Switch from the 'curve to the longbow

[Bakes168]

Well I got some time this weekend to shoot my new Bear Montana and my groups were nothing to be proud of, I really had to focus on my form to tighten those groups, and they still weren't that good at 15 yards.
Personally I think it's the switch from the recurve to the longbow. I read somewhere that longbows are more forgiving of bad form and release but apparently not. I really need to practice for this season.

I really like the bow though, it's not the fastest one out there but it makes up for it with SUPER quietness. And the leather grip I put on it looks a lot better than the way it was.

I have to say though that as much as I love Bear Archery they just don't make 'em like they used to. Under the grip material you can see where the two pieces of maple meet cause there are gaps and there are a couple of spots where the glue/finish job doesn't look so good under the grip material, I'd get pics but I already glued the leather on and sewed the front shut with artificial sinew (looks nice    ). But all in all it's a great bow for the money and I think I use it for a long time. Thanks Bear Archery!
Now I just need to practice.

Bakes

[WidowEater]

In regards to longbows being more forgiving, that could be true based on the shooter, and in general is probably not true.  The Montana has a broomhandle grip which takes some getting used to from a high or medium wrist recurve grip.

[Swamp Pygmy]

yes I agree. My montana isn't seamless at the fade out. Nothing to worry about but its not a sign of quality. I'm not expecting to pass this one down fifty years from now.

On the flip side I bought a new martin of the same price and it's flawless. I recommend martin over bear.

Only thing I can remind you is to use heel into the bow. Don't point with the web of your hand. Just keep an open hand and let the weight displace in the meaty part of your thumb. Think of it as a broom, just straight and will tip easily. If it tilts either direction it'll miss. So you just want a flat surface upon a flat surface (palm of your hand). Recurves have the heavy indent at the thumb and it pushes forward naturally at full draw. The web of your hand that makes straight grips tilt make recurve grips lock into place. But on a longbow it acts like a see-saw. The flat bow and the point of your web.

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[donnyjack]

Someting else besides hand placement thats important is a steady bow arm. Due to a longbow being so light I had to work on keeping the bow steady and on target until the arrow hits.

Swamp Pygmy, Did you make it through Gustav OK? I'm over north of Lake Charles and things are just starting to go down hill now.  We suppose to get the bad stuff tonight.  My son and his wife are in Baton Rouge and I have not been able to get through to them as the cellphone system seams to be down.

(Bakes168 sorry for stealing your tread)

God Bless

Don Jackson
President
Louisiana Traditional Bowmen