Stringing Kissenger selfbow

[Mint]

Hey Guys,

My friend Ray past away back in 2005 (motorcycle accident) and he always wanted me to have his kissenger selfbow after I raved about it back in 1994 shooting it at his house. His daughter knew this and gave it to me when i saw her in 2006. It is a beauty and is backed with sinew and covered in rattler skin. I really want to shoot it and take a deer with it this year but I'm scared to death it will break after it not being shot for 10 to 12 years. What do you experts think?

[Silent Bear]

I would first string it with very low brace height and work it in by gradually pulling it farther and farther back until you feel comftorable shooting it with its right drawlength

[mike mcguire]

how long is it,,easy to overdraw a short bow?

[Mint]

It is 54" I believe and was made for a 28" draw but my draw length is 26"

[mike mcguire]

you should be fine at 26in,,be sure not to overdraw, as this is on the edge ,,

[Granite Mtn]

I was taught to build bows from Dave in 1989.  I am sure the quality of the bow is fine.  I would let it climatize if it was stored in an unusual manner,  ie basement or attic.  Low brace hight to start excercising the bow as brace hight and draw length are increased.  Keep an eye on the tiller, should be able to shoot the bow with in a half hour of stringing if the moisture is not way out of wack.  I would love to see a picture of the bow. Thanks

[horseapple]

Ray Bendici, what a cool dude, I had the joy of building him a few bows, he had a friend named Bill Schoenig, them two was a pair  

JD