C handles all the same?

[sticknstring+]

Hey guys this came up on the Takedown pics thread. Tom I posted a spec. sheet that looks to be dated 2-70 stating the c handles length at 24". This info made me think about the hand written notes on the end of my handles box, it says, 1-26" long c handle only target latch limb built.

Here is a pic showing this length measured from hinge to hinge. Would somebody with a C or two in their collection please check the length for me. I read everything I could find last night, even the patent sketches and cant find any length specifications listed other than Tom's sheet.  Thanks, Greg    

[Wade Phillips]

sticknstring+ - I have C1100 it measures 26" from hinge screw to hinge screw, the same as shown in your photograph.

[sticknstring+]

Wade -   did you hear that loud pop? Ouch... That was my fantasy bubble bursting... I was thinking this one was unique at 26".  Oh well, fantasy land is a fun little mental vacation and it keeps me looking for those elusive one of a kinds, thanks for checking your handles length, and I hope we can get a couple more confirmed measurements too.

What do you think of the length description on that spec. sheet? I can't see anyplace that 24" would match up for a good measurement on this one ( C2144).

Is your handle the first production C? It seems like a number they may have started with.

[Wade Phillips]

sticknstring+ - My God, I wish C1100 was the first C Riser Bear made... but I would bet any amount of money that it was not the first one... Reportedly the first one was C1001, but I would not be on that. I have seen quite a few of the first year C risers over the years and remember them as being numbered C1xxx, which is consistent with what several T/D collectors have told me. Reportedly, the C2xxx is the second generation. There are probably exceptions to most rules anyone comes up with about Bear Bows. I am not a Bear T/D collector, sold most of mine several years ago. Just have a few around from time to time as bows pass through, and have a couple to shoot once in a while.

Can not help you with the measurement on the spec sheet. It is important to remember to use the documentation from the era as a guide, not a bible. Some collectors interpret the documentation differently. The more original documents you can get your hands on, the broader your reference, and the wiser your interpretations should be.

Good luck

[Abear]

The Numbers on the take downs started with 1000 and progressed from there # 1000 was an A handle there was no # the same, 1000 was an A ,1005 may have been a A,C or B , 1376 could have been an A,B,C you get the idea ,The first C could have been 1028 who knows ? The measurements on all my C were the same as yours including the wood blue handles, 2000 series and C mags. Chris

[Abear]

The numbers were duplicated on a very few either by design or mistake

[d. ward]

I'am gonna stay out of this one OK ?? not.I have serial numbers from at least 3 Bear A risers I've worked on that have the serial number starting with A-010XX I've worked on one that is under number 10 it was like A-01003 somewhere in there and the highest was A-01089 or 99.Those risers are the same shape as all the other A's maybe a bit thicker in the grip but are very dark black and very very dark chocolate brown.The sockets were fabed and would crack with to heavy of limbs..one belongs or belonged to a long time TG member and I would not post his name without his OK.One of the others I know of which also has a serial number of A-010XX is on display in the P&Y musium and I believe the owner shot a buffalo with it ??? anyone have one of the chocolate brown risers with a serial number looking like A-0XXXX we could look at ? bd

[Abear]

Don the serial # only had 4 spaces and the very early ones had solid brass bears on them that fred personally made ,I have seen the first one made along with a few very early others ,not to dispute your facts but only the mags started with 0, all woods started with 1 ..Chris

[Precurve]

Mine's a C1801, 26" riser.
So that's a C Type 1?  Anyone able to guess the approximate mfg date of this bow?

Dave

[Abear]

C riser didnt change  in 2000 serial # ,often the risers were routered out around the site window ,rest area to make more centershot these were often thought of as type 2 handles tho the serial # could be well below 2000 the biggest change took place in the A and B handles with the routered out rest plate but the change occured somewhere above 2000 # but I have seen several with both charactoristics on # above and below 2000 and bear would often taylor the bow to the individual ordering it including inlaid sites rests and handle modifications ...Chris

[d. ward]

I just emailed the original owner of said riser and ask his OK to post his name and he will post the pics of the chocolate brown A riser with serial number A-010XX will keep ya posted asap...bd