Bear bow question

[TroutKing]

Hello all,

I have a question for you. I am thinking of purchasing a Bear Kodiak Magnum recurve. Being such a short bow, I was wondering if the bow is smooth to draw or if it stacks badly. I have a 29 inch draw, and the bow is a 50#. Just needing some info on this bow before I take the plunge.

TK

[mdwatts]

TroutKing,

My draw is 27 1/2", I have no difficulty in shooting the Magnum.  That said, it's still apparent that it's a short bow.  Not saying that is bad, as the Magnums are a favorite of mine.  But there is a definite difference between a 52" K-Mag and a 60" K-Hunter.  Sweet little bows though.

[George D. Stout]

Answering your question as it was posted, the Kodiak Mag doesn't stack at 29", it will stack a little at 30.  Finger pinch is more of an issue than stack.  I love those little bows and once you shoot them awhile, you will forget about finger pinch and appreciate them for the great hunting bow that they are.

If you want an accurate chart on stack, put the bow on a scale and measure pounds at each draw from about 26 out to 31".  You will see the point at which it starts to build uneven resistance.

[5deer]

maybe check out a grizzly too they shoot great  

[GingivitisKahn]

My son and I both have ape arms and shoot his KMag without problems.  I think his draw is a bit longer than my 29 and he seems to shoot that bow awfully well.

[stevewills]

i shoot a 1976 kmag with a 29 inch draw,no problems,great bow.....

[George D. Stout]

TroutKing, during the mid sixties, to early seventies, the 52" bow was king here in the eastern part of the US.  Bear alone made about 40,000+ Kodiak Magnums per year.  Every mfg had one in their line.  Browning Nomad Stalker, Ben Pearson BPH 52, Shakespeare Sierra, Indian Magnum Hunter, Wing Red Wing Hunter and Thunderbird, and more.  I believe you will really like the bow.  If not, they are great for resale...you will likely not lose anything.

[TroutKing]

Thanks for the reply guys. I am going to Cabela's to try the bow before I leap. I didn't even think of this until last night. I know they have one there and they will probably string it up for me and let me shoot a few in the target lanes. Again, thanks for the replies. I'll let you all know if I buy it.

TK

[john fletch]

As I said in the Polar Bear thread, I had a magnum until it delaminated.  I know folk that have the same era bow that has never given them a problem.  It was a fine bow.

After it blew up, I found a used Browning Exploer II.  I think it is 56" and 56# draw at 28"  My draw is 28.5 so it works well.  My only issue with the Magnum was the finger pinch, and I started using all three fingers under the nock.  I used a nock button to hold the arrow down.  That seemed to work better on the Magnum for me and works well on the Exploer II.

I have to 'relearn' a bit now since I shoot a lot of 'primitve' self bow and string nocks are not allowed in 'Mountain Man' competition.  My primitives are from 66" to 72" so the draw is smooth and there is no finger pinch.

If you can get the Magnum for a decent price, it is a fine bow.

[allanburden]

I love my K-Mag and I am in complete agreement with Mr. Stout.  I am 6'2" 230lbs and draw 29" with no problem.  As said, a little finger pinch but that was overcome after about 20 shots.  Be careful though, once you shoot these little fellas, you'll never go back to a larger bow.  Good luck.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I have 5 of them from 40# to 60# and they shoot great! I am 6'4' and use them out of my blind and when I am crawling around in the thick stuff the shorter bows are good for that.

[fireball31]

I wouldn't by a new one when you can find an old one that shoots better and is cheaper somewhere in the classifieds.  If Cabelas near you is stocking the older ones than ignore this post.

[scott brightman]

Troutking,You have a PM,Scott

[bow'narrow]

My KMag is super in my pop-up blind.  Have also taken large and small game  while not in a blind.  Probably personal, but I find I shoot my longer bows a bit better beyond 25/30 yards.  Love the little thing though.

[sendero25]

Troutking,
If you have ever shot a compound with fingers, you will never notice "finger pinch" with a K-mag.I shot compounds with fingers with years and thought a 40 to 48" bow was LONG.
The K-mag is 52, that is easy to shoot with fingers, no worries about finger pinch.
Obviously it is different than a 60" recurve or 64" longbow, but in my humble opionion, 52" isn't short, I have one and love it.
Enjoy,
John