Hill sleeved takedowns...anyone have photos?

[TSP]

I'm considering buying or trading for a used or new Hill 2-piece sleeved takedown longbow and wonder if anyone has photos of their Hill takedowns showing what the riser looks like when assembled and from different angles (the Hill site doesn't have very good photos for that).  As I recall, they do look a little 'bulky' compared to a one-piece Hill and probably don't feel quite as good in the hand, but owner input would be welcomed for those of you that have one.

[Jason Jelinek]

I'm considering one also.  I made a sleeve takedown Hill style bow.  I actually prefer the large handle.  I don't have the time to make one now and a takedown blank is a good deal.

Jason

[SCATTERSHOT]

 

Here are a couple of my St. Charles, which uses the same system. There are two sizes available, and this is the smaller of the two. The Howard Hill socket is on the bottom of the grip, and jay's inserts from the top. Hope that helps.

[TSP]

Nice bow, Scatter, thanks for the pics.  I'd also opt for the smaller version of the sleeve, just wondering whether it feels much different than the one-piece with regard to circumference.  The only sleeved bow I've owned was a straight-grip Fox and although I liked the easy takedown feature and the added weight in the riser the grip size and shape didn't feel quite as good as a one-piece...a little on the square side.  With a Hill, if its close in size to the standard straight grip (which has a more 'oval' feel to it) then I don't think it would be a problem.  

Jason, I've considered the Hill bow blank as well because it would save a chunk of money but for now I'm planning on a finished bow.  If I go new rather than used I'll order a 66", 52#'er.  It'll probably be my last bow so want to make sure it fits well and looks good.

PS  Also wonder if the Hill sleeve is hard to take apart in cold weather.  It gets cold here!

[Jason Jelinek]

Sleeve dimensions:
Small 4" x 1 1/2" x 1 3/16"
Large 4" x 1 3/4" x 1 3/16"

I've shot hill 1-piece before and it has a deep narrow handle that is pretty oval.  The sleeves are about 3/16" wider and not quite as deep.

When I installed my sleeve it is a touch loose, so it's pretty easy to take the 2 pieces apart.  However, a good tip I've learned is put the bow behind your knees with your arms on the bow outside of your knees and move your knees apart.  It gets them to separate easily.  As long as you don't get moisture in the takedown area (and you shouldn't since the male end is on the bottom) the temperature shouldn't matter.  It gets cold here too and it wasn't a problem for me.

Jason

[TSP]

Thanks for the behind-the-knee tip on spreading the pieces, Jason.  That might come in handy.

[QUINT]

I wipe a bit of string wax on mine and have never had a problem getting it apart. It is the smaller unit and quickly became my favorite grip.

[Apex Predator]

Could someone measure the circumference of a small and large sleeve for me?

[Jason Jelinek]

The large sleeve circumference is about 5".  It's probably a little less since I have some thin garment leather on it.

[TSP]

Quint, putting string wax on the sleeve isn't a bad idea.  I also thought about wiping it down with a rag that has a little vegetable oil on it.  If it doesn't work I can always have it for lunch.

Anyone carry their takedown in their back quiver while heading to/from your stand?  I use bow quivers on other bows but really don't like them on my one-piece Hill.  If you carry yours that way I'd also appreciate experienced-based tips on avoiding rubbing issues with the arrow shafts/broadheads.  Am thinking that a bow sleeve might be the best way, but that takes up more room in the quiver.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Apex, the circumference on my St. Charles is 5" on the nose, measured over the paper thin leather grip material.