Bowyers - What / Who's bows do you shoot??

[Over&Under]

Just curious if there are any Bowyers out there that shoot bows other than one of their own making?  And if so. what??

Thanks
Jake

[Steve O]

Jake,

We have quite a few great bowyers here in Michigan.  I've seen them shooting bows their friends (other great bowyers) have made for them at shoots.  Also, I've seen quite a few bring out some of their old Bear's when we shoot up in Grayling.  You'll see them checking each others stuff out at Kalamazoo and Compton too if you are around after hours.  Kind of like dogs sniffing fore hydrants  

[Over&Under]

Steve

I have always wanted to make it to one of the big trad rendavous and when I do, I will have to hang around to see THAT...LOL!!

It only makes sense though, as there is no doubt some mutual respect being tossed around a bit...

[Steve O]

Lots of guys come to Compton in June from Colorado...it is worth the trip!

[Holm-Made]

I don't own a bow anymore that I didn't make.  I have bought a few used ones here or there and they just sit on the rack so I sold them. Many were great bows but I just enjoy shooting mine more as they are part of me and what I do.  When you build a bow yourself it just feels comfortable and at home in your hand I guess.  Chad

[legends1]

I own only one bow that isnt something i built.It is a Tim Meiges long bow.Im a recurve shooter and dont make long bows.But i do own that one.Tim is a old friend who got me started in bow building.I shot Tim's recurve bows for years before i started shooting my own.Now i build a bow with all the things in that i like,so i shoot my own.

[Over&Under]

Thought I would bring this back up ttt and see what other comments you bowyers have on the subject, have enjoyed them so far.

Jake

[Sixby]

There are a lot of great bows out there but if I didn't believe my own bows are the best then I would stop making them. I have shot bows and owned bows by most builders and every one of the well known builders build good bows. Some build great bows.
However , I do not own a bow right now that I did not build. I would like to get one of Gino Bruno's bows someday but he does not sell them. If he ever does I will have to save some pennys.

[Apex Predator]

I've had a few classics since I started building, but currently own only one that I didn't make.  It was made by a guy in Wisconsin.  The classics were a Great Northern Ghost, a Howatt Hi-speed, and a Bear Grizzly.

[Bob L.]

Apex,
That bow from Wisconsin sure is pretty.Did you put a Flemish B50 on it?

[Apex Predator]

I did, and she is much quieter for me.  I was shooting her just this morning.  I plan to kill something with it soon.

[Jason Kendall]

I have shot lot's of other bowyers bows but I dont own any. I dont build recurves yet so I still wouldnt mind getting one to shoot from time to time, I had a 56" morrison and it was a sweet shooter but I couldnt bring myself to hunt with someone elses craft so I sold it.  

[Rick P]

I own several bear bows and shoot/hunt with them regularly. I'm still working on my craft and am no ware near arrogant enough to think I'm on the same scale as the designers at Bear archery during the 50-60s.

[Dmaxshawn]

The only bow I have that isnt made in my shop is by Jack Kempf and it will never be for sale.  Its still fun to shoot the bow you learned on.

Shawn

[Over&Under]

Thanks Gentleman.  Its interesting to see the different views.  I can certainly understand that a guy would want to shoot and hunt with a bow of his own making, kinda like catching fish with the flies you tied, it brings a great feeling of satisfaction!

[Bowana]

I only shoot my own bows. But, if I were to shoot a bow other than my own it would be an Apex Predator.

[wingnut]

Well let me see:

JD Jones         yew R/D bamboo backed
Mickey Lotz      selfbow
Joe Mattingly    3 selfbows
Dano             selfbow
Brad Merkle      static tipped selfbow
Rusty Craine     selfbow
Dean Torges      BBO


Mike

[BowHuntingFool]

Originally posted by Apex Predator:
I've had a few classics since I started building, but currently own only one that I didn't make.  It was made by a guy in Wisconsin.  The classics were a Great Northern Ghost, a Howatt Hi-speed, and a Bear Grizzly.

Apex, got a picture of that bow the guy from Wisconsin made??

[Mike Mecredy]

Aside from the ones I build,  I have an old Indian Seneca 50# @ 28" I shoot it alot.  A left handed Shakespear Neceda  40# @ 28",  a 60" Robertson Stykbow Perigrene, 60# @ 28".  

Bows I really enjoyed shooting at expos and such, Owl Bows by Ed Scott, I like the Preditor Hunter Recurve, the Chapparel longbows.  

Old bows I've tried, Anything by Ben Pearson but the Cougar, Palomino, or Mustang in particular are great.  I like anything by bear except the 48" recurves, they don't like me.

[Dano]

I'm a wanna be bowyer but, I shoot my Dryad Orion exclusively, and occasionally I dust off one of many friends bows.