Does anyone own, or have experience with the Ben Pearson Ol' Ben 5000 longbow? Any idea when this model was made? Any info would be appreciated!
  Thanks!

My first longbow was an Ol Ben.
My experience with it almost broke me from shooting longbows.
I'm sure there are others that have had better experiences.

I've always wanted to try one. Saw a 50# advertised on an auction just recently but because of finances haven't followed what it went for.
I would say they are collectable.

$128.58.

And probably a good purchase. Shipping was even reasonable.

go here and click on Ben Pearson Bows:
http://www.archeryarchives.com/Pearsonb.html

They were made 1984 to 1994 from this data. Few different versions so you might be able to hone in on year by length of bow, weights, description, etc.
Interesting point is that in 1986, the only traditional bow in the catalog was an "Ol'Ben"!!

I have a lefty for sale 66" 60#@28" for any one interested.PM

Great info and site, Thanks!