Trad Gang

Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: rwbowman on May 01, 2014, 08:22:00 PM

Title: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 01, 2014, 08:22:00 PM
So an associate of mine who shoots at the indoor range where I shoot has been trying to sell me this bow for a while. I finally bit the bullet and bought it from him today. Its a 58 inch, 45 pounds at 28 inches, bear grizzly, labeled with grayling Michigan. I was wondering if anyone could offer any information regarding the year this bow was made based on this serial number. Thank you in advance.
 (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/data/500/medium/20140501_190754.jpg)
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: dbd870 on May 01, 2014, 08:32:00 PM
Unfortunately the serial number won't be very helpful. Does it have the 1953 date on the limb? Post up a pic of the medalion as well. It's going to be a 70's bow getting the exact year is going to be a problem
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Jack Shanks on May 01, 2014, 09:32:00 PM
1973-76 The 76 model would have originally come with a Bear weather rest.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 01, 2014, 10:49:00 PM
Sorry these keep coming in sideways.
No 1953 date on the limbs. The medallion is silver.
 (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/data/500/medium/20140501_214510.jpg)
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: dbd870 on May 02, 2014, 07:23:00 AM
Agree with Jack - not going to be able to get any closer than that.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 02, 2014, 08:43:00 AM
Thanks guys!
Will denatured alcohol hurt anything if I want to clean the old tape residue off of it? The guy I got it from said the tape was from when the bow was originally sold and the string was taped to the fadeout (first picture).
I'm also looking around to find out what might be recommended for brace height. I twisted up a B-50 string for this gem last night and it is still stretching, but am wondering what a good brace range would be.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: warpedarrow on May 02, 2014, 09:20:00 AM
I use denatured alcohol to clean up nearly every bow that I buy.  It is amazing how much crud will come off of even a clean looking fifty year old bow.  I follow up with a good polishing using Meguiars wax.  I bought an old "Halloween" Alaskan awhile back that looked as if someone had stored it in coal bin.  Twenty minutes of elbow grease and it was shiny and new looking and fit to hang on the display rack.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Jack Shanks on May 02, 2014, 09:23:00 AM
Acetone, Goo-Gone or Goof off will remove tape residue. 8" is a good starting point for brace height on the Grizzlies.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 02, 2014, 09:41:00 AM
Thank you guys! I love this bar!
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: dbd870 on May 02, 2014, 10:17:00 AM
Have 2, early 70's. They get real happy right around 8"
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: wadde on May 02, 2014, 10:53:00 PM
Be careful if you use Acetone. I would recommend using Goof Off. Acetone in concentrated form will hurt the original varnish finish.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: 59Alaskan on May 02, 2014, 11:29:00 PM
those mid 1970's Grizzlys are sweet bows.  Congrats!  Those bows are made to "git er done"!  

Enjoy!  That is a "bomb proof" bow that is made to take game.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 03, 2014, 11:56:00 AM
well I took her to the indoor range yesterday and this bow is truly a shooter. it's probably the most consistent bow I've ever shot, or at least the most controllable one piece bow I've ever shot. I cleaned it up with denatured alcohol and waxed it up as well. Awesome bow for sure!
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Frank V on May 04, 2014, 09:23:00 PM
I'm not much help in dating, but I shoot a 1970 Grizzly & really like it. I didn't get an Elk or Deer with it last year but did get a nice Grouse for the pot.
  Keep that Grizzly, you'll like it.

OH YES CONGRATULATIONS!!!   :clapper:
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 04, 2014, 11:24:00 PM
Maybe one more question. I twisted up a twelve strand B-50 string for the new bow, but I'm wondering if a ten strand would be sufficient with the loops padded to twelve. I ask because my nocks are fitting a bit more snug than I usually like.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Frank V on May 05, 2014, 08:55:00 AM
Another possible soulution might be to serve your string with a thinner serving?
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 06, 2014, 08:53:00 AM
Good point Frank. Thanks!
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Frank V on May 06, 2014, 09:06:00 AM
:thumbsup:  

You are welcome.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: ozzy1977 on May 06, 2014, 11:52:00 AM
I got one of those a couple of months back, best dating I could come up with is between 1972 and 1978
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 08, 2014, 02:57:00 PM
Another friend just gave me a 55# to go with this one!
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: dhermon85 on May 09, 2014, 10:04:00 PM
Lucky dog, my '69 Grizzly has became a fast favorite lately. It just works. I'd like to try a heavier poundage one sometime just to see.....
Not to high jack, but are 60s-70s grizzly more rare above 50#?
Or any 'older' Bears for that matter?
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Frank V on May 10, 2014, 11:18:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by rwbowman:
Another friend just gave me a 55# to go with this one!
:clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 12, 2014, 02:30:00 PM
The 55#'er has a slight twist in the lower limb, so I'm not going to be shooting it anytime soon. When I showed up at the range to pick it up from another friend of mine who the bow had been left with, he'd already strung it and shot it. He's new to trad and doesn't quite understand the potential risks of shooting a bow that has a slightly twisted limb.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Frank V on May 12, 2014, 02:44:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by rwbowman:
The 55#'er has a slight twist in the lower limb, so I'm not going to be shooting it anytime soon. When I showed up at the range to pick it up from another friend of mine who the bow had been left with, he'd already strung it and shot it. He's new to trad and doesn't quite understand the potential risks of shooting a bow that has a slightly twisted limb.
I;ve straightened limbs with a slight twist by gently twisting in the other direction several times. Might have to do it a number of times,, but you usually can get it.
Good luck.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Jon Stewart on May 12, 2014, 04:19:00 PM
Must be Grizzlies are on the loose.  I picked up one yesterday at a yard sale for $50.00.  It is a nice looking 1968, 52# .  A little too heavy for me though.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Frank V on May 12, 2014, 06:17:00 PM
Wow, nice catch.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: dhermon85 on May 12, 2014, 08:41:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Frank V:
Wow, nice catch.
X2
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: Jon Stewart on May 12, 2014, 08:46:00 PM
I found it odd that it was sitting on the guys deck at 130 in the afternoon. He lived in more of a fishing town and on a trout stream.  We were coming home from my mother in laws (mothers day) and stopped at the sale just to take a break.  He said that I was only the third person that stopped all day.  Guess the other two guys didn't bow hunt.

He also had an older static Bear with a patent applied for sticker on it. That one didn't interest me so I didn't ask the price.
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: rwbowman on May 13, 2014, 09:50:00 AM
Yeah Frank, I've been twisting on it but afraid to cause damage. I'll give it a bit more work. Hopefully I can straighten it out.

Way to score Jon!
Title: Re: New to me Bear Grizzly...?
Post by: damascusdave on May 14, 2014, 01:48:00 PM
I shoot a couple of older Bears with a fair amount of limb twist all the time...I am convinced that limb twist is not all that harmful to the shooting qualities of a bow...I finally gave up trying to massage out the twist

DDave