A while back I traded for a stunning Blacktail Snakebit. The draw weight was just a bit heavy for me and the glossy finish, while beautiful, was not going to be hunter friendly.

I sent the bow to John at the Bow Hospital after a rather lengthy phone conversation. I had never done something like this before, and wanted to be sure it was done right...especially with this being such an expensive bow!

I just got the bow back home yesterday, and the finished product is fantastic!      

Anyway, I just wanted to thank John for his patience and professionalism while re-doing this special bow for me. John is top notch, you just can't hide integrity!!

I would highly recommend John's services to anyone looking for a bow refinish/weight reduction.

PS, I could text pics to someone if they are interested in posting them for me.  It's an incredible looking bow!

Allen send em to me and I'll put em' up...congrats...!!
870-307-7841
Jr.

We need photos!

That sounds awesome, how much was he able to safely reduce your bow?

Guss, thanks for the offer. I just sent pics to someone else.    

Burnsie, he was just able to take 2# off this one. He said usually he can get 5# or so.

Stay tuned, pics are coming!!

You folks are gonna love this one. Drumroll  please......

Thanks Zane!

I was really concerned about losing the lettering when he refinished it. John actually photos the lettering on a bow so he can replace it very close to original after he strips it to refinish...very nice!

Thanks Allen, so what are the final overall specs on that beauty?
I think you came out good on that trade.

Burnsie, it's 60" 51@28. It's very fast compared to my other bows!

Nice looking bow, Very nice looking bow! Maxx

Wow Snakebit! That was a $1600 to $1800 bow right there. Not many bowyers like to work with snakewood.

Beautiful job.

Good luck with it.

Gil

Ok! Now I want one    

John Rafferty recently refinished my Grandpa's old 1953 Bear Grizzly and it looks incredible. This bow was covered in a spray paint camo and had a bowfishing reel attachment. John was able to make this bow look better than it probably did brand new. I am really looking forward to taking this bow hunting and I have John to thank for that opportunity.

Chris

I bought a LH Blacktail Elite VL unseen and it turned out to not be for me. Two sets of limbs, both the same weight. I wrote Norm about a weight reduction on one set of limbs, but he told me he can only take off about 2 lbs. I had understood most bows can be reduced about 5 lbs. The limbs only fit that riser as well, not transferable.
Beautiful bows, great grip, very smooth.
I've sent it out to Norm for a refinish and will be listing it. Turns out I'm not too big on take down bows. Go figure.
That one you have is a beauty.

I think Snakebit bows are the most beautiful ever made -- which is why I had Norm build one for me, also with an extra set of limbs (45# and 55#). That one is drop dead gorgeous! John did a great job, after Norm did his work, of course. Nobody makes a prettier bow than Norm, and they shoot really well to boot. Congratulations on owning one of those marvels.

Allan

allen,you always has beautiful bows.i'm jealous.

John does just beautiful work. I have a '56 Kodiak dual shelf. The bow is very plain and isn't quite nicked up enough to justify a refinish yet. A little more wear and tear, however, and I'm going to ask John to restore it to new and I know he can do that.I just want an old Bear in my collection, being from Michigan and all and it's fun to shoot a few from the right side and then move my glove over to the other hand and shoot a few from there.

We sure have some talented people on this site.