Ok, I have been shooting my Viper Deluxe for several months now and am definitely hooked on the longbow. Now I am starting to do early research into my first custom bow. Who is making a good shooting, won't require a second mortgage user friendly custom longbow. So far I am leaning towards a Widow or a GN Critter Gitter Special. I like a locator grip so far but I don't think I am married to it. I would ideally use this bow for everything from rabbits to Elk. I would love a Shrew but am unwilling to wait a year(sorry Ron, I know if they weren't so sweet the wait would be shorter). Ok lets hear it. Help me out boys.

Thanks,
Brian

Bear's Paw Bows, Thunder Horn or Bob Lee will be my next long bow. But there are many good bows out there. Probley will be a Bear's Paw I love that bow.

I have, and have had, several custom longbows.  IMO one of Doug Witchers basic Turkey Creek longbows is an outstanding value.  I am impressed with my Turkey Creek and when I look at what it cost relative to some other bows I own, I am more impressed.  There are several bows out there that will "fit the bill" for you, and I'm sure you will get a lot of opinions.  There is no "right" answer and what is right for you or me, may not be the same for someone else.

check out Striker bows.

Get a Tsunami, made by John McCullough, no webpage. 517-626-6365. He used to make Shrews, My Tsunami has a grip similar to a Super Shrew, Note most of his bows are over 60" length, "real longbows". Tsunami 66 or 68". Griffin shorter, My 42@28 spits out 2114s at 175 fps.

Everyone I've talked to that has a Turkey Creek is very happy with it. I just e-mailed Doug this morning about one for me.  

I do think you would not have to wait several months or a year for some of these quality bows unless you just got to have a new one.  Many hardly used quality bows pop up here in the classifieds on a regular basis at reasonable prices without that awful wait.

Brian:
Selecting a bow is so personal, I would suggest you get a brochure or go the every website you can find, and select two or three bows that you just can't live without, because if you don't like what it looks like, no matter how well it shoots you will not be happy. Believe me I've been there. Then make your selection based on what you can afford and what other say about those selected.
Bob

The classifieds. Pick up some used bows and trade and such. Try as many different as you can to find what fits your style best, then order one custom made for you.

http://www.navajobows.com/index.html

Great shooting bows, not a long wait to have one built.

Steve Turay of Northern Mist would be worth checking out.

Fox Archery makes a great longbow (   Fox Archery link  ). Last time I checked the wait wasn't too long.

http://www.sapphirearchery.com/

Mine's the one in the upper left hand corner of the front page on the moose antler. I love it.

Horne's or Treadway!!! You can't go wrong with either. Mark Horne's Traditionalist and Brushbow are awesome. I have a Traditionalist and will soon be adding a Brushbow. His wait time is usually about 3 months. I also have a 60" Treadway, that is a real shooter. And was very reasonably priced. The only problem is Mike has about a 1 year wait. But it is well worth it. But you might get luckey and find one in the classifieds. Hope this helps.

Bill

www.rerbows.com   great bows and the yhave bows in stock! Shawn

Lots of good longbows.The problem is we are all differant so no one fits all.Whatever you decide you need to find a way to shoot the bow or one like it first.It would be a shame to lay out a lot of cash and wait for a pretty custom that did not shoot as well for you as your Viper.It happens all the time.    jmo

http://www.centaurarchery.com/bow-woods.htm
Custom made to fit YOUR hand and center cut riser so arrow tolerance is enhanced-how many longbows can say that? Please check out the woods thumbnails for some beautiful bows.

Paul

I second the used bow idea. A bow bought used can be re-sold at a small or maybe no loss especially if you buy the big names like those being recommended, you get to shoot the heck out of it to see if you really like it or don't.

I got a Dryad Hunter this year, check them out they are great!

After trying many, my favorite is the Morrison Dakota. I like the locator grip also.