I've been thinking about a bow like this for a couple of years.  At our state shoot in August John agreed to make me a two piece take-down.  At 85 he doesn't do many take-downs anymore and I feel fortunate to now own one.  Specs. are 56#@28, 66", R/D.  I got the wood, Macasser Ebony for the riser and Koa for the veneers from Big Jim.  The bow came in 9 ounces heavier, at 33 oz., than my other Big Rivers and that is what I was after - a bit more mass in the riser - perfect.  It shoots as good as it looks.
   

   
   
   

   

   

 

John makes a heck of a bow!!!  I keep debating about just "1 more" from him. I've been strong so far, but my resolve is weakening, especially, when I see bows like yours-it certainly is a knockout. Congrats!!

Thats a beauty....congrats!!!

Phil, That's what I've been saying for a year "just one more?"  This one is my 5th BR though I did sell one to a young man who fell head over heels for it.  It had a locator grip so it really didn't fit in with all my straight grips anyway.  I'm glad I took the plunge.  Honestly I haven't shot a bow that I like better than any of my BR's.  R/Ds in 48, 56 and 60 plus a 57 Hill style.

Congrats, Pete.  The sleeve is still one of the best ways around of joining a bow IMO.  Can't wait to sling a few arrows with it this summer.      

Beauty Pete!  I have owned quite a few nice longbows and haven't found any I like better than Big River.

Very nice. IMO, there's nothing like a Big River R/D.

that's a beautiful bow

Beautiful Bow Pete, but what I find even more incredible was that you convinced John to build a  take down.

He said a few years ago he was done with take downs. First thing he does is try and talk you out of one. I find only the people who know him best are able to still get one made.

Congrats, It turned out excellent!

You got some pull to get the old geezer to build you a sleeve t/d, congrats. She is a beaut. Mine has been my go to bow for quite a while now.

That sure is a beut Pete. It is a special bow for sure.

Thanks guys.  You may not know but I was a salesman for 32 years - getting "the old geezer" to build me a takedown just took a little more time.  Oh yeah, a couple of moose steaks probably helped.