Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Winterhawk1960 on February 06, 2010, 11:10:00 PM
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My name is finally up on Norm's list. Last January when I paid the deposit, I was going to get myself an Elite. But, I talked with Norm and changed it to a Snakebit.
I talked with Norm last evening, and finalized my choices. I am getting a 64" bow with the gaboon ebony/snakewood riser with purpleheart accents, in both the riser and tips. The limbs will be a flame myrtle with lots of burl and knots.
The only thing that I am even remotely unsure about is whether to get the satin finish, or the gloss finish. Looking at the pictures on his website, it seems to me that the beauty of the wood is enhanced or deepened by the gloss finish, more so than with the satin finish.
What would you do, if it were you.......and why would you make that choice???
Norm said that my bow is in the next batch of bows to be built and they should all be done by the middle of March. He's gonna start cutting the wood on Monday, so I have a little time to make my choice on the finish.
Winterhawk1960
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I had one (elite) and had the satin finish, but if it was me and it was a snakebit I would still choose satin because of the shine off the bow in bright sun, may not make a diff. but thats just what I like. And his satin does look good.
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I would get the gloss because you like it the best.I agree it will look the best.Just get some of thoes spandex limb covers for hunting.They will protect the limbs from scratches anyway.
You don't buy a fancy Snakebit Blacktail to be a throw around hunting bow.You buy it to enjoy it's beauty.
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My Lord, it's gonna be purdy! You could paint Norms bows with hair spray and they would look good. Enjoy it. They are shooters.
Oh, I vote gloss. If I am going to buy a work of art, I want it to shine.
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Having seen both the gloss and the satin at the Traditional Archers of Oregon banquet just a week ago, I would go for the gloss on one of Norm's bows. The gloss really brings out the beauty and craftsmanship of his work, and if I was to pay that much I would want it to look purdy! For hunting season put paste wax on the bow and not buff it off. Or like Randy said, some limb covers.
My 2 cents.
RonP
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Winterhawk,
congrats for choosing a blacktail. You will never regret it!
I love the satin finish at my blacktail. Less reflections as with the gloss finish. Better looking at the woods. IMHO.
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The satin still shows the look of the bow.It wont show marks as much and if you want to hunt with it i think you would do better with the satin.I dont think you would do wrong ether way.
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My Snakebit is the most beautiful bow made -- and then some!!!!! I like the satin better. I don't like my bow to look like an old Weatherby stock with the flashy finish. Just think about what a classic oil finish looks like. It is not glossy. The satin lets the wood look like wood, not plastic. I got tiger striped myrtle and two sets of limbs. Norm is the best at turning bow building into an art form, and his bows are truly works of art.
Allan
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Dang, it is a "mixed bag"......and sounds a lot like the "internal discussions" that I have been having with myself. :help: :banghead:
Winterhawk1960
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Don,
If I was to hunt with this bow no question the satin is the way to go. If it is only for 3d's the gloss would make women weak and strong men cry.
(Disclaimer) no offense to any women as we know they are not weak.
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My thoughts!!!!. Get the gloss. Then if you don't like it for the hunting season, a nice coat of wax, not buffed, wala....simi satin for the season and a protective coat to boot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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As everyone else has already stated, if you're going to use it for hunting, I'd go with the satin. I've still got about 6 months to wait for mine, Elite VL, and I went with the satin. Can't wait!!
-Mack
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norm's bows are works of art and he's a great feller to boot!
satin or gloss? purely cosmetic and purely subjective. oh the agony of deciding!
like the old ford cars of way yesteryear, one of the neat things about mohawks is that you can have any finish you like as long as you choose a fuller plast matte finish. :D works for me, my 'hawk is a tool made for a job that takes it into some nasty terrain.
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Don,
If you look on Norms site under the Elite VL pics you will see my bow, Gaboon ebony riser footed with cocobolo and yew vaneer limbs, gloss finish. It is beautiful. That being said,the satin is just as good. I have noticed that any mark will show up more on the gloss than the satin. As said purley subjective.
Danny
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My first one from Norm in '93 was satin and the one I have on order will be satin finish. I just prefer it for hunting.
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How are you going to use this bow? Just target and tournament shoots? Or is this going to be a hunter? If you are hunting with it I would go with the satin so as not to be reflective of light. But heck, get it with the gloss finish to show off the depth and beauty of the wood...then order another one to hunt with!!! Congrats on getting a Blacktail!
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I'm a big fan of Norms bows. Fantastic bows and a stand up guy. I have several of them all in satin. It is purely a matter of personal preference and as Snag said the satin is probably a better choice for hunting. Really can't go wrong either way.
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A lot of interesting and thought provoking comments. Guys, I am going to hunt with this bow. It would indeed be a shame (to me at least) to have a bow that never loosed an arrow at an animal.
Originally, I was thinking a satin finish. Then I looked at the pictures of the gloss finish and was really impressed. Now I'm kinda leaning back towards the satin finish again. This bow will, I'm sure.......shoot a few arrows at 3D shoots and the like but it WILL be hunted with.
A bow is a tool, and to me....it is a tool that I will utilize in every legal means possible to do so.
Tom and Danny, you have addressed my main concerns with the gloss finish and it's showing of the least little marks. I remember when I was younger and getting a "wild hair"......I stripped down an older Chevy that I had and painted her black. Dang, she looked good......but she sure showed every little imperfection that she had. I love pretty, shiny things but the fact of the matter is.....she will show her scars much more with a gloss finish.
I'm thinking I oughta get her in a satin finish, which from looking at Norms website looks pretty darn good......at least to me.
snag........I really like the way that you think, and if the grip suits me (I'm getting the standard/medium grip) I am quite sure that in the future there will be another added to my rack.
Now if I don't change my mind again :saywhat: I'll be set.
Winterhawk1960
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Don,
I used the spandex limbskins on my Widow this fall. It made a huge difference in not only protection but it deadens any noise from anything that may hit it. I now consider them a must for any bow in the woods and would personally not worry about color or finish because of hunting. A $15 investment to protect your bow in the woods is nothing compared to the cost of any bow.
Bic
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Gloss/paste wax/buff after season.
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Norm just had asnakewood /ebony riser for a take down on diplay at our annualTraditional Archers of Oregon banquet,and it was by far the most beutiful bow riser I have ever layed my hands and eyes on.It had the gloss finish on it and I think the satin would be better for hunting.You could see you reflection in the ebony and that snake woo is truely awesome.Congrats ,that bow will be drooled on by you colleagues.Chanumpa
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I saw a snake bite up close last weekend as Norm was set up next to me at the Traditional Archer's of Oregon Banquet and Expo.
The gloss is so nice, I don't know if I would want to shoot it. I mean they are a thing of beauty.
Paul
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Ya gonna' "look at it" or "hunt with it" :wavey:
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Winterhawk, Norm's checkering is a worthwhile addition. The Snakebit that Norm made for me brings me great joy...I wish this for you as well. If you are like me you will wake up each morning and just have to go look at it! I was like a kid Christmas morning for over a month. Love to see some pics when you receive it.
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I am waiting for mine,it is 13 months now.I want the gloss finish and for hunting?Well I use the other 2 Blacktail VL I get.LOL.
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Myself, I just like the looks of a sation bow. You could always flip a coin! ;)
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The one's that I had were satin finished. They were gorgeous. The satin didn't hide the woods in Norm's bows.
Kyle
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Get whatever finish that turns you on. I put limbskins on my Blacktails for hunting. you'll love that bow!
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How about a Semi-Gloss finish? Norm did a bow that way for me.
The gloss finish is sure fine looking!
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Well..........I spoke with Norm this past weekend and the final payment on my Snakebit has been made. He is heading to the PBS Banquet in Nashville today and won't be back home until March 28th.
My bow should be shipped out around the 30th of March and "hopefully" arrive here in West Virginia either on Good Friday, or the day before Easter.
There aint gonna be anything better than a present from the "Oregon Easter Bunny".
Stay tuned for a picture or two, after it arrives.
Winterhawk1960
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Don't listen to them. Go for the beauty of gloss and dull it up to hunt with limbskins or paste wax. It would be a no brainer for me.
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Don, looking forward to pics of your new Blacktail.
That snakewood is something special.
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...tick, tick, tick...man, time goes slow sometimes.... :biglaugh: Can't wait to see it!
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That puts me one bow closer! I should be in May according to Norm.
D.P.
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Only a week away now..........
............tick..................
.............tock.................
..............tick................
...............tock...............
:bigsmyl: :banghead: :banghead:
Winterhawk1960
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I'm getting anxious to see it too! Another Blacktail Snakebit is born from the shop of Norm Johnson. Can we have a moment of silence? :thumbsup:
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i been silent untill now it's not a snakebit but it is glossy and ablacktail
(http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz92/wwbtrad/stevesfolder3079.jpg)
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What is the wood Wisconsin?
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I made my order with Norm in July. Have any clue when I will be?
Ordered the Snakebit. Snakewood, Bocote, and Ebony. Yummy
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This will be one to watch in the coming week!
I'm very much looking forward to seeing that flame myrtle! droool
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Migra Bill.......I sent you a PM.
Winterhawk1960
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snag she's bacote top to bottom
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You guys are killing me! So, guys what draw length and weight are you shooting? Hope it is in my draw length and weight just in case I see them up for sale someday... :pray:
Love Bacote.
Bill, you might "get the call" in October...maybe.
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Don,
My Blacktail has a satin finish, I take her out twice a week at least and my grip has become glossy so I got both now. :archer:
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Bill,I ordered mine SB in December 08,Norm just told me it will be ready with in 15 days.He also told me to have some gorgeous snake wood,like he never had before.LOL
Snag:mine are 61-61 and the SB will be 55#?
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Perfect Cacciatore! I'll be watching... :thumbsup:
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My bow is 64" and is 45# @ 29".......I can't wait to get it in my hands.
Winterhawk1960
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Get the gloss. That way you're covered no matter what. When you hunt with it, use limb covers. When you just want to oogle it, or show it off, just take the covers off.
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(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/snag23/DSC01197-1.jpg)
Here is a pic of the satin. (Snakebit-wenge footing, leopard wood limb veneers footed with snakewood). I think the satin shows off the wood pretty nicely.
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Yes,satin looks great but to be competely covered now you need a gloss one,just in case!!!!
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Tick........Tock.........Tick..........Tock
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Winterhawk1960
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My bow is leaving Oregon and headed for West Virginia today...... :goldtooth: :jumper: :jumper:
Winterhawk1960
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Didn't you hear? The mail service is on strike......haha
Oh boy! The unveiling is close now. :thumbsup:
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I love my snakebit as well. I have the satin finish. I am selling though because I just have too many bows. I am sure you will love yours.. LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS
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...selling?....how much?.... :saywhat:
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snag that wenge really shows off the snakepattern
i also heard the west V zip codes were repealed and all of norms bows are headed to wisconsin tic...tic......
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LOL.......Steve
I'm REALLY hoping that it comes tomorrow, because I have to work on Friday and there won't be anyone home to sign for it. :bigsmyl:
It surely will make for a looooooooooooooooooong day at work on Friday though. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Winterhawk1960
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Snag you sure have a Beautiful Bow,if it shoots anywhere as good as it looks you can't Miss,
Kurt
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Don,I still Love the Hummingbird I got from ya,Hope you get a Beautiful Bow like Snag's,and it shoots as good as it looks,Good Luck,We'll be looking for the Pic's,
Kurt
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Dang.......Kurt, you had to go and remind me again. I shoulda held onto that one. Just remember, if'n she ever goes anywhere....PLEASE let me have first dibs.
Winterhawk1960
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Don post picts when you can. Norm is the finest of the finest when it comes to craftsmanship.
Do you still have the Crow Creek?
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TJ,
Yes.......I still have the Blackfeather, it isn't going anywhere. That was my "college graduation present"......to myself. I also shoot it fairly well, and one of these days pretty soon I'm gonna have Elmer build me another set of limbs for her. She's a "keeper".
Winterhawk1960
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Well...........the mailman has gone for the day. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Sometimes I think if it wasn't for "bad luck" I wouldn't have ANY luck at all.
Winterhawk1960
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You guys do know that it is "April Fools Day" don't ya ????
Here's a little peek.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040581.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040586.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040591.jpg)
Winterhawk1960
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More to follow.....after I take the "better half" out to supper.
Winterhawk1960
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You tease!!!! Looking good so far...
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Originally posted by Winterhawk1960:
TJ,
Yes.......I still have the Blackfeather, it isn't going anywhere. That was my "college graduation present"......to myself. I also shoot it fairly well, and one of these days pretty soon I'm gonna have Elmer build me another set of limbs for her. She's a "keeper".
Winterhawk1960
Snag's right, that's just wrong on so many levels.
You better get those extra limbs from Elmer now bro, talked to him the other day and he's pondering retirement. Must be something in the air with these bowyers.
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O.K. here's a few more........I didn't have very much time to take any real detailed pictures. But I think you can get a pretty good idea of Norms craftsmanship. I am absolutely tickled to death with the bow and the whole transaction with him.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040592.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040603.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040602.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040601.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040606.jpg)
Winterhawk1960
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A few more..........
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040593.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040595.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040596.jpg)
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1040598.jpg)
Winterhawk1960
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I really like the Snakewood in the grip area! Beautiful! I need to post pictures of my Snakebit. It is spectacular with the Tiger Myrtle. I do have to say that your Snakewood at the grip looks at least as good as any I have ever seen. Congratulations.
Allan
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Holy Cow!! That is nice. Amazing wood choices, I love all the character in the maple and the snakewood well that's just beautiful. Enjoy it, looks like it was well worth the wait.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Beautiful bow Don!!!! I can't wait to meet her. :thumbsup: :archer:
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Yowzer!!!! That is just too darn purty!!
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I do see one thing that just isn't right...the poundage! If you ever want to sell it I can't buy it!!!! :thumbsup:
Seriously, that is a beauty! Great piece of snakewood, great limb veneers...another masterpiece by Mr. Johnson.
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Stunning,most modern bows are really works of art,but the Snakebit sets a new level.Mine is on the finish room,ready to ship on Tuesday.
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No one's wood work is better than Norm's! Gorgeous bow, beautiful pieces of wood.
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GORGEUSE!!!!
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Beautiful bow Don- hope to see it at ATAR this year.
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wow that bow just glows
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Great looking bow! :clapper: Since Norm's bows are cut 3/16" past center, you'll be able to shoot a variety of differently spined arrows from light to heavy.
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Man i want one of those really bad!!!!!
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And just to ice that cake, he's got a really pretty Prickly Curve coming from me!
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Wow! I hope the snakewood in mine (that I ordered in July) will look as good as yours does. Snakewood always looks great - but yours looks unreal!
Congrats.
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Great looking bow ! I still have five months or so for mine. Enjoy it.Thats a fine piece of workmanship. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Wow that is nice!! :eek:
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Hey Don, nice bow, but it doesn't look right for you! I will stop by this weekend and take it off your hands. LOL
Doug
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Originally posted by JC:
No one's wood work is better than Norm's! Gorgeous bow, beautiful pieces of wood.
AMEN
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LOL........Doug
You can stop by and give it a "test drive", it would be nice to see you again after all these years......BUT......it has found a home here with me.
Thanks for the kudo's guys.......I am a little "proud" of her, and hope to make my very first traditional kill with it this fall.
Winterhawk1960
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Very good looking bow!
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nice bow.
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WOW! Beautiful Bow! I can't wait to meet her.
Bic