Autographed gainsville B handle

[toehead]

OK this is my favorite bow to date!  Just got her in the PO today.  This baby looks brand new as well.  I know it's a button bear but I still love her!  

Here is my question...Should I shoot this bow and risk doing cosmetic damage or just buy another just like her and shoot.  

The handle and shelf seem very narrow and low, just curious if this was the norm for the early gainsville risors.  the other one I have (factory camo) has a lot more bulky risor.

Now if I could just get my paws on an original then I could die a happy man, right after I got the 59-62 though, and maybe another 67.  THEN I could die a happy man:)

 

[Horney Toad]

I got a lefty like that with a small grip. I love that bow. I would shoot it, why not?

[Blackhawk]

Heck yeah, shoot the bow.  I love the grips too.

[toehead]

Dog gone it...I'm gonna go shoot er right now!

[hotfootTG]

Nice Handle Dustin, and pretty rare being signed by Mr. Bear!

Does the shelf look like it might have been made just a tad lower too. Looks like it might have been made to shoot 'Fred Bear' style; off the knuckle?

I have one like it, but if I judge the distance between the bottom of the glass on the belly side at the sight window to the shelf, mine looks to be about 1/4" closer to it.  i.e., the shelf is a little higher on mine.

Looks like it was meant to be shot!

Al

[Bjorn]

Good eye Al! I think Fred would be happy if you shot the handle a lot! You can always spray some more finish over the signature area to preserve the cosmetics.

[Horney Toad]

I have a set of custom limbs by Schafer for my green stripe riser. They are #3 with a matching gray futurewood under clear glass. 64" and 55#. I love that bow.

[PAPALAPIN]

Shoot it.  That is what it is for

I have two risers like the.  One signed by Papa Bear and Frank Scott.  One unsigned.  I have shot both.

[toehead]

I got my answer from the seller and Al you were correct sir. Below is the response:
 
"Dear dustinwnew,
Glad you like the bow. The riser has never had an arrow shot out of it, I had two identical risers, the other bow was not signed. The limbs were never shot by me, they had been returned to the factory. Not sure if they ever shot. It was the standard grip that Fred liked. He designed the shelf that way because he liked the arrow to be as close to the hand as possible. Fred was just awesome to spend time, he always tried to get others to talk and he always listened to what was said."

[d. ward]

As mentioned above,Fred would rather you shot em...This pic shows a green stripe and a 1970 original...well original with custom grip and arrow shelf.The 1970 is another tradgangsters I just finished up and should be headed home later today if at all possible.The green stripe with a set of 52# factory camo limbs and myself are headed for Que'bec Canada in less then two weeks fur a little black bear hunting with 12 other tradgangsters.I love those take downs.bowdoc.

[d. ward]

Shelf view..

[PAPALAPIN]

Anything with Fred's signature is worth more than the same thing unsigned.  Fred was great about autographing anything people wanted.

There are a lot of items out ther with his autograph.  Surprised he did not develope "writters cramp"

When I got mine in with his signatured, I oversprayed it with clearcoat to protect it.  You might think about doing that, especially if you are going to shoot it a bit.

[tippit]

I got one with Fred, Frank, and Charlie's signature.  I have shot it but it is now retired to the wall...not like I don't have a couple other bows to shoot  :D  the other Doc

 

[tippit]

PS:  Kinda cool as I have a picture of Frank & Charlie holding the bow after they signed it.

[d. ward]

Oh man Doc thats a dandy right there.One of these days when you get bored.You otta ship her out and I will run it up and get Glenn to sign her for you as well.Good loooken handle....bowdoc

[kurtbel5]

Doc
On the'70, with rest and strike plate, why is the plate so high in the site window? looks like a 1/4 between the rest and the plate.Just curious.
        Kurt

[d. ward]

Not quite a 1/4 but yes there is a gap.I kinda always liked a little clearence for the feathers.Also maybe makeing less of a contact point causeing less drag on the arrows...But really I think it looks kinda cool too....bowdoc

[d. ward]

This is how I set up the original B wood as well.That is skived Zebra hide strike plate and arrow rest on the 1970..bowdoc