Bear Montana Grip Leather Replacement?

[Bullet_Bob]

I got a Bear Montana today. I think I like it but never had a real bow before so it is hard to judge to others. But I don't like the grip leather. Is there any one out there that makes nice ones for the Montana?

[Dave Bulla]

Bob, you could probably do a real nice bang up job of it yourself.  Check the how to section or do a search here to see what you come up with.  I know for a fact there have been several pictorials in the past on how to install grip leather.

[ron w]

I have 2 Montanas and the factory leather grips do leave something to be desired. So I have been useing the rubber Sure grips and come to like them. I also put one on my Mahaska longbow.

[Jeremy]

I have plenty of leather for wrapping a grip and it's not that hard to do.

What type of leather are you looking for?  I have a few different colored deer skins that can be used smooth or suede side out.  Some split pigskin that's more durable than the suede deer, and some veggie-tanned calf and goat for a smooth tough as nails grip.

I've been sending the stuff out to folks for years now, so let me know what you're looking for and I'll send out enough for a wrap.

[Bakes168]

There's a video on 3Rivers website on how to do it. Check out the video that goes with this product,  http://www.3riversarchery.com/product.asp?i=6212

Zack

[Dave Bulla]

Just did a search on the words "grip leather" in "subject only" function and a bunch of topics come up.

Here's one that shows some REALLY nice grips.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=066956  

This one is more what you are doing as it shows a longbow grip.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=061338  

Several how to links in this one.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=048083  

Slightly different method for a longbow.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=042257

By the way, old purses or leather coats from a thrift store or yard sales are about the cheapest source of leather you will find.

[BowHuntingFool]

Bob, I replaced mine with a lace up piece from Mike's Archery Leather. He sells the kit on his site, mine came with 3 different pieces of leather, lace, 2 needles all that is needed to do it yourself! Very easy to do and looks and feels better than the grip thats come from the factory!

[Bakes168]

I forgot to add, the Montana is a great bow, I have one in 55#s.
You said that you have never had a real bow. My advice would be to not start to heavy. I know the lightest weight the Montana comes in is 45# and that is still too heavy for a beginner. You need to develope good form and build up strength first.
I shot my 55#er quite a bit last fall, even after I got tired I wouldn't quit. Now I'm paying for it, I have tendonosis and can't shoot a bow. This could take months or years to heal. It's a curse that I have to deal with now.

If your just starting, do yourself a favor. Store the Montana and buy a lighter bow, a max. of 40 pounds, and don't over-do it.

Zack