Jim,
The bow right above your post is a picture of Mudds Berry Vixen. It's is a standard riser American longbow. The pics I posted on page one are from my Berry Northstar which is a forward handled bow.  The standard has the ramps on the belly side limbs to the back side. The Northstar has the ramps on the backside and the limbs on the belly.

Gotcha!    

Awesome, Mudd! I can't wait to see it. A Berry bow is on my short list!!!

Hey there Mr. Mudd,
I have been so busy with a new job that my bow obsession has had to take a back seat for a while!  Having said that I will post some pictures of the Little "Bumblebee" that you first laid hands on and is now in my possession.  I really love this bow as she is quick and quiet!
She will be a hammer of the birds for sure.

Also, I hear-by give you the name "Bumblebee to use as you wish on your new bow or otherwise.  Although the name is apt, I will probably call mine the "Gobbler" as it will be used first and foremost as a spring turkey killer!  

Later with pics,

Jerry

Also - Brian I love those fade outs on your North Star! Beauty!

Jim,
Alot of folks say a forward handle is more forgiving. So that is the benefit, I don't know that I'm a good enough archer to tell the difference BUT the Morningstar and Northstar both have a distinct feel and quality about them. Another added bonus to how James makes his is somehow someway it does increase performance by a noticeable difference.  GREAT bows

Brianlocal3 quote "BUT the Morningstar and Northstar both have a distinct feel and quality about them. Another added bonus to how James makes his is somehow someway it does increase performance by a noticeable difference. GREAT bows"

All I can add is the man who makes them is one that I am proud to call friend.

Mr. Berry and I talk rather frequently and sometimes it's even about bows but there are more times it's just us enjoying each others fellowship.

I wish we didn't live half of the country apart because I'd be at his place frequently... trying to win a buck off of him...lol and just enjoying our time together.

Mr.Berry and I are in some ways as different as day and night and yet we go together like thunder and lightening. A big part of what's happened is over time we've developed a mutual respect for one another.

God bless,Mudd

achigan -

Perhaps I can shed some light on the forward handle bow question that you asked. Basically, there are three distinct advantages to the forward handle.

1) The first is with the forward handle, the limbs are actually in the palm of your hand. This reduces the possibility (probability) of the archer torquing or twisting the handle when the bow is drawn. Conversely, with the handle on the belly of the bow, the limbs are about 2" + or - farther from the palm of your hand. This increases the probability of twisting the bow handle as you increase the grip pressure. Think of it this way, as you tighten your grip on anything, you actually are closing your fingers around it. With a bow handle, this almost always causes you to twist the handle as you tighten your grip. Even the slightest movement in this regard will cause the bow to have an adverse reaction and the shot or arrow to go astray. Therefore, a forward handle bow is inherently more accurate.

2) The actual location of the handle being on the back side of the limbs gives the bow a slight overdraw effect. This is much like Black Widow recurves where their limbs are attached to the belly side of the riser; or even any style bow that place the grip area in front of the limbs. They just seem to come on target easier and quicker.

3) Less feel in the grip when the arrow is released i.e., no hand shock.  

My Berry Taipan. 66" 51# @ 28"



This is my forward handle Massie that I've had since April 1992. 64" 54# @ 26". Named "Sweet Sue

Danny,
That was a fantastic description, and thanks cause I just learned something new!!!!

Yes Ric O'shay, that is a very nice discription. Thank You!

Tim

This is why I'm here on TG. Great info, well explained, in a friendly manner. Thanks much Ric.

My man "Ric O'Shay" (Danny Long) does it again. Now I'll have to buy a forward handled bow or borrow Danny's "Tiapan" for this weekends Oklahoma hunt.   Which will it be??????    

James sent me these pics of a new Taipain he just finished and asked me if I'd post them here. This is another fine example of a forward handle bow,

Mike petty your taipan is on its way to S.C. 46#@28" 66". this will give you something to look at for the next 3 days, lol....JD

Somebody in South Carolina is gonna be one excited and happy camper.

Your going to love your Northstar Mudd. Happy Shooting  

Thanks Danny for making this wait so much easier(not)...lol just reading or interpreting what you've written to mean I have a beautiful bow coming my way.

Sleep will come so much easier now and I won't just lay there in bed trying to envision just how awesome my "Bumblebee is going to be.

So...Thank you again!!!!

I'll be worn slick by the time it arrives...lol

God bless,Mudd