Need Bear Kodiak Special info?

[Car54]

Was just given a Kodiak Special bow(recurve) & need a string length for it? What kind of string?
The number on it is 20J205R, 69 inches, 48#(is this for 28 inches draw length)?
It has green color limbs(front & back).

Can I pull this bow up to 31.5 inches and not harm it?

Also,  What year was this bow made?
Thanks

[Car54]

Help please

[Mojostick]

A picture will help. Also try the collecting forum here. If olive green glass, it'd likely be a 1961KS or if sea foam green glass, it'd likely be a 1962KS. I believe I have a really nice string for a 69" KS. PM me if interested.
Assuming the limbs are fine, you should have no issue with a long draw.
Both the 1961KS and 1962KS are among the best bows to ever come out of Grayling.

   

[damascusdave]

With green glass belly and back that has to be a 1962...I cannot imagine a better bow for someone with a 31.5 inch draw than a 69 inch KS...my 61, 62 and 63 Kodiak Specials are all 66 inches and they shoot great at 31 inches...that bow was top of the line for Bear in 1962 and is Brazilian rosewood which is no longer exported

DDave

[damascusdave]

Those bows are pretty much right on the marked weight at 28 inches and 2 pounds per inch after that so at 31.5 it will be 55 to 57 pounds...the tips on that bow are plenty tough for a padded loop low strand count fast fight string...you would be amazed at how fast and quiet that 51 year old bow is with a modern string

DDave

[Mojostick]

The 61KS has olive green, back and belly.

[Car54]

Mojo..that's it, "1962"...thanks for the pic.

Damascus & Mojo, thank you both for the info that y'all have provided.

The bow has a small indention above the plastic stick on rest, should I put some glue(or something)in it?  Its just a slight ding but don't want water to damage the bow.

Also, sorry for so many questions), can I shoot off the shelf?

Again, Thanks guys.

[damascusdave]

I shoot both my 61 and 63 off the shelf so no reason it would not work with a 62...I believe those bows left the factory wearing a feather rest so one of Traps is another option...I really like them on my 1960 Kodiaks and my 61 had the remains of an original one on it when I bought it

DDave

[damascusdave]

A drop of white glue that dries clear in that dent might be a good idea...it will be barely noticeable once it dries...and BTW we old Bear guys live to share what we have learned...take a look at some of the old threads in the History and Collecting section

DDave

[Car54]

Dave...that feather rest thing sounds like a good idea.  How do I contact this Trap guy?

Thanks for the glue idea & History section.

[damascusdave]

Just do a search for his username, Trap...send him a private message or email and he will get back to you...and BTW he is a very knowledgeable Bear collector

DDave

[damascusdave]

Oops...better make that search for TRAP...all uppercase letters

DDave

[Broke N Arrow]

I have a 59 kodiak special 64inch at 42lbs..it has cream colored limbs...I put a 12 strand flemish string on it and it shoots great..just had it refinished and it looks great too..its one of my most favorite bows..just fun to shoot and dead on... found it in a second hand store for $125..whatta find..

[Broke N Arrow]

If its a 69" bow u need a 65" string..and I would put a dacron flemish string on it and NOT a fast flight..there is too much shock with fast flight strings and that bow was not designed for that..u could damage it down the road..u don't gain hardly anything with fast flight anyway..not worth the risk..