Fred bear montana longbow?

[Rabbit Stew]

Since I started archery 2 years ago ive been using recurves but would like to try a longbow. I am currently using a 45# bear grizzly recurve. Im looking into a 45# fred bear montana longbow from 3rivers for christmas. Would this bow be adaquate for deer? Would it work for someone who has never shot a longbow before? Thanks.

[Lin Rhea]

I just bought one myself to use on Whitetails and hogs. It's my first in the way of traditional archery. I'm looking forward to hearing from those who have used this bow. Lin

[DeerSpotter]

For a production bow it is a pretty decent bow, for Whitetail the 45# will be more than enough.  For hogs it maybe a different story, they have little tougher hide, but I do know that there are some on here that do hunt hogs with that poundage.  15 or 20 yd. probably no trouble, but if you get beyond that with hogs because of their tough hide you may have problems.

Other than that it is a very smooth bow, the one thing you don't want to do is over bow yourself.  And that particular bow is popular, so when you do want to go to a custom bow, that one will be easier to sell.

Carl

[VinnieB]

i have one and love it. it took a lil time to get used to but now it just feels natural. very smooth and accurate

[Dave Bulla]

Well, to me the Martin Savanah longbow is a much better built bow.  It's about the same price but if you put the two side by side there is no comparison for finishing details like nocks (especially nocks), fades, grip, design and finish.

If it were me, there would be no comparison.

If you have a Cabellas near you, they usually have both bows on the rack.

[TheArc]

Ditto on Dave's comment. The Montana I shot was OK with a heavy arrow but overall a distant second to my 45#@28 Savannah.

[portugeejn]

I've read many good things about the Montana, especially as a good inexpensive starter longbow.  I was able to handle one at Cabela's last week, and I thought the grip was quite blocky feeling.  I do like the "D" shape Montana.

I own a Savannah, and it is a good shooting bow.  But according to the 3 Rivers site, it goes for $170 more than the Montana, so cost could be an issue.  It probably is worth the extra, because it is well made.  But if your budget is fixed at the Montana price, the only option would be a used Savannah.

RonP

[dino]

Ditto the the comments above.  The montana is a block.  They can be made a little better by shaving down the tips and reforming the handle.  In your shoes I would spend the little extra on the Martin Savanah.  Pretty sweet shootin' bow for the money and much better made. dino

[GingivitisKahn]

At 3R, the Bear bow is $290 vs 460 for the Martin one.  I'm not sure that qualifies as "about the same price" but is the Martin one $170 better than the Bear one?

I may be in the market at some point as well so I'm curious too.

[Shaun]

There is a MOAB and a Horne Brush bow in the TG classifieds that are both less than the new Martin and about as fine a longbows as are made. The 45# Bear Montana is a decent bow and will have good resale value if you decide you like longbows and want to move up to a great one. Good idea to get the 45# draw - plenty for hunting and much easier to learn on.

[Dave Bulla]

Hmmm, didn't realize there was that much price difference.  Does Bear make another longbow besides the Montana?  I'm pretty certain the one I looked at in Cabellas was like $409 or thereabouts and it was grey laminate handle, black glass and the monster clunky tips that I associate with the Montana.  Maybe it was another model?

Another way to look at the Montana that I've heard on here is to think of it as a "kit" bow.  Buy it and plan on filing down the tips, reshaping the grip and may be the shelf a little then refinish it yourself and you have a real nice bow.  I don't know if it's worth the time to money savings but for someone on a budget who has the ability it's certainly an option.  I've handled one Montana that the owner did this to and it was a real sweet bow.

Just off the shelf though, the Savanah is a far better finished bow.

[MWhitehair]

Mr. Dave, Bear makes a "Patriot" and a "Safari" longbow I believe, which may be what youre thinking of.

I love my Montana. Like the others said, a bit of rasp work does wonders, but all in all, its a great bow for the money IMHO. I worked the nocks down a bit, and went to town on the grip and it evolved into my one of my favorite bows (Even over some customs I own/ed).

To each his own. Best of luck...

[Dave Bulla]

Matt, your experience seems to mirror my own.  A little rasp work and fitting the grip to your own hand and the Montana really is a sweet bow.  I was trying to make that point above but also that for the sandpaper challenged crowd or someone with a little more money to spend, the Martin is an easier option.