Black Bear Recurve

[Sam McMichael]

I went to a flea market today & found a Black Bear, but I don't really know anything about Bear recurves. It is 60" long and appears to be in pretty good condition. The back and belly are both creamy white. No cracks or limb twist shows. Unfortunately, I don't do pics - don't even own a camera, so no visual reference can be given.

The serial nimber is KL20787 and is marked Grayling, Michigan and is 60 " long.  The draw weight is marked as 35# but does not indicate whether it is at 26" inch draw or 28". I am guessing it refers to 28", but since this is a light weight bow, I was wondering if it may have been referring to 26", since it may likely be appropriate for women or youth shooters who don't pull near 28".

I paid $55.00 for it but have no clue if that was reasonable or not.  Can one of you Bear experts give me an idea how old it is? Was the amount I paid too much?

Being a longbow shooter exclusively, I just realized I don't know squat about half of the trad equation. A friend of mine has one that looks a lot like it, that he is very happy with, so I gave in to an impulse purchase.  Thanks.

[Jack Shanks]

The Black Bear was more of an entry level bow made between 72-78. Not much collector value but you didn't pay too much and it would make a good starter or youth bow.

[Sam McMichael]

Thanks, Jack. That's kinda what I was thinking.

[wadde]

Poundage is at 28" by the way.

[mahantango]

No, you didn't pay too much. Would probably bring twice that much on **** or at Denton Hill trade blanket. Perfect bow to keep on hand for introducing folks to archery. Good find.

[Sam McMichael]

Great, its good to find a good bargain. I feel pretty good about it, and it may come in handy on down the road. My first grand child was born last Ground Hog day (February 2), so maybe he will want to shoot it some day.

For a while I thought there was a severe problem, because I could not get any of my arrows to perform. Then I finally realized that the previous owner had the nock point set up so the arrow was mounted on top of it rather than under.

Got to admit that tinkering with this bow has ignited an interest in Bear recurves, so this inexpensive bow may turn out to be very costly indeed.