Just thought I'd get some others thoughts on John McDonald's bows, may he Rest in Peace.  I've got a Kodiak clone recurve that was my first custom bow, and still dearly love it.  Have a 21st Century clone radical D/R longbow that still amazes me when I shoot it.   Finally, have a moderate D/R longbow that I got from Don "Ned" Nettleton, prior to his passing.  All these bows are superb specimens and preform better than more expensive versions.  I'm sure there are some others out there who will chime in.

I had his 21st century clone as you described it.It was excellant.

Sorry to hear about Ned,Don Nettleton.We bought and or sold a few bows with each other.

God bless Ned.Great guy!

John made a wonderful bow, regardless of the model. Never had his 21st clone, but his flat bows and recurves were/are really nice 👍. 

I have one of his longbows and one recurve. Excellent bows

I had two of his hillstyle bows and i felt both shot faster than my hills but where speed means nothing but maybe a flatter trajectory both bows seemed less fussy about my grip,,, one of those big rivers was my ASL hunting bow #1 especially when it was late season in the northeast with many layers on.

I remember when John cloned a Emil Pikula forward facing handle bow. I remember him making a few of them and we dubbed it the "peculiar" bow. John was always fun to have around and loved razing others. Anyone have his Pikula bow?

Love my 21st clone. Shoots excellent. Would love to find another lefty someday.

I really like my hill styles he made me!

Quote from: MikeNova on March 30, 2026, 03:43:08 PMI really like my hill styles he made me!

The first ASL I ever bought was Big River with your name on it , Mike. It was a good shooting bow.

Which one was that? if you decide ever to part w it let me know!

Ha, I should have probably kept it too! I killed an old busted up 3 point with it.  I don't remember the exact specs, but black glass and around 50lbs I think. 

I also have one of John's 21st clone, it's a great bow...smooth and fast as a scalded cat. Have always wondered why he never came up with a model name for it (other than generically calling it a '21st clone').  Figure it might have to do with the design originating from 21st Century bows, but in any case it's an excellent shooter.