bear A-Riser serial # 18xx

[Robertfishes]

I saw a A-Riser yesterday(riser no limbs) with serial number in the 1800's i think it was made in either 1969 or 1970?? I'm not a Bear expert but it was unlike the more modern ones I have seen, there was no screw holding the clip to the riser just a pin.. The guy who has it was sanding it down and was going to refinish it then use it for a "bowfishing" bow. I told him I thought it was a pretty rare riser and one that was collectable. Would this riser hold up to a new set of limbs using a fast flite string?

[OldSkoolArcher]

Yes, The bow if structurally solid will hold up to modern limbs and modern strings.

[vintage-bears]

Yes, Nick is right. It can be done.
However,
I would STRONGLY suggest that you make sure the limbs seat properly into the sockets.

ie.... The limb should essentially hit bottom (deepest part of socket) and seat easily.

If the limb needs to be "backed out" a little to seat properly, you run the risk of cracking the top of the socket. Not fixable if that happens.
The modern FF limb ends are shorter than Grayling limb ends and fitment is "questionable" most times.
 

If it were my setup, I would use grayling limbs in that handle. They will fit perfectly.

Good Luck........Philip

[hayslope]

If it's an original wooden "A" riser, I would highly recommend to that guy to NOT continue doing what he is planning.  Way too rare and collectable to be sanded down, refinished and turned into a bowfishing bow!

[vintage-bears]

I agree Tony!

[kuch]

I'll trade him my bowfishing bow and he won't even have to sand it.

[ahandle70]

I like his style...reminds me of a Miller High Life commercial...just picturing him sanding away.

[2treks]

I bet he quits sanding if somebody tells him what its worth.
Kuch has made the best suggestion yet,(dang,wish I would have thought of it).

I have seen more than one classic Bear T/D set up as a fishing rig.

[Robertfishes]

when I saw it I told him it could be a $500 to $1000 riser to a collector..

[Shane Reed]

Robert, you tell him I will give $500 for it and throw in a bow to fish with. ;o)

[ahandle70]

I can see it now.  Bacon sizzlin in a cast iron skillet...greasy hands that just rebuilt a small block Chevy (327) reaching for another white powdered doughnut and a piece of 80 grit sandpaper.  To each their own.  We all have our own opinions and views about old bows.  Fred would be still be proud...he would like to know that they are still being usedthe world by archers around!  Life is too short.  Make the best of it.