Red Wing Hunter 58" or 1970's Grizzly

[KevinK]

I have an opportunity to "look" at a Red Wing Hunter 58". I know little about them other than they were originally owned by Bob Lee, sold to Head Ski, which sold them to AMF. I currently own a mid 70's Grizzly of the same weight that I really like. I've heard that the Red Wing Hunter is a better shooter. How would this compare to a 73-76 Grizzly (Pre Head Ski)? Any difference when Head Ski owned? Same for AMF? I don't know a serial # or if it is a Bob Lee, Head Ski or AMF yet but by the time I find this out I will either have to pass or buy then. I am looking for a hunting/3D bow, not just a wall hanger. Thanks

[crazynate]

So funny you say this. On Monday I picked up a 46# red wing hunter 58" and Thursday a 50# 1975 grizzly. Comparing them side by side I like the grizzly better. Shot both through my chronograph and the red wing was just a touch faster. The hand grip on the hunter is bulky and that's why I don't care for it much.  But it's a great shooter for sure. If you can get your hands on them see which ones feels better right off the back. That's better than getting recommendations really.

[KevinK]

Nate, is your Red Wing a Bob Lee, Head Ski or AMF? Supposedly it's marked on the lower limb.

[crazynate]

Mine is a head ski

[mangonboat]

Some folks say the pre-Head Ski RWH's are better and the Head Ski RWS are better than AMF era. likewise, I can point to folks who swear to the superior virtues of every era Grizzly from late 50's forward. I found RWH's  to stack a bit less than 1971 > Grizzly, but I liked the grip a bit better on the Grizzly. Some of the early 60's iterations of both models are truly handsome and shoot very well.

[Bud B.]

I have an original Wing Red Wing Hunter by Bob Lee. I also have a few Grizzlys. It is a matter of personal preference, but, to me the Wing is more elegant, but it does fill the hand a little more than the Grizzly at the grip.

If forced to choose, I'd go with a Bob Lee original Red Wing Hunter over the Grizzly. And I am a Bear kinda guy.

[tippit]

Either one is a fine shooter...but if the grip bothers you change it.  Some RWH have fat grips.  Just grind or rasp it down to the shape you like.  Sand/feather into the surrounding finish and just wipe on Tru Oil. You will hardly notice the difference in finish.

Two RWHs...bottom grip has been thinned considerably.  I did not finish with Tru Oil just to show what I ground off...tippit

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[Sean B]

Originally posted by crazynate:
So funny you say this. On Monday I picked up a 46# red wing hunter 58" and Thursday a 50# 1975 grizzly. Comparing them side by side I like the grizzly better. Shot both through my chronograph and the red wing was just a touch faster. The hand grip on the hunter is bulky and that's why I don't care for it much.  But it's a great shooter for sure. If you can get your hands on them see which ones feels better right off the back. That's better than getting recommendations really.

That's my exact sentiment. I had an early '60s RWH (small tips) and, although it was a great shooter, I didn't care for the grip. My Griz on the other hand was much more comfortable in hand.

[ksbowman]

I like the RWH made by Lee and Head Ski. The larger grip fits my hand better, but I have larger hands.