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Author Topic: Big River Longbow  (Read 1063 times)

Offline snakebit40

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Big River Longbow
« on: August 22, 2022, 07:55:32 AM »
I recently acquired a 60" Big River longbow built by John McDonald and have a few questions. (I've done some searches and can't find the answer to these questions.) First for you Big River fans out there, what brace height do you recommend shooting with this bow? Can I use a FF bow string? The bow is older, not sure when it was built, and needs a new leather wrap on the grip. Who do you recommend sending the bow to for a new wrap? Thanks for any help!!!
Jon Richards

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”.
>>>>------------>
Schafer Silvertip 71@28
Big River 60" 59@28

Offline Bigriver

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2022, 09:25:02 AM »
Start at 7 1/4" and adjust from there. Most of Johns bows were ff compatable, especially his longbows.  Post a pic of the tips I can tell you more. As far as the wrap, DIY, its easy and fun. You can buy leather with adhesive, or use contact cement.
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Online Wudstix

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2022, 09:31:26 AM »
Brian would know.  My 21st Century clone is 60" and brace is 7 1/4" with FF.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!!!" - Me

Psalms 121: 1-3 - King David

60" Big River 67#@28"              
60" MOAB D/R LB 62#@27"
60" Big River D/R LB 65#@27"
62" Kota Badlands LB 72#@28"
62" Howatt TD 62#@28
58” Bear Grizzly 70#@28”
62" Big River D/R LB 60#@30"
66" Moosejaw Razorback LB 60#@28"

"Memento Mori"
PBS - Associate Member
Retired DoD Civ 1985-2019


Offline snakebit40

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2022, 09:53:37 AM »
Jon Richards

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”.
>>>>------------>
Schafer Silvertip 71@28
Big River 60" 59@28

Offline snakebit40

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2022, 09:55:18 AM »
Also wanted opinions on the glass. It is shooting fine, but want to make sure I'm jeopardizing the bow by continuing to shoot it.

Jon Richards

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”.
>>>>------------>
Schafer Silvertip 71@28
Big River 60" 59@28

Offline Bigriver

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2022, 10:18:02 AM »
Good to go on the fast flight string. The crazing you see is in the finish. It was a stretch where he tried Fuller Plast finish. Some times it was not catalyzed exact and was too brittle and would crack where the limbs bend. A refinish will take care of it. Does happen a lot, it is not in the glass.
TGMM Family of the Bow

Offline snakebit40

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #7 on: August 22, 2022, 10:19:43 AM »
Good to go on the fast flight string. The crazing you see is in the finish. It was a stretch where he tried Fuller Plast finish. Some times it was not catalyzed exact and was too brittle and would crack where the limbs bend. A refinish will take care of it. Does happen a lot, it is not in the glass.

Thank you so much!!!
Jon Richards

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”.
>>>>------------>
Schafer Silvertip 71@28
Big River 60" 59@28

Offline Bigriver

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #8 on: August 22, 2022, 10:49:47 AM »
Looks like cocobolo diamond wood tips, Tonkin cane limbs. He usually used micarta or phenolic under the tip wood for reinforcement. Is it a diamond wood riser? I could tell you the approx. year of build from that. Probably what he called his reflex deflex longbow. They are great bows. I might or might not of had a few :bigsmyl:
« Last Edit: August 22, 2022, 11:26:55 AM by Bigriver »
TGMM Family of the Bow

Online Wudstix

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #9 on: August 22, 2022, 11:08:53 AM »
Happy Birthday, Jonathon.
"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!!!" - Me

Psalms 121: 1-3 - King David

60" Big River 67#@28"              
60" MOAB D/R LB 62#@27"
60" Big River D/R LB 65#@27"
62" Kota Badlands LB 72#@28"
62" Howatt TD 62#@28
58” Bear Grizzly 70#@28”
62" Big River D/R LB 60#@30"
66" Moosejaw Razorback LB 60#@28"

"Memento Mori"
PBS - Associate Member
Retired DoD Civ 1985-2019

Offline snakebit40

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #10 on: August 22, 2022, 09:11:28 PM »
Happy Birthday, Jonathon.

Thank you!
Jon Richards

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”.
>>>>------------>
Schafer Silvertip 71@28
Big River 60" 59@28




Online Wudstix

  • TG HALL OF FAME
  • Trad Bowhunter
  • *****
  • Posts: 6336
  • Wood arrows & D/R Longbows Rule!!!
Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #14 on: August 22, 2022, 09:44:45 PM »
Nice pics!!!
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!!!" - Me

Psalms 121: 1-3 - King David

60" Big River 67#@28"              
60" MOAB D/R LB 62#@27"
60" Big River D/R LB 65#@27"
62" Kota Badlands LB 72#@28"
62" Howatt TD 62#@28
58” Bear Grizzly 70#@28”
62" Big River D/R LB 60#@30"
66" Moosejaw Razorback LB 60#@28"

"Memento Mori"
PBS - Associate Member
Retired DoD Civ 1985-2019

Offline Bigriver

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Re: Big River Longbow
« Reply #15 on: August 22, 2022, 10:13:16 PM »
Yep, Burgundy diamondwood and Tonkin cane reflex deflex longbow. They are great shooting bows, probably his best model. It should work well for you. Probably late 90s
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