Classic only Traditional Competition

[wasapt]

Wouldn't it cool to attend a classic only traditional shoot that was put together to invite the archers featuring bows that for instance had to be a minimum of 30, 40 or even ?? years old? It would be fun just to see the old bows in action and those who are proficient in shooting them, kickin' tail. Not sure how it could be put together but maybe if there was enough interest, it could happen at one of the big rendevous. What would be neater than that? Well, maybe make it a broadhead shoot perhaps..LOL

[Blackhawk]

I like the idea.  Unfortunately, most of the trad  only shoots out here are already poorly attended.  Limiting a shoot to Classic only bows would not be cost effective.  

However, adding another class of shooter (Classic) would be fun and I may have to push that idea at a couple of those I attend.

I believe the compound was patented in 1966, so any bow prior to that would be "Classic".

[reddogge]

At our shoots in the east we have tons of people who shoot classic bows but we intermix with people who shoot modern made bows.  Sometimes we all agree to shoot a particular bow like '62 Kodiaks one day, '64 Kodiaks another day but we don't exclude those that don't have one.

The compounds didn't really hit the streets big time until about 1973 with Jenning's wood handle.  After that the recurve sales went south and compound sales went north.

[wasapt]

I hear ya. The classic bow period would have to include the years of the Super Kodiak and Custom Take down bows IMO, these bows draw so much attention although I agree with the advent of the compound, things changed alot. This proves the worth of the Tradgang site, so many still have interest and share the love of these old bows, it may truly be the last frontier of where thier appreciation is shared. Thanks for your comments!

[Blackhawk]

How about this for the classic period?

A couple things happened in 1977-78 of note.

1.  Bear moved from Grayling to Gainesville

2.  G. Fred Asbell formed the Bighorn Bowhunting company which many consider the beginning of the modern era of custom bow making.

Therefore, bows made before 1978 could be deemed as "Classic".

[reddogge]

That sounds about right to me.  After that came the dark ages.  I could kick myself for falling for the compound hype in '73.  There were some fine bows designed up to '78 for sure.

[wasapt]

How long did Fred A make the Bighorn's? Would you think all his bows regardless of year,would  be included? It seems safe to say that a bow 30+ years old, restored or not, still be flinging arrows at a trad shoot would be a class act to view and behold. Of course we'd have to draw the line at some point on bow age.

[Blackhawk]

I believe he started the company in 1977 and sold it around 1991.

Another thought would be type of string required for the bow.  Fastflight-type string material was introduced around 1990, 1991, or soon thereafter.  Bows made prior to this could be "Classic."

Heck, we could make our own rules.  

Just don't let Harry Reed and Nancy Pelosi find out.  

[d. ward]

1976 or before would be great bd

[wasapt]

If we settled on a year, say 1976 and earlier.. I think the arrows would be limited to materials at the time so no carbons. It would be tricky to allow sighted bows to be with non sighted bows. Arrow rests would also be a question. Perhaps limited to the type sold with the bow?

[Gray Buffalo]

[jackdaw]

here's my 2 cents worth, why not just have a "stock" class?? They're really aren't tons of custom bows in the days of old, and only a few companys continued making bows into the compound era...namely bear, browning,howatt,martin....make the date 1985...thats 25 years old and gettin' smaller in the rear view mirror all the time. Anything else competes in the "open" class.....compounds and long bows in separate classes perhaps?????

[jackdaw]

ok, let me revise that....RECURVES and LONGBOWS in separate classes perhaps!!!!! (my bad for saying the "C" word) LOL.

[Wapiti Chaser]

At Denton Hill this year a bunch of did a " Fred Bear Tribute" shoot. I think the newset bow was 1970, all Bears of course ! We may do it again this year. Funny thing is how many people kept on shooting old Bears the rest of the week !

[ishi1archer]

Look me up at Denton Hill this year I'll be shooting some vintage Bears. I'll be camped below the ski lift in white wall tent. Scott

[Nook]

Here's last years thread about a few of us shooting classic bows at ATAR in WV:

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=94;t=001385