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Shedrock, that's quite a spread for bow lengths. Can I ask what your draw length is, and whether you see much difference in stack or finger pinch between your different Pronghorns? I'm not against longer bows (I'm partial to Howard Hills...maybe the king of 'long bows') but for a Pronghorn I'm hoping to get by with as short as I can for my 28" draw...without sacrificing smoothness of draw.
Posts: 1781 | From: Maine | Registered: Apr 2003
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Tony, If the bow is made for a 28" draw, it shouldn't stack until after 28". One of the benifits of a custom made bow is that it won't (I should probably say shouldn't) stack until just after you reach your draw length. Finger pinch is another story and that is determined by the angle that the string comes off the nock of the arrow t full draw. And that is determined by your draw length and the length of the bow nock to nock.
Pronghorns are great bows. Good luck finding the one you're looking for.
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Thanks for the feedback, Craig. I did finally find a bow, in fact it just arrived today (58"). Turns out the length isn't an issue for either stack or pinch, it shoots fine at my draw length (even though tillered for 27") and is actually a 1/2" shorter when strung than is my 58" Super Shrew. The grip section on this one is amazingly short (apparently made for a small hand) but like a Hill still lends itself to a firm hold, which I prefer. Nice and quiet, very smooth and throws an arrow surprisingly quick for the poundage (around 48# at my draw).
You're right, Pronghorn's are nice little bows. I like this one.
Posts: 1781 | From: Maine | Registered: Apr 2003
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I think this might be the bow your talking about? If so when I ordered the bow I was only drawing a little over 27". After some learning curve I now pull 29". The bow does have a dainty little grip, but I think most of the Pronghorns have a slim grip. This bow had some of the best looking Osage I've seen. I orderd this one as the all Osage model, cores and all. A very very nice bow, it just didn't fit me, enjoy your new bow! She is a beauty!
-------------------- Sierra Blanca/Rocky Mountain Recurve 50"56#@27"
MOLON LABE Posts: 1145 | From: Fair Grove Missouri | Registered: Aug 2007
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Yup, thats the bow, Ryan! I appreciate you chiming in here, it's always nice to hear from a prior owner.
Actually, I had seen these same pics in your post on another site and recognized that the sideplate was the same as the pic that my seller had on the bow...so I knew it was yours (I could also say I have ESP...but your name's on the bow too, lol).
Love the bow...except for two things. The shape of the Pronghorn grip is excellent but lengthwise the grip on this one is very short from edge of shelf down to the top of the limb, only about 3.25". The riser is 13" long, which also seems shorter than other Pronghorns I've seen. The short grip length isn't a problem for those with small hands or who use a 'web' (recurve) hold, but it's pretty tight for using the Hill-style full hand hold that I like. I can do it though, and the bow does shoot like a dream...super smooth and quiet. No stack for me and its just about as fast as my 58" Super Shrew, which is a little more poundage. In fact the bows feel remarkably similar in the draw.
The other 'dislike' is actually a head-scratcher for me....the limbs are nice and bright like your pics but the riser color seems to have turned from bright yellow to a faded 'milky brown', as if the finish was affected by something that was put on it. Had hoped it would morph into that nice rich darkened amber color that Osage usually gets. I might contact Herb Meland to see if he can shed some like on why the milky tone happened, and maybe he can offer a cure.
Anyway, it's definately a well-made, sweet little bow and should be very nice for the turkey blind and ground/treestand hunting in tight quarters (which is 90% of my setups).
Posts: 1781 | From: Maine | Registered: Apr 2003
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Well this is my first post. I just wanted to say that I have 3 of Herbs bows and I have truly enjoyed shooting them. My most recent is a 62" TD. I can say that I have been shooting it as much as I can since I got it. I have another TD and a one piece. I don't shoot the one piece much any more so I may let that one go. I never get any stack or pinch from the 60". I will still hunt with the 60" take down but for just pleasure shooting I have sure enjoyed my new one.
-------------------- Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Posts: 20 | From: Casper, Wyoming | Registered: Jan 2008
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WA, thanks for the input and welcome to the talking end of TradGang.
I've shot a 62"er before and it shot very nice. Still, this little 58'er should offer some benefits for hunting. I guess you could say it'll be a pleasure hunting bow for me.
Good luck with yours.
Posts: 1781 | From: Maine | Registered: Apr 2003
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I draw 28-28.5 and have bows in both lengths. Both great, but I recommend the 60" length.
Posts: 217 | From: North Dakota | Registered: Dec 2006
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When I started shooting a long bow I would never have guessed that I would want more than one and then use more then one. Well guess what. I'm glad that my wife is on board with the fun it brings. I am yet to bring home any game with them, but this too will change. Maybe this year. <><
-------------------- Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Posts: 20 | From: Casper, Wyoming | Registered: Jan 2008
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I Just purchased a used Pronghorn from an archery dealer in Colorado. It should arrive tomorrow. It is a take down 64". I draw just a hair over 30" and am looking forward to putting her to the test. It's great to hear all the encouraging words about Mr. Melands bows.
-------------------- Remember your most important vitiman....B positive. Posts: 37 | From: Michigan | Registered: Oct 2009
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