61 Kodiak's

[JL]

I came across a great deal on a 55# 61 Kodiak. Played around a little bit and man oh man, that is a good shooter! I didn't know what to expect but she scoots a arrow and is very quiet. The bow I got has a star stamp on it. I understand that is a mark the factory puts on a bow that was returned for whatever reason. Thru a couple google search's, I found there are several variations of the 61 Kodiak as it was a transition year for Bear archery. I hope to get her dialed in and tote her around the woods this year. Anyone else hunting with a 61 Kodiak?

JL

[azdriheat]

I have a 61 at 51#, but have not shot it yet. I think it will shoot similar to my 62 which I do like a lot.

-Joe-

[Grant Young]

I'm not hunting with one Gerald and don't own one right now but I have in the past and I'm very fond of them. In fact, the '61 and '62 Kodiaks rank with my all-time favorite models. I guess I like them all,lol, but I prefer the '62 to the '59 by a good margin so far as "shooters" go. I'm sure I'm in the minority in that regard. Congrats on your score.      Grant

[Bjorn]

The 1962 and 1961 are arguably the finest shooters Bear ever produced. Many '61 had more beautiful risers. The star stamp was a bow sold at a discounted price is the explanation most popuar today! LOL!!
Salesman carried the tool in his bag I have heard.
Bear did not refinish a lot of bows-they replaced them when required.

[reddogge]

No, but I'm shooting a '62 and I love that bow and the way it shoots.

[d. ward]

factory second or last years stock.Not a return.It was way way cheeeeeper for Bear Archery to replace a damaged or bad finish bow then to refinish the bow.bd

[TRAP]

"I have a 61 at 51#, but have not shot it yet"

huh??????  

I have a 55# 61 and love it

Trap

[4runr]

Some day, I hope!

[TimberlineX]

After shooting and hunting with all of the 1960s Kodiaks, I would have to agree that the 1961 and 1962 models were indeed superb shooters, and maybe the fastest of the entire lot. Not quite as stable at the shot as the later Kodiaks and certainly the Super Kodiaks, those early 1960s bows were generally exceptional. I’ve always wondered why they don’t get more attention from today’s collectors.

I also agree with Grant - I absolutely love the look of the '59, but the 1961 through 1969 Kodiaks and Super Kodiaks all shoot better for me. No tar and feathers please!

[reddogge]

I think they do get a lot of attention, at least from the **** bidders.

[hayslope]

My first bow was a barely used '62 Kodiak.  I was a young fool for trading it in on a slightly higher poundage (and slightly newer) model. That bow also started my fascination with all things made with Brazilian Rosewood.  Many of the Bear enthusiasts that I know agree with me concerning the '62.....it is one of the finest shooting vintage Bears out there.

I'm always on the lookout for a sweet "62 Kodiak.  Looking for two things....one - it has to be a shooting bow..not looking for that pristine collector's bow...and two - it has to have that wonderful contrasting grain that lots of that fine old rosewood was known for.

[Blackhawk]

Dang Bill, that '61 is pretty neat. That's the first one I've seen with that purpleheart (and PH I beam too?).  I agree with those who like those early 60's Kodiaks...sure hard to beat the '59-'63 models.

[Downwind Lefty]

I also have a 62' and it's as stout as any bow I've shot (Bill - Rich had it for awhile and can vouch...).

Were the 61's and 62's built on the same forms? The one pictured looks very similar to my untrained eye (glass color not a factor).

True classics.

[Migra Bill]

Exact same forms. Just different wood used. People tend to like those those 62's because of the Rosewood. The 61's get sold a little short because the wood is a little more plain Jane. That's why I am keeping this one with the purpleheart- it's the fanciest 61 I have seen. But they should shoot the same.

[Downwind Lefty]

Sure Felix, it's good to hear from you again. I'll take a pic or two while I'm off for the holidays.

That's interesting - thx Bill.

[Holm-Made]

Does the '61 Kodiak have the long 26" riser like the '62 Kodiak does?  Chad

[Tom]

I have a '61 45# Kodiak and a 50# '62 Kodiak and sure enjoy shooting both.The '61 will also be my indoor league shooter as 80-100 arrows a night can wear on these old shoulders.
 Not intentionally collecting but sometimes I just can't resist. Glad I didn't on these two.