Seeking Info on Texas Recurve Bows

[Woodeye]

I recently purchased a Texas Recurve via the classified ads here.  I am very impressed with the bow (to say the least) and would like to learn more about the bow's origins.

I am also looking for some input on what I may use to add another layer of protection to the snake skin backing.

Thanks in Advance
Woodeye

[JBiorn]

tru-oil works pretty good for protecting the snake skin. I don't know much about the bow though.

[Jack Guard]

The texas recurve has been my "go to" bow for the past 11 years.  I bought it directly from Rick Byrd for an unbelievable 208 dollars.  200 for the bow and 8 for shipping.  He and his father Curtis made bows (if i got it right).   They made the Comanche recurve in a 52" and 58".  The last time i talked to Rick he was gonna sell the business.  That was in 2004.  

Sorry i don't know much on the actual origins of the bow.

I put snake skin on my bow also.  a good quality polyurethane works great.

Good luck.  they are great little bows

[Woodeye]

Thanks for the feedback JBiorn and Jack G.

I agree Jack, I have only had my Comanche for a couple of days but I know already that it will be my "go to" for years to come.

These are top quality bows.  Every aspect seems to be well thought out in design then precisely fabricated.  It is a shame that they don't seem to be manufactured any longer.  For this level of the bowyer's art the 300 I paid is a deal and Jack's 208 is truely unbelievable.

My Comanche has a beaver tail leather handle which looks cool and has great grip characteristics.  Never thought of it before and now I wonder why I have not seen it more often.

Does anyone know if the business was sold or any current status?

Woodeye

[Justin Falon]

The father died and Rick got tired of making them.  I got one from him around 2004. Can you guess the price???  $700!  I have contact information here if anyone is interested.  I would just like to have his bowform!!!

justin

[Woodeye]

All-righty-then I'm feeling way great about my $300 deal all the time, but the $700 is what a bow built to this quality is worth.

Its a shame they are not availabel any longer.

I with you Juatin on the bowform!

My bow is a powerful thing and great fun to shoot with the smooth draw those static tips produce, no hand shock and silent - we are bonding well.

[Charlie Cole]

I'd love to see some Texas Comanche Recurves being made again. I almost bought one at a shoot back in 1994 or '95, and I didn't. I still regret that- It just felt so good in my hand, you know?

Maybe one day I'll be able to get my hands on one again.

In the meantime, since they seem to be getting scarce (a good sign that guys that have them are hanging onto them), I call MANLAW on Woodeye.

Tradgang needs some good pictures of his Comanche.

-Charlie

[Steve H.]

I have seen a couple bows that have similar styles over the last decade and a half.  One is sporadically built (or was) by a guy in SEMO and the other by Tradgang's Mark Baker that he calls "Sheepeater".  You might try Mark for something close.  I had one by the guy in SEMO many years ago and it shot interchangably with my longbows yet it was a foot plus shorter.  I had a buddy with a "Comanche" but I couldn't shoot it with my 29" draw.

[Jack Guard]

Tippit has some pic on here of two recurves and one longbow by Rick.  do a search.  Good pics of the original handle and limb tips.

[Mark Baker]

Just to set the record  straight, I don't build the sheepeaters anymore,  Brent Rudolph does.  It is the same size as my 52" Texas Recurve....that I got from Justin!   It is a beautiful  bow and shoots great, and  the  work  is remarkable on it.   But I have to say,  the Sheepeaters outshoot the  Texas Recurves.   Longer draws possible,  smoother, and a lot less torque in  them.

Having  said that, Justin has tried to get the Texas  Recurve back from me...and I can't let it go.   It is  a beautiful and unique bow, and really fun  to  shoot.   Sorry  Justin!

[bentpole]

First I heard of these bows was in a 8th Dwarf video. Paul used to shoot one of these and he shot it well.

[Steve H.]

Ken Birch is the guy in SEMO and it uncoiled like a spring at my longer draw length nlike the Comanche.  Fit and finish were a "bit" lacking however.

[Woodeye]

Charlie - I acknowledge the MANLAW Rules!  I will post some photos this evening.

Much as Mark stated - I would be hardpressed to let this Comanche go.  Way to much fun to shoot, but then I have yet to run into a bow that I did not find at least some fun in.

OK - I give up....What or where is SEMO?

Woodeye

[Steve H.]

Southeast Missouri, sorry!

[Justin Falon]

Hail to Mark Baker!  He got away with my last Texas recurve....Don't sell it Mark.  It is a great bow.

I am not a big fan of snakeskins, although they look very cool, I always worried about scuffing them.

[d. ward]

Tru oil or minwax for the snake skins woodeye.It will out last most of us.bd

[Woodeye]

Thanks for the sound advice bowdoc

I have some Briwax which is a super tough furniture wax, a English version of Minwax.

I know i owe some photos here, I have them taken and on my PC and will post them soon.