Kodiak Magnum "Zig-Zag" or not

[Lee]

I was wondering if my dads old bow was a Zig -Zag or not. How can I tell for sure. He passed away recently and I was thinking about maybe bringing it back out. I was with him when he got his first 8 point buck with it. He showed me how to shoot bows when I was 14 yrs. old. I shoot a Hoyt compound now but I was wondering about this bow. Please Help!!. I heard that they had problems with this bow. If so what should I look for.   :confused:

[johnnyrazorhead]

I believe the bow you are referring to is the 1963 Kodiak Magnum made by Bear Archery,often referred to as the "dog-leg" model.Is the bow a 60" Kodiak model or the shorter 52" Kodiak Magnum?I believe the problems were only with the Magnum models and not the regular Kodiak.Bear changed the design of the Magnum three times in 1963 due to flaws with the first two models,referred to by collectors as the "type I" and "type II" models.I understand that these two versions should NOT be shot.Bear recalled these first two models before too many made it to the public so they are somewhat rare and highly sought after by collectors.The final version,called,guess what,the type III was not prone to breakage as the first two were.I have all three models but I'm not sure how to post pictures to show the difference.Can you post a picture of the bow?That would help determine what you have.  John

[PAPALAPIN]

LEE

johnnyrazorhead is right on the money.

If your bow is 60" it should be totally safe toshoot, as long as it is in good condition.

If it is a 52" length, it depends on if it is a Type I, II, or III.  The type I dogleg has a drastic "ZIG-ZAG" with the least amount of contact between the glass and the riser wood.  The type II is less radical with glass contact about half way between the fadeout and the  ZIG-ZAG of the riser.  The type III has very little ZIG-ZAG with the glass contacting the riser almos all the way to the ZIG-ZAG.  

Type I & II SHOULD NOT BE SHOT, or even strung up.  IF it is a Type III, string it slowley and easily, listening for any strange sounds.  I would leave it strung up over night before you pull it.  Next day, pull it t oabout half draw, and listen closely. IF you hear any strange creeking or groaning, don't go any farther.  Then try 3/4 draw, then full draw.

I take it the bow has not been shot or strung in a while.  In this case, even a normally solid bow may have a problem.  Take it slowley and carefully.

I did this same processwith a TYPE I about 5 years ago.  When I finally pulled it to ful ldraw, the upper limb exploded on me.  What a waste of a great collectible bow.

I hope it works out for you because I think it would be great for your first experience in hunting with a traditional bow would be with one you Dad had used.  That would be super special.

If you can post a good picture, it would help us identify it for you.

I have two 60" Doglegs and they are both great shooters.  Some Bear collectors argue that the '59, '63, and '64 Kodiaks were the best hunting bows that Bear ever made.  Each will have his own opinion as to which is the best.  Personally, I rank them as # 1-'64, #2-'63, and then # 3-'59; but then that is just one guys opinion.

[Lee]

I'm sorry i feel like an idiot. After further looking at the bow I seen that it had a place for a stabilizer or a fishing reel. And the first letter in the serial number is k witch means it was made in 1970's. Thanks for your help. But at least i can shoot it. It's in perfect condition my dad after having the deer mounted he retired the bow and hung it under the deer and I think it was around 1978. The only thing is the arrows what size would i need it's been along time since i messed with aluminum arrows. The arrows thats with it is 2018. The poundage is 50#. The string doesn't look to bad. even were the arrow nock goes is't even wore down. what do you guys think shoot it or not. bring it ou of retirement and shoot a deer with it. I haven't shot a deer with a recurve yet, just a gun and my Hoyt compound. Thanks alot Lee

[ckruse]

Practice till you are comfortable with it, limit your range to that which you are proficient, and stick one! It would be a neat deal to take a deer with this bow that was passed down to you. Good luck, but beware; the simplicity of these bows is contagious! CKruse

[PAPALAPIN]

Probably a Kodiak Hunter.  The grip has a sort of Zig, but no zag in the the sight window.

Should be a sound shooter.  Replace the string.  Probably an AMO 58".  It should be marked on the riser.

[Lee]

Thanks alot guys. I'll let you know how it goes. Lee