-1.jpg)
So that just pushed me over the edge...
56" longbow, reflexed, 2pc and best of all, crafted by Chuck!
A Shrew Longbow, crafted by Chuck Deshler of Two Tracks is what I ordered.
Congrats Ryan !!! Shrews are great shooting bows :thumbsup:
Bill
Mahalo Bill!!! :shaka:
Now the wait begins...
The cool part is that I think the current Shrew wait list is about 8-12 weeks. Just in time for my hunting seasons!!!
You have made a good choice,Chuck is a great guy and an excellent bowyer.
Thank you Felix! I'm definitely excited!!! :thumbsup:
Ryan,I tell you I have bought an used Big Jim Thunderchil,pretty similar design and it is a so good shooter that it has nothing to loose in comparison with the best recurves,plus it is so feather weight.
Excellent choice brother!!!!
Great choice!!! You will enjoy I'm sure of it
QuoteOriginally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
In the past I've owned one piece, short, reflexed longbows, but they were a hassle to travel with, especially because I was hunting off island at least once a month if not more.
Knowing that I needed a two piece bow, I've always kept my eye on two piece systems. There was one company that I was aware of that made the type of two piece system that I liked, but the shortest length was 60".
I understood that bow bolt was a proven design, I just personally didn't care for it.
Chuck mentioned that he was working on a two piece design and it was the one I preferred.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/tt-1.jpg)
So that just pushed me over the edge...
56" longbow, reflexed, 2pc and best of all, crafted by Chuck!
A Shrew Longbow, crafted by Chuck Deshler of Two Tracks is what I ordered.
Welcome in advance to the Shrew Crew. Nice choice! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
LOL Bisch!!!
I need to drag out my story...
My wife is the only one around here that will talk to me about traditional bowhunting and at times I think even she wants to "tune me out".
stay tuned... :shaka:
This is funny. I get the same thing here, but Chris and I trade back and forth. I get to listen to Sheep/wool/rabbit stories and she hears all about the bows and hunting.
So if you move to Ovid, We can talk bows 24/7, and I can cover you in wool to stay warm(*25 this morning). You can hang out at the shop all you want. I need the help-LOL.
:shaka: ( <<-------<<<< I even know some hip stuff from the Islands)
25? It is -6 out here in the Black Hills. With NO deer movement. You want to test some wool?
I wanna build a fire CRS. :)
I have been noticing a lot of Shrew bows lately. I wouldn't mind having a good shrew bow.. :)
someday..
Only made it 2.5 hours. I AM currently sitting by the fire. Defrosting......
Maybe this afternoon, it is supposed to hit 11 today.
I should be out all day though. AAAARGH
Welcome to "The Longbow Crew" Ryan!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Bisch
That shadow on Chuck's chin has gotten longer, but he's still a great guy to talk with. I also have had a "Shrew itch" ever since shooting a buddy's. It was a bit over my draw weight comfort level, but felt lighter than it actually scaled and was, for such a shorty, smooooth.
Chuck and I have swapped e-mails about knifemaking and, since he lives nearby, I keep planning to visit his shop. Only problem is that I know what will happen when I do and I just can't afford that right now.
I envy you that new bow :)
QuoteOriginally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
I have a "problem" Bisch... :knothead:
LOL most of us have said "problem", but it's a damn good problem to have ;)
Good choice, I love my 2-piece Shrew. Have fun waiting, and I know of a home for your Stalker if the rack's getting too full :laughing:
This thread was fun to read. Enjoy your new bow. I'll be ordering a two piece eventually and gained a little info to consider here. Thanks for posting, Rudy
Thank you for all the kind words Gang! I'm definitely excited about this new longbow!
Alex, truth be told, my bow rack is actually pretty empty... :)
Maybe Chuck will send some teaser pics along the way??? What you say Chuck??? ;)
It's a beaut Ryan. Look forward to seeing some of the game you harvest with it. Congrats!
I'll be sure to keep you posted David!
Awesome Ryan. For my limited time here I can say you and many of us have found the "ONE" well beyond one time! My current "ONE" is a McCullough made 2 piece Shrew with a fairly suspect connection that is no longer used by any bowyer that I am aware of, but it matters not. I have not owned a colder shooting bow to date.
The journey continues... Congrats!
~CB
LOL Keith! Should I say the "one" for now... ;)
The Journey will continue. Time for a new chapter though.
Aloha!
Ryan
Excellent choice Ryan....you could not pick a better bowyer IMHO.
Looking forward to the finished product.
Chuck must only offer his TD option to those in the inner inner inner circle... :p
Aloha from the outer circle :wavey: :goldtooth:
quote:
Originally posted by Over&Under:
Chuck must only offer his TD option to those in the inner inner inner circle... :p
Aloha from the outer circle :wavey: :thumbsup:
Chuck is a great guy and I'll definitely keep you posted on the finished product!
We talked 2pc Jake. Didn't we? if not, Lets do My man. You know you are so far inside my circle, I have to turn around to say howdy.
:wavey:
QuoteOriginally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
quote:
Originally posted by Over&Under:
Chuck must only offer his TD option to those in the inner inner inner circle... :p
Aloha from the outer circle :wavey: :wavey:
Ya we dabbled in it a little, but I think you were still putting the TTHBRD on it. We need to chat about it again...its a 'must have' on my new one:). Just trying to 'get in your beard' so to speak...talk soon.
Told ya I wasn't "special"... ;) I don't even know the Two Tracks lingo "TTHBRB" :D
BTW, what did you order???
Ha!...Chuck and his acronyms:). Not even sure if I got that one right:)
I ordered one of his Longwalkers...sent him some wood I wanted to use and am letting him pick the wood combo. He is good at surprises:)
His Longwalker is one smooth, quiet, hard hitting longbow. I'm hoping he can shorten one up for me...like you, I am fond of a shorter bow. Looking for around 58"
I'll be sure do a write up on it when it arrives :thumbsup:
Excellent choice in bows. I have been shooting Shrews for years and currently shooting a Elkheart from Gregg Coffee. Similar design and both fantastic Bowyers!!
someone sells KUIU at those big shoots? Heck that might push me over the top to go! (nice bow btw) how do they get that handle hollowed out like that?
L.R.
Too funny Jake, I told Chuck to choose my wood combinations too.
Mahalo Big Ed!!! Yeah, I've heard a lot of great things about Gregg! A local friend has one of his bows and absolutely loves it.
LOL Rob! Staci was there representing KUIU, not me... ;)
Looking at that Locket Socket connection Ryan posted in this thread lastnight got us thinking and a couple questions came up.
So if you want a Chuck made Shrew do you contact Ron or Chuck? Secondly, is the Locket Socket connection the same $200 price tag as the Bow Bolt connection?
Inquiring minds...
If you want a Shrew, all orders are still placed with Ron, but Chuck will be building them for you.
I should've asked the exact price before ordering, but I didn't. I wanted that system no matter what. LOL! If I'm not mistaken, I recall asking him about how much more would the new system cost me. I think he said it would be similar in price to the bolt. The system is a new option, so things may change...
******UPDATE******
Chuck has graciously agreed to post up a few build along photos in the coming weeks!!! Mahalo Chuck!!! :shaka:
Additionally, for my upcoming TechTune videos, I'll be documenting my new journey with this Shrew Longbow.
Aloha!
Ryan
Ryan if I make it back to Hawaii I'm counting on you taking me hunting! I did all the touristy type stuff last time.
Sounds like a plan Mike! :thumbsup:
I forgot to mention, better hurry. We're planning on moving! ;)