Gull Longbow from Archery Traditions?

[Sant-Ravenhill]

If my memory is correct, Dan Quillan carried this bow 10-20 years ago.

Does anyone have one, or better yet a picture of one?

Thanks in advance, Brett

[Sant-Ravenhill]

Anyone?

Thanks!

[Don Stokes]

Brett, I don't have one or a picture, but I remember them. Dan was a big man, and he designed the bow for a big man's long draw and made the bow 72" long to accommodate it. It had a handle that was set back to give it a profile unstrung that looked like a gull in flight, which he said increased the energy stored in the limbs at full draw. I don't remember for sure which bowyer made them, but at the time his main bowyer was Jeffrey. He and Owen "debated" bow design regularly, Owen sometimes doubting Dan's designs, but making bows for him that shot beautifully anyhow. Dan's most popular bow, the Longhunter, was based on Owen's original design, with Dan's adaptations.

I think the Gull was pictured in his brochures somewhere around 1990, but unfortunately I don't have one.

[Sant-Ravenhill]

Don.

Thanks for your reply...I remembered it was a physically long bow as you state and it had a set back riser, similar to the Saxon Hawk and others that are being made now.

The Gull had quite a bit bigger riser if I remember right.

I have been looking at all sorts of bow designs lately, getting ready to build a few again, and the Gull was one that intrigued me those many years ago. Though I would want quite a bit shorter bow.

Thanks again Don!

[Don Stokes]

My pleasure, Brett. My memory is hazy on just how the Gull was proportioned, but maybe somebody out there does have a picture.

[ckruse]

I have one. I will do my best to post a picture when I can. It may take a week. It is from my younger days when I shot a lot of poundage. It was my first Christmas present from my wife of 20 years. If memory serves, it is 70# @ 28". I killed a few critters with it back then. An awesome bow on moving targets, very light in the hand, and really quick. CKruse

[Sant-Ravenhill]

CKruse,

Thanks very much!!! Whenever you get the chance and time to take a picture that would be fantastic.

Brett

[Sant-Ravenhill]

ttt

[ckruse]

Sorry, I'm working evenings and haven't had a chance yet. I haven't forgotten. CKruse

[Sant-Ravenhill]

CKruse,

Thanks for the update...and you're doing me a favor so there is no whining on my end. Just happy for the pictures when you get the chance.

Brett

[Sant-Ravenhill]

A laid back, happily patient reminder.

[Sant-Ravenhill]

Another laid back, patient reminder.

[ckruse]

First off, thanks for your patience. My internet life has been non-existent lately, due to starting a new job. That's not entirely bad, but I hate telling someone I'll do something, then not do it. Here are the pictures. The riser is about 26.5" from fade out to fade out. Walnut riser, one thick lam of maple, two of tonkin cane bamboo, covered with clear glass. Like most of Dan Quillian's stuff, not really fancy, but quite a performer. I thought I was going to have to phone a friend to get it strung! I'd love to have a bow just like this in 45-50#. I was a much stronger lad 20 years ago. I hope these show the set-back design incorporated into the handle. I remember in the marketing ads for this bow Dan stated that the set back was something discovered in one of Howard Hill's bows. I know it was one of the fastest stickbows chronographed around these parts. I don't remember what the performance was, but it was a hot one. Enjoy, CKruse
 
 
 
 
 
 

[ckruse]

And a few more....CKruse

 
 
 
 
 
 

[frank bullitt]

CK. thanks! Have you ever thought of having the weight reduced? Also kind of simiular to the Stotler Bows, beefy risers! Good shootin, Steve

[Sant-Ravenhill]

CKruse,

You came through in spades!!! Thank you! Some great pictures of the riser. I'd forgotten how long that riser was to the fades. WOW!

Again just what I was looking for...much appreciated.

Brett

[Crookedcreek]

I picked up a Quillian Gull this afternoon (about three hours ago). Mine is 68# and, unlike the photos from CKruse above, it has a leather wrapped grip (which could have been added by a previous owner). Also, mine has three bamboo lams under clear glass...no maple lam. Don't know if that was an option or if he changed the design along the way. Does anyone know how to date the bow based on serial number ? Mine is #QG8A178, which would seem to indicate (but I don't know what all the characters mean) an ealier bow than Cameron's. Anyone know ?