The A mag with #3 limbs has become my favorite. The last few years I've hunted with #1 limbs. I shoot them the same, but the #3 limbs are a bit smoother drawing.

Can't find the place to sign in

Benny, I sent you a PM. Thanks

Shawn

Back on track for NOT using leather. You can stipple the thumb pad area, or use masking tape to get the textured part you want, and use a textured paint.

something like this will work well.

https://www.amazon.com/Seymour-16-083-Resistant-Coating-Spray/dp/B019RTKF4K/ref=asc_df_B019RTKF4K?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80195681205661&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=109295&hvtargid=pla-4583795260296993&th=1

Quote from: Pat B on February 18, 2026, 03:54:53 PMIf you are gonna use beaver tail or leather you can wrap masking tape around the handle a few times then with a sharp razor cut down the center along the back and peel it off. That makes a perfect pattern for your wrap.

THAT is an excellent trick for getting an accurate pattern for leather or what ever you use.

 Do you have a method for pre stretching the leather you use? The only thing i've come up with is using these clamps with rubber pads on them. The rubber grips the leather without marking it up too bad. I use two of them to stretch the leather and overlap the seam. then cut it a bit short so the lacing snugs it up tight as its sewn.

Great for beginners, and works fine for experienced archers shooting 40-50 yards. but for honing your hunting skills an unmarked 3D target, or paper animal target is much better.  better yet shoot one arrow at a time, so you are not using your other arrow knocks for a focus point.

From experience I don't like over .030 for spalted veneers , never used    it for a core. Bow came in a little light with just veneers and boo core . That's all I got...

I have some hackberry boards left over from another project and was wondering if it would be worth my while to make some laminations from it. Any body have experience with using hackberry to build a bow?

I started shooting 64 years ago and my first target was a paper plate. Over the years I continue to use one at times and when I'm teaching someone to shoot their first target is a pie plate.

Couple new updates! I took a slight detour to build a bow just to verify my stacks were on point for the final swap product. I was aiming for 45 lb and.........44.5, good enough for government work in my opinion! I should be right on for the actual victim bow (which will be an undisclosed weight to avoid and spoiling). Also got my riser wood in, some beautiful wenge courtesy of Rosewood!