#s behind strike plate?

[mscampbell75]

I've got a Bear Kodiak Hunter.  KT75008  AMO 60" 45#  By best guess, I had dated it an early 70s bow.

I was taking the old strike plate off in preperation for the new one I have on the way.  Under it, I found the number 75.  It is not very distinct but does appear to be under the finish.

Could this be the definte year for this recurve or by chance, just be the 1st two #s of the serial #.

I sure hope this is a 75.  It would mean more to ME if it was, that is the year I was born.

I'm going to research on here some more for dating bear bows.  I was just wondering if anyone has seen this before and if it is common.

Thanks, Mike

[jcar315]

I have seen it on a few bows but in my experience it is the draw weight. Any pics?

[mscampbell75]

At closer inspection, it is 45 NOT 75.  So, jcar, you are correct!  It is hard to tell b/c off the grain in the wood makes it blend in well.  But it is defintly a 4.

[TRAP]

The number behind the strike plate is usually the exact draw weight and is usually pretty close to the draw weight on the side of the bow.  

Are you sure the first digit is a 7 and not a 4?  

The reason I ask this is,  because of a recent occurrence we all know that numbers on Bear bows can sometimes look like another number.  Just a thought.  

Trap

[johnnyrazorhead]

Those numbers under the side plate are usually the actual draw weight that the bow scaled out at the factory.The 4 might look like a 7 if it's faded or not real distinct as you say.

[jcar315]

Trap, I was thinking about that very thing when I wrote my response. I am not usually too brave in removing strike plates but have taken a few off.

[johnnyrazorhead]

Trap- You got your post up before mine,it wasn't there when I hit the trigger to post mine.Sounds like I pretty much repeated what you said.Sorry 'bout that.

[PAPALAPIN]

The number stamped under the arrow plate is what the bow weighed in at before the finish was applied.  Once the finish was put on they marked that weight om the riser, along with the SN and the AMO Length, then they installed the plate and rest.

[TonyW]

Except for 70s bows marked 40X or 50X. These bows have the final draw weight written under the arrow plate, 45 or 53, for example.

[Don Stokes]

Hmmm, maybe that's why my 1970 Super Kodiak feels heavier than the 50X that it's marked?

[The Great Jashu]

Originally posted by mscampbell75:
I've got a Bear Kodiak Hunter.  KT75008  AMO 60" 45


I sure hope this is a 75.  It would mean more to ME if it was, that is the year I was born.

If you post up a pic I am sure someone here can nail down the date. The Kodiak hunters in 75 would have had a blue stripe and white overlays on the riser.