Man I have been through over 200 bows the last 10-11 years. I have shot some awesome customs...Sovereign Ballistik and Firefly longbows are at the top of the list. Also some awesome "production" bows. I hate that, those bows don't deserve to be downgraded. At a deer hunt in southern Ohio I shot a buds Bear Grizzly. I found myself thinking "where have you been all my life?".  That bow flat out shot. My wife saw me looking at em on the bay and she just went ahead and got one for me. This bow was made in 1971. That is 40 years ago. It has a dacron string that I made for it. It shoots as good as any bow I have ever shot. I think I have found "the bow" I have been looking for and it is almost as old as I am. I can't see spending a weeks salary on any bow again.

Here are some pics...

Grizzlies are great bows.  I went through a few recurves before I found out I liked longbows better, but I did keep one curve and it's my 70's grizzly.  Congrats on finding "the bow".

Hey Jim good to see you posting again.       You and I are very simular when it comes to bows       By the way I own 3 bows now r/d longbows all by the same bowyer. I also found my "Holy Grail" of bows.        

I got bad news for you Jim.  

The Grizzlies are indeed great shooting bows.  But I'm guessing you just got bit by the Bear bug, and it is an affliction with no known cure.  Kodiak's, Super Kodiak's, Kodiak Specials, and more Grizzlies, from the 50's thru the 70's all have their fans.  Often times it will also morph into other variations as well which might include Wings, Damon Howatts, and on and on.  
You're on a slippery slope.          

Congrats on a nice bow and a great wife!!

I haven't shot a ton of bows but I got a 70's green Kodiak Magnum for 102$ and I love this thing.  It fits my hand perfectly and shoots where I aim.

I'm pretty sure I'm just gonna get a new bear this winter when I get my new bow.

Bears shoot well and have good mojo.

I was a Fred Bear fanatic until I found Howard Hill! Congratulations on your new found friend. MIKE

I too have a 71 grizzly and absolutely love it.  It shoots just as well as bows I have paid five times as much for. It is not "the one"  but it is darn close,  enjoy your new obsession

I've narrowed it down to a Hill but that's as close as I've got in 60 years.

The combo of Fred's Spirit in a great shooting bow is pure magic. Good for you bro!

Whip, she had a t-bone and baked sweet potato waiting for me when I got home. I found the other "one" in that lady.

Fellas I don't see a Bear addiction coming up. I just sold a Kodiak 3 pc I didn't care for and have handled one of the new Kodiaks. Didn't care for the grip so I saw no need in shooting it. I am thinking about a new Super grizzly just cause I like the way it looks.

Bentpole, I'm here every day a couple times. I post when something catches my eye.

Hey Jim,Good on ya my friend,Its amazing how we overlook so many things in life.

This thread needs some pictures.

Well, she's hanging in the man cave off the garage waiting to hit the woods in the morning. She had a glossy finish and I wiped her down with steel wool to dull her down. I also rounded the shelf a bit. I'll put some finish on her tomorrow or Sunday.

I always kinda looked at the Grizzly as a beginners bow. I have a new opinion now.

This thread makes me want to pull my old Super Kodiak off the rack, wipe the dust off it and string it up.  Thanks!

Welcome to Grizzly country Brother Jim

My ultimate bow is my St. Joe River long bow. 52@29" 62" long. Best pointing bow I've ever had.

Can someone tell me how to read the serial number?

Yup, money doesn't make the bow the perfect one. I've got an older beat up Wapiti that I got second hand that I have a good feeling about. Always drift back to it. A particular Howatt hunter always makes it out with me at least a couple of times too. But I must admit, I've got a couple of REAL PRICEY ones that are pretty darn good too.

Grizzlies....great old bows. Good grip,nice feel at the shot.....just darn good!!