Dustin - here is some information I've found on the Ben Pearsons marked as 503-1. Do you know which one you have? It might be fun to give it a try but be careful. It' looks like you're taking the right approach.
-Jay
Hickory Huntinhg Bows, 1955, No. 503-1, 5’ 6"
Recurved tips
Weights 40, 45, and 50 lbs at 28 inches
Deep narrow handle with constrasting hardwood overlay
wide spatulate limbs, genuine leather grip
Molded plastic arrow rest, flexible varinsh finish
Lay-latex string
Price ?
Hickory Hunting Bow, 1953, No. 503-1, 5’ 6", Weights 40 to 50 lbs
Recurved limbs
Price $ 12.50
Hickory Hunting bow, 1957, No. 503-1, 66 inches, 40,45,50 lb.
Recurve
Wide spatulate hickory limbs
Leather wrap handle, molded plastic rest
$ ?
Deerslayer, 1958, 503-1, 66 inches, 40,45,50 lb.
Static-Recurve limbs
hickory
Spiral wound leather straight handle, with sight window and arrow shelf
Hickory version of the collegian
$ ?