Big River recurve

[Wudstix]

Just decided to get my Big River recurve out, put a much overdue new string on it and start stretching.  After it gets down closer to the brace I'll shoot it, perhaps that will drop the brace a smidgeon.  Feeling a bit nostalgic, as I don't think John will be making any more bows.


 

[Doug in MN]

I have had a few of Johns bows over the years, one was a Flatbow with a fair amount or R&D that bow has put a lot of meat on the table over the years, when I blew up my shoulder had to set it down, my son now has it. John was / is probably one of the best unknown bowyer's in the country he could just build anything and they were all pretty darn quick with hunting weight arrows. Just saw one of his Longbows when I visited a shop just to heavy for me. But like all of his bows just flawless.

[Wudstix]

This one kicks out 9-10 gpp arrows with a vengeance.  My first custom bow back circa 1996.  I also have his D/R longbow kinda 21st Century like.  Recurve might draw me away from my longbows for a minute.
 

[Wudstix]

Haven't hunted this bow since 2006, or so.  That's when I found Thunderstick, and then later the BR LB.  This might be the year for recurve.  Also, have a Bear Grizzly that needs some attention.
 

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Pretty sure you will remember why you kept that bow

[Wudstix]

Without a doubt!!!
 

[Wudstix]

Finally, got to shoot a bit.  Brace is right at 8".  Bow 65.1# at my draw.  Easton 2219 with 215 grain up front at 675 grain total weight.  Arrow flight was good.  Nock point was not really tight, adjust every two shots.  Pressure plate was bare riser.  Bow was pretty quiet with only the string and Thunderhorn 6 arrow strap-on quiver.  Still shoot a reasonable group of about 6" at 15 yards.  A non-floating nock point and thin fur pressure plate should bring this right in.  This bow has some serious history with me and it is good to be shooting it again, probably will hunt it this year.
 

[Wudstix]

After about 75 arrows the string is looking "weak".  Not sure where this string came from, but apparently it was served before stretching.  Have a older string that was probably my back-up, in the day.  It has the yarn wrap on the loops, like I used to do.  I'll switch them out and throw arrows tomorrow between choirs and getting ready to go to a Birthday dinner with a good friend, buddy and the wives.  This bow really rocks some heavy arrows.  Started out real blonde with Tuncan Cane under clear glass.  But after 25 years is looks almost like yew.
 

[galadriel]

John has retired from making bows. His last one went to my hunting partner. He certainly made excellent bows. Hopefully I’ll be able to find one of his to purchase down the line.

[Wudstix]

I know, that is why I need to take care of the Big River bows that I have!!!
 

[Wudstix]

She's back, my first love.  Put the back-up string that has been hanging on the hook and brace is 7 5/8", the pull feels a bit stronger.  Even with hideous Tarantula Legs silencers, yarn wrapped loops have the 2219's with 190 grain points(675 grains) flying quiet.  I'll put paracord sheath silencers on that match the string colors and the only noise the critters will hear is the bloody arrow digging into the ground on the off-side.  Can also drop 30 grains of point weight to shoot Snuffer 160's and that will get me a hair under 10 gpp.  I'll trim one 2219 arrow a bit to see what effect that has on performance and this might also drop 20-30 grains.  Easton arrows shoot with a slight thump and hit with authority.  The sound of the arrow hitting the target is louder than the release.  There is a slight rasp noise that might be due to no riser covering.  With PC string silencers installed I started shooting the heavier footed tapered Cedar.  These are a bit quieter and still hit with a thump(@685-690 grains) with 160 grain points.
 

[Wudstix]

Shot BR with tapered footed Cedar arrows 713 grains and Paracord sheath silencers, with yarn wraps of the loops.  Extremely quiet and pretty quick.  With the heavy arrows and wool wraps plus the PC silencers, it was close to totally silent.  Still hitting a bit left with just a piece of chamois on the riser.  I'll shoot this a couple more days to see if it is the problem or my form.  The seal skin is about twice as thick.