Vintage Brackenbury

[JCJ]

I was fortunate to purchase an absolutely mint condition "Tradition" model original Brackenbury bow today. It's 66", 54# @ 30". Real nice bow, very smooth on the draw and stable shooting. I've owned a couple different Blacktails and this bow reminds me a lot of them from a shooting standpoint.

Anyway, when I was considering the purchase, I was searching for information on this model and didn't find anything. i realize I could contact Bill Howland or Wes Wallace and get the story but, rather than bother them, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me more about when this model was part of the Brackenbury line.

I have Traditional bowhunter magazines going back into the mid-90's but I don't see it listed in the ad's from that period.

 
 

[Tree Killer]

The "Tradition" was being made in the mid-80's. I have a 1985 Drifter I bought from Jim, and my brother has a Tradition he bought about the same time.  They're basically the same limbs, just different riser's.  

Nice find, congrats!

[Jedimaster]

Don't know the history of that model but it sure is a pretty riser and of course Jim was/is a legend and unfortunately he's not with us anymore, so I say congratulations on a very fine purchase.

[JCJ]

ttt

[draco]

I have a Legend that I bought from Jim in 1985 with 60# and 70# limbs. It's a very fast bow and an excellent shooter. I killed my best buck with it a week after I got it. I sent a picture to him and he called me on the phone to talk all about it. He was a super guy. It was the first bow he sold in Texas. He sold a bunch more here from people shooting mine. I don't shoot it much any more as the high grip was giving me elbow problems. You bought a fine bow and it you should do well with it.

[Diamondback59]

i can help ya out  here  i have  had 9  of jims  bow s   at this time i  have just 1  this  was finished   just about a week befor  jim had   the accident ,,  he  had a unfortate accident  on the  john day river   and his john boat was sucked under  he  drowned in the accident  i  know wes wallace  has taken over  and still makes pretty much the same stuff jim made, i love the  bow s i had  and this last one is still mint  76 # @ 28 inches  it s  the drifter  will never sell this one  it  goes to my sons when i go jim was real great guy to work with and is sadley missed,  his wife linda   still make custom string s   as far as i kniow  brock

[JCJ]

Well I've learned a bit more about the bow thanks to public and private replies. I've been shooting it quite a bit and it is a very stable and super smooth shooting bow that sends the arrow off with a quiet thump. It also seems to be a real sturdy bow from a construction standpoint and very no-nonsense from a aesthetics standpoint.

[tradtusker]

very nice looking one you just picked up

[Danny Rowan]

Wess Wallace is not making Brackenbury bows. Bill Howland is the owner and bowyer. Wes has his own line of bows, simalar to a Brack. Never shot an original but the current ones are top notch, my go to is a Quest.

Danny