Bear recurve info ??

[JWD in VA.]

My cousin gave me a Bear recurve last nite. It is in really good shape and I would like to know a bit of it's history. It is maple with black lams on the face and back. Measures 57" un-strung. The handle reads KL-60124  AMO 60"  50# . Still has the Bear medallion, no limb twist and the shelf does not  appear to be worn much at all. I'm thnkin it maybe early 60's model but my knowledge of Bear bows is limited. Also, the string on it now will brace the bow to only 5". What would be the proper string length and brace ??  Thanks in advance for any info Jerry

[59Alaskan]

Can you post a picture of it?  It sounds like the silkscreen with the model name is somehow gone or not visible.

I would guess it's a Black Bear with the black limbs and maple riser.  The serial number would indicate it's likely a 1970's bow.  Is the coin flush or raised?

Likely a fine shooting bow.

[JWD in VA.]

ceme, alas, technology has passed me by. I'll see if the wife can get a couple of pics posted. The coin is raised. Would you know anything about the string and brace  ???

[motorhead7963]

regardless of the string type(endless loop or Flemish twist)you adjust the brace height by twisting the string one direction or the other. Look at the string real close you might be able to see which way it was twisted in the past.

[59Alaskan]

It's definitely a 1970's bow.  Being 60" I would still guess Black bear.  The raised coins were introduced in 1973.  Is the riser a solid piece of would or is it laminated?  

Most Bear bows should be braced about 8" give or take a little for tuning.

[JWD in VA.]

it is a Black Bear, looking closer at the stamp. Got her braced to 7 1/4, with 55/60's she shoots pretty darn good. Light weight, short and seems fast. Might have found my next shooter. My Wallace longbow may be a little jealous for awhile but I'mm gonna have to shoot this bow and see where it goes. Thanks guys

[Charlie Lamb]

Most measure brace height from the deep part of the grip to the string. I'd think 8-8 1/2" would work for that bow, but whatever makes it shoot good.

[JWD in VA.]

Thanks Charlie, will shoot it a little more today. It's Father's day, only thing I have to do today is fix soft shells for my father tonite. What could a better day, shooting my new to me Bear " Black Bear " and eatin soft shells for dinner HA !!! Thanks again guys for all the info