Hey fellas, I am interested in buying a longbow for the first time, I was thinking of a Bear Montana longbow. I know this is not a high-end longbow, but was wondering what your thoughts are.

I have had 2 Montanas over the years, I found them to good solid hunting bows. No frills, but they offer good speed and with just wool puffs are almost silent. Both of the bows I had I got used and they were really cheap compared to some.If you want to get your feet wet for the first time with a longbow ,not a bad way to go!

Kenny,

I think if you do a search in Pow Wow you'll find there are quite a few fans of this bow.  I think (don't know for sure) they changed the tip design in 2011 based on feedback from others as well.

I do not own one, but have shot one.  It was very smooth and felt good to me, although I am basically a recurve guy.  The one I shot was a 2008 or 2009 I think.  It made me think that I could shoot a long bow.

I will be watching this thread as I am considering trading my old unused compound for one (but would be the older tip design).

Nothing fancy about my 50# Montana but flings an arrow as well as any of my other 5 bows and I enjoy shooting and hunting with it.

Have owned bows up to 5X the price of a Montana. Have actually only owned one bow that I have enjoyed shooting more. The Montana is a living testament that spending more does not necessarily equate to discernably recieving more.
This bow is one of the most underated bows available. Just my opinion -If Bear's other bows shined like the Montana, they would be everywhere.

I have put a couple of thousand af arrows thru different Montana's. I will grab my son's every once in a while if I want to hit something.

Please keep in mind that bow fit is quite personal and my feedback is nothing but mere words unless the Montana is a personal fit for you.

Kenny - I see you are from Booneville. Used to shoot at Black Hawk in Booneville during the 80's. My son would be pleased if you wish to hop over to Madisonville if you would care to give his Montana a run. No better policy than trying before you buy.

I have has Zero Issues with My Montana. It is a Great Bow and an Excellent Value!

In my opinion, they are way underrated!

I've owned more than a couple of them and the only reason I don't still have them is someone offered me more money than I could turn down after shooting mine..lol

God bless,Mudd

I traded a fella a recurve for a pristine older model 50# Bear Montana, I believe it's a 2007.  Mine has the thicker limb tips on it.  It was my first longbow and I really like it.  Mine is a great shooter and is dead quiet.  I put a 12 strand D-97 string on mine and it really brought it to life.  Great bows for the money IMHO.

Thanks for the feedback fellas, I'm going to Cloverdale this weekend and hoping to "test drive" one there. If it fits me, I may have a new addition to the family.

Kenny, I live in Petersburg IN Look me up sometime. I won't make it to Cloverdale on account of work.

I had two montanas and killed my first trad deer with one. You'll be hooked for sure.

Stiks

I wish they'd build that stinking bow in a 66" model for those of us with a 29+" draw!   :D

I am obviously in the minority, but I found the grip to be uncomfortable after a few shots also my 55# was actually 61#.  I cut my teeth on this bow, but couldn't shoot the poundage consistently.
As far toughness one would be hard pressed to find a more durable bow.

Great bow and a great starting place in longbows. Even after I had purchased much more expensive bows I still enjoyed shooting the Bear. I sold it recently to a first time longbow buyer.

My first longbow was a Montana. I was very pleased with it and I agree with the others, a used Bear Montana can be one of the best-bang-for-the-buck bows out there. The going rate for a good used one is right at $200.00 and they're approved for the use of modern, low-stretch, strings.