I just bought a used 62" R&D Big River (John McDonald)longbow. I don't want to trust that the string and brace that are on it are right. Can any owners of these bows tell me what length the string should be (59"?)and also the brace height? Right now, it's at 6 3/8", and that seems low to me for a R&D longbow.

String length is fine.  I prefer my Big River Longbows at about 8 inches, my dad likes his at 7 1/2

Thanks Charlie! The current string is 60" (on a 62" bow)that's why the brace is so low. I'm thinking the correct string should be 59".

I have 66" BR bows and they like it around 8" brace.
ChuckC

Nuttin like the GANG for a quick answer! Enjoy your new stick.

I have 4 Br's but all 66".  3 R/Ds and a hill style.  All are braced at fistmele + 1/8" which translates to 8 1/2" to the back.  Don't know how that equates to a 62" bow.  You could always call John and ask him.

Pete you measuring to the back of the handle on the Hill model you have?  I have a 66" Hill Big River and think its shooting fine but not sure where the brace is.

Yep, back of the handle.  Equates to about 6 5/8ths to the belly of the handle.  Some people measure to the deepest part of the grip but all mine have straight grips.  Be aware that BHs aren't carved in stone - how you shoot, form, arrow tune, release, silencers, etc. all have an effect and fine tune adjustments are common.

I ended up putting a 10 strand string with padded loops on mine and now the bow is amazing,, I think the brace is right around 6 5/8 so i feel pretty good.

Tajue, I make my own strings and shoot 8 strand D10 on all my bows.  Changes the personality of the bows to my liking, quiet, and smooth shooting.

Thanks guys! I really think the string that's on it now ( a 60" endless loop) isn't the original string. I'm thinking the right string for my 62" bow should be a 59". The bow is a r&d, but it has a straight grip more like a Hill, no locater.

Come up to the Traditional shoot at Wausau tomorrow (SATURDAY the 13th). John will be there and you can ask him. Google Rib Mountain Bowmen.