Indian Archery Savage

[BAPilot2]

I just acquired an Indian Archery Savage 263 recurve, serial number 1719, with a marked draw weight of 65XX pounds.

Not that I am an authority... but I have never seen an IA recurve, while cruising the net, with this much draw weight.  

The bow is in great condition and, like so many others, I am hoping to gain a bit of information about these bows.  Can anyone enlighten me on probable dates of production, collectability, shootability, and general value and interest?

I am somewhat new to the traditional archery game of shooting and collecting older recurves.  I currently own 3 Bear bows, 3 Shakespeare bows, and now this Indian Archery bow.  I am looking forward to getting a new string and seeing how well this IA bow shoots.

I look forward to any and all comments.

[Gila Mike]

I also have an Indian Archery Savage ... #V1731 / 58" / 45#.

I'm amazed at the weight marked on your bow. When you string it and put it on a scale, please let me know if it checks out. Does it look like your bow could have been refinished and perhaps mismarked?

Mike

[BAPilot2]

The bow is all original... no signs of being refinished.  It still has the original Indian silhouette striker plate and, it appears to have, the original arrow rest rug.  

I am going to have a Flemish twist string made so it will be about 10 - 14 days before I can properly string it and test actual draw weight.  However, I did put a string on it briefly, which goes to my 58" Bear Grizzly that draws 51 lbs, and I can say with confidence that it is drawing more than 60 lbs.  I compared the draw to that of my 60 lb Shakespeare Super Necedah and the IA Savage required more effort to draw the bow.  I did not want to leave the string on the bow too long since it was not made for the 65 lb draw weight.  I drew the bow 3 or 4 times and then removed the string.  Once I put the string back on my Bear Grizzly it was obvious the string had been stretched due to my brace height had changed and was reduced to about 7 1/4" and I keep it at 8".

Once I get a string made I will test the draw weight and will post the results.

[Gila Mike]

Wow! I've seen a lot of Indian bows listed on various sites over the years and can't recall ever seeing another one that heavy. Sounds like a keeper to me. Good Luck!

Mike

[BAPilot2]

Mike,

It's the only one I've seen over 50 lbs.  I sure hope it shoots good.  It's the first, and only, Indian Archery bow that I have obtained so I don't know what to expect regarding hand shock, stacking, and overall shootability and comfort.

What are your thoughts on Indian Archery recurves as compared to Bear, Shakespeare, and Ben Pearson bows.

Thanks,
Andrew

[Gila Mike]

I don't have any experience with other bows by Indian Archery. I only have that one bow (Savage) made by them. I got it in a trade quite a few years ago and have only strung it up and shot it a couple of times. I think it could be an acceptable budget beginner bow but I believe there are many better ones.

I have a lot of older bows, including several each from Bear, Pearson, Shakespeare and others. If someone wanted a good beginner bow of 58" and 45#, I'd direct them to models from one of those manufacturers before recommending my Indian bow.

Mike

[BAPilot2]

Strictly based upon asthetics, I have to agree with your assessment regarding Indian bows, they appear to be more of a beginner / utilitarian bow.  They do not have the simple refinements of smooth flowing contours present in Bear, Shakespeare, Ben Pearson, Wing Archery, etc. etc.  The IA bow is more blocky and squared especially in the riser grip.

Frankly, I bought the bow just because it has a 65XX draw weight marking.  I like the uniqueness of having bows in uncommon weights.  Bows in 40 - 50 pound draw weights can be found all day long but there are few bows below 40 pounds and fewer still above 60 pounds.

Overall I like the bow.  I really like the "campy" style of the Indian head silhouette striker plate and if it shoots poorly then so be it.  But if it shoots well then I will be doubly pleased.

I'll post my impresions, and the true draw weight, after my string arrives.  So until then...

Thanks,
Andrew

[Gila Mike]

Even if it displayed no other outstanding feature, the draw weight makes it a collectible specimen IMO.    

In its "blockiness", my old Savage reminds me of the bows built by the Cravotta Brothers in Pennsylvania during the late-1950s. I've handled a few of those bows and own one (a Yellow Jacket model), which casts an arrow fairly well for its age.

But better bows from that period abound in the marketplace and there are many good shooting bows which can be found at reasonable prices if one is diligent and patient. Some of them could be gathered into an interesting collection, I believe.

Good Luck!
Mike

[Kip]

This Hawkeye Indian bow is rated at 120


Volts
 

[BAPilot2]

LOL ...

Thanks for enlightening me.  That sure sheds light on the matter.

Honestly, that's a novelty.  That will be my next project.

Thanks for sharing!

[BAPilot2]

String arrived yesterday... strung bow last night and letting it stretch and settle in for a couple of days.  I'll check draw weight and post results on Monday or Tuesday.