I am curious to know from those who have shot both a Big Jim buffalo bow and a Black Widow PL, what are the differences between them?  They look very similar, have same take-down system, same grip, Big Jim offers more custom options it seems, but are there any significant differences besides price and wait time?  How about handshock?  Smoothness?  

I'm not trying to start an argument, just an honest question for those who have handled, shot, or owned both.

I bought a brand new Widow PL a few years ago and loved it. I then shot a Big Jim bow a friend had and felt as if I`d been robbed. The Widow is a fine bow and I can say nothing bad about them but the Big Jim bow felt and shot as good at much less of a price. If I were to buy one of the two today I would be talking to the Big Feller.RC

Simple answer: I have two of them buff bows (Look at my signature)

F-Manny

I'd hate to throw my hat in this ring but I'm in the Widow camp on this one - the Buff is a beauty of a bow but I wouldn't trade my t/d plx for anything at this point.  It might sound ridiculous but it would be impossible for ME to shoot a bow better than I shoot my pl...maybe as good but not better.

I had a 1-piece BW PL III 60" 42# smooth draw, was quiet, no handshock and generally a nice bow. I now have in its place a 2-piece Big Jim's Buffalo 60", 41# that draws like butter, is dead quiet, no handshock, a much better shaped grip in my opinion, and in the looks department, absolutely stunning. Nothing wrong with a BW but if you've got the time, I recommend Big Jim's, you will not be disappointed.

For me it was basically a toss up. I kept the PLX Osage but would be happy with either one. I love that PLX .

I have had both and for me I liked the PLV take down much better. It shot where I looked, was smooth, and the ironwood riser was a good weight for me. Mine had the talon system and was rock solid. The only bow I ever traded and wish I had not, it was just fun to shoot.

The Big Jim Buff was a disappointment because I also have a Thunder Child and love it. The Buff was a beauty but I could not his my A$$ with it and I tried for about two weeks before I traded it. Still have the TC and it is not going any where.

I really like my Black Widow longbow.  It's been a great experience with no complaints whatsoever.  But I am also curious... because I see a lot of guys here on TG that really speak well of their Big Jim bows.  

Not to hijack the thread, but how does the 3-piece Buffalo bow measure up in this discussion?

I feel both bows are great choices. I have shot a Black Widow PL and it is a great bow. There is no handshock, it's fast, and quiet. I have not shot any of Big Jim's bows but based on their reputation they must be good as well. I think the only way to really tell which one you would like more is to shoot them both.