I am looking at a nice used PH that was custom made for one of our fine TG members.  

 The seller, who bought this bow subsequently, indicated that it has small stress cracks around the holes where the riser bolts to the limbs. He advised that this is routine on Herbs bows and isn't anything to be worried about.

Does this sound right, or should I be concerned at all?

Mine is a one piece and I honestly don't know. I'd call Herb, the bowyer (307)234-1824. He's a nice dude and he'll tell ya how it is. Might give him a couple hours though, it's pretty earlier in WY atm.

That will not hurt the bow. It is from cranking the limb bolts down too tight. They only need to be snug. Herb will tell you the same thing.

No. Mine is ten yrs old and no stress cracks that I have ever noticed. But I dought they would cause any problems. I agree though call and talk to Herb.

Talk to Herb. He specifically mentions cracking in his "care and feeding" points, due to cranking down too hard on the limb bolts.

Thanks for the quick feedback!

I've got one with two sets of limbs. They both have a small stress line at one of the limb bolts. I marked them and they don't increase in length, or affect the performance of the bow. It's not an issue.

Barry,

That happens all the time on three piece takedown bows, generally as a result of over-tightening the limb bolts, as others have said. I have some bows with the same sort of cracks. Every person I have ever talked to, including many bowyers, say that the cracks will not hurt the performance or cause any problems with the function of the bow, and I have not had any problems with my bows where the cracks have been present for years. I agree that this is not an issue except with the appearance of the limbs when they are removed from the riser.

Take care buddy,

Allan

I picked one up several years ago with the same issue. I am careful not to crank on the limb bolts the little stress cracks have never increased in length.

This bow shoots as well as all the other Pronghorns I have,

Call Herb he is a great Guy !!!

DD

Thanks again, you guys are the best!

You got all the right answers already. It is from over tightening the limb bolts. I just talked with Herb about this the other day. They don't need to be cranked as Tracy said. As for common no only if you mess up ha ha  its from improper assembly.