Static Grizzly

[wesome]

I have just purchased (but not rec'd) a Bear Grizzly static recurve from the auction site that I guess we aren't supposed to name?? It is marked "patent applied for", has the small running bear, and serial #24151. It is 45#@28, 62" and can be seen at "that site" - auction# 380080222584. No aluminum laminations, and the shelf appears to be a wedge of wood that can be moved to either side, and a straight "longbowish" grip. I have a couple of questions- I think it is a 1952, what do you more knowledgeable fellows think? Also should I consider refinishing this or would this seriously erode collector's value? (I have grandkids to think about). Anyone with experiences with this bow (ie shooting one, etc.).Many thanks in advance and appreciate any info! Dave

[TRAP]

I think whether or not you refinnish the bow depemds on what your plans are for it.  If you're going to expose it to the elements while hunting or roving or whatever, I'd suggest refinnishing it.  

If it's going to be primarily a wallhanger then I'd leave it all original.  

I don't think you'll hurt the "collectible" value of the bow either way.  Cool bow.

Trap

[wesome]

Oh yeah- it isn't a bow if it isn't used. I suspect Fred would have wanted it that way? I only asked that part for when I hit the "happy hunting grounds" and leave it behind.

[Takedown]

Hi wesome,
I shoot and hunt regularly with a 1952/53 Bear Static Limbed Kodiak, K-4 53# at 28" It was in good condition but I wiped on a little Tru-Oil on the upper and lower limb tips and on the edge of the limb in a couple of places to cover over rubbed off finish. No problems, easy to do. You could also do a total refinish with true-oil if necessary too.

A side note, the leather grip on my bow was very dried out and fragile. So rather than take it off, I bought a rubber (very "grippy") sleeve from Three Rivers and slid it up the limb and over th leather grip. Works very well! It was only 6 bucks or so and I can keep the original grip intact! I use a leather topped tape on Bear 4-arrow quiver also, neat!
You will like shooting that bit of archery "History".
Harry.

[wesome]

Hey Harry- thanks. I have some Tru-Oil at home- probably just enough left to do as you describe. Funny that you said this about the grip as I just ordered the same thing from 3Rivers yesterday so I wouldn't have to destroy the old one. The side plate and shelf rest will definitely need a new one of those! Does it look like a 52 to you or...? Thanks again!

[Horney Toad]

Hey wesome, I live up the road in Waldorf, I collect too. Maybe we can hook up and shoot sometime.

[wesome]

Please ta meet ya Horney Toad! I'm not really a collector (having seen some folks that are!) just have an old Polar, an Alaskan, a Cub and now this Grizzly- all from about the same time frame. You mean shooting POST deer season? :>)

[wesome]

if I can derail my own thread...any ideas on what the brace should be on this bow? Thanks!

[Horney Toad]

Yep, post deer season would be best. Also keep the 3rd weekend in May open for the Baltimore shoot, several of us go there.

Try about 7.5 inches for the brace.

[wesome]

Yes, I was really looking forward to it last year, but things came up and couldn't make it. The Baltimore Bowmen one right?