Reshaping Longbow grip

[WestTnMan]

I recently aquired a Martin ML-10 longbow. It's my first true longbow, I've been shooting a Crow Creek hybrid longbow for a number of years. My problem is the grip. The ML-10 has a straight grip and I want to change it to a locator type grip. Can I just file it down some like I want it and seal it with something? I am not sure what the best way to go about it would be. Never done it before and don't want to ruin a perfectly good bow. Thanks

[Glenn29]

TNMan-- I'm no expert or even a bowyer but I have done a little "Modification" to a couple recurves I own.

I just finished doing some major reshaping on a Quinn Longhorn Riser that the grip was to big and I also took someextra wood off the handle to take some weight off.

I then sanded with medium-fine-super fine sandpaper and sprayed it with a Sparr finish and used steel wool in between coats. Total of 5 coats.

[Terry Green]

This should have been posted on the PowWow.....so I'm moving it there.

[Al33]

Neither am I a bowyer but I have reshaped the straight grips on a longbow and a recurve to the locator style grip with no adverse effects. It really helped me with my shooting with them.

I used a rotory rasp, carving knives, sanding drum, and then refinished and rewrapped in leather.

[WestTnMan]

Thanks for the advise. I think I will get to sanding. I just don't like the straight grips.

[ChuckC]

West, be careful you don't remove too much and weaken the grip area.  other thoughts, you can sand the belly side of the grip flat and glue on more material to work with so you can shape it more, or try adding leather grip material before you remove any wood to see if that does any good.
ChuckC

[Steelhead]

You can use bondo to reshape the grip as well.Like if you want to build up a slight palm swell etc.You can use a roll on rubber grip to hide the modification.

[James Wrenn]

A little grinding and some epoxy putty can get it just like you want.Cover the grip with leather when done and none of the stuff will show.Here is a before and after on a bow I did not like the grip on.With the epoxy I now have a perfect fit with a palm swell and thumb rest I like.Of course I had to do a little more to this one than you will need to do.
 

 

[WestTnMan]

That is some beautiful work there. Looks like it shoots good too.

[James Wrenn]

Yeah it shoots nice for me.This will be my 3d and hunting bow this season.I always wanted a good 70" longbow.