Tell me about this Dogleg

[TBinMN]

OK - I am hoping that this is a shootable Dogleg.  I know some are questionable at best - depending on what version they are - I'm guessing that since the serial number of this bow starts with a '2' that it is a 2nd generation bow and might be trouble?

 

 


What are the chances of one of these bows having problems? - Taking into account that it is in very good shape, I will not be drawing it past 28" and I'll always (of course) use a stringer.
Thanks to all in advance.
Terry

[Migra Bill]

The "troubled" bows are not Kodiaks. The shorter Magnum length bows had design flaws incorporating the Dogleg. The 60 inch Kodiaks are GREAT! They got a bad rep because people thought the dogleg design was flawed - but it awesome for the Kodiaks. Out of my 21 trad bows, my 63 Dogleg Kodiak is my "go to" bow.

That one there is a beauty. Nice weight too. Fire away!

[PAPALAPIN]

Bill is right.

That is a beautiful example of a Kodiak Dogleg.

Solid shooter and no more chance of problem than any other model bow...except the Type I and Type II 52" Kodiak Magnum Dogleg.  Any model bow will have one now and then may crack up.  No design problem with yours.

I wish people could learn to separate the Kodiak Dogleg from the Kodiak Magnum Dogleg.  They are not the same.

Feel good...you should have a great shooting, safe bow.

[TRAP]

SHOOOOOOOT ITTTTTTT!!!!!!

Trap

[PAPALAPIN]

One suggestion...it might shoot better with a red feather rest...anybody know where he can get one?

[d. ward]

The mag kind of got a bad rep also as the returned bows were actually about 70 + % of them were broken by using the step thru style of stringing them rather then a bow stringer.Bear Archery did not sell many 1961 and 1962 mags so there was no big return of 61-62,but they did have some.Same problem,stepping thru stringing...That Kodiak should be fine and is a rather good shooter I think.Keep us posted bowdoc

[TBinMN]

WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!

Thanks guys - that is music to my ears!

Although I knew the difference between the K-Mags and the Kodiaks - as a relative newcomer to collecting Bear bows - I thought I had seen/heard that some of the same problems afflicted both.

I have a beauty of a Type 2 '63 K-Mag that I have received a bunch of info on from you guys recently.  Here is a question for everyone that I suppose could be categorized under "Collector Bow Ethics" (Ughhhh):

1963 is when I was born - so these bows have a special interest for me. What do you guys think of me shooting the K-Mag (and keeping my eyes/ears posted for any suspicious sounds or cracks)?

All opinions will be heard - I shot the bow (K-Mag) about 100 times before I got the skinny on them here.  She shot great for me - I was amazed as shorter bows have never been my thing.

Thanks,
Terry

[Migra Bill]

Hey guys - while we are on this topic. How did the 63 Dogleg Grizzly perform? I have heard good things about the 62" Grizzlys in general and I would assume that if the magnum had problems with it being short, the 62 inch Grizz may do even better than a 60 inch Kodiak with the dogleg design.

[ckruse]

The Grizzlys are good shooters too. I really prefer the looks of the type 1 Griz to the type II. The early one is more like the Kodiak in having a pronounced zig-zag. The later one has less of a kink in it and the handle also tends to be a little blocky. CKruse

[TBinMN]

Bill,
When I was shooting the 100 or so arrows through the '63 K-Mag - I had just been shooting my '64 Kodiak and my son was shooting his 62" '59 Grizzly.

Each of us shot the bow and we both thought (no chronograph) the K-Mag shot very quick and smooth considering that the other bows were 60" and and only 2 pounds less in draw (the K-Mag is 48# and the Kodiak is 45# and the Grizz is 46#).

The K-Mag has this tendency I have found in a few other bows over the years - it seems to kind of smoothly "snap" the arrow out there.  Not the best description - maybe someone else knows what I'm trying to describe?

One of my other favorite bows is a '66 Kodiak that just seems to suit me well.  This K-Mag is kind of like that for me - it just felt good shooting it - cool to see those limbs come back on a short bow.

Terry

[TBinMN]

Here a couple of pictures of the '63 K-mag riser:

 

 

[ckruse]

Your K-Mag is a type III. Pretty much known to be safe to shoot. The last incarnation of the 63 Kodiak Magnum. I have one in 50#, and it hits like a hammer. Nice ground blind bow, but not real comfortable at my 29.5" draw. CKruse

[alaskabowhunter]

1963 Kodiak Magnums,in descending order, type I, type II, type III. I have strung and shot all three of mine (yep, even the 55# type I) with no problemo. Good luck with your dogleg.