HH bug got me ... Part One!

I'm up! Not really, I wish there was a 52@26" left hander in the group, although I am having fun being a right hander again. Bows like Schulz longbows are a little tough to use. They are not replaceable, so I tend to use the bows that are sort of copies of them more, especially when conditions are rough.

[mikebiz]

Oh I'm going to use mine, but I'll do my best to be gentle.  There are very few bows I would purchase to just hang on the rack.  Obviously a genuine Howard bow would "probably" be one of them.  

As far as I know this Schulz I purchased never saw any field time.  Only the range and the current owner only shot it indoors.  

And I know about irreplaceable.  You may recall last week I was ranting about the USPS damaging a bow I mailed to a fellow TradGanger.  It was built by a retired bowyer, so if it was completely busted, bye-bye bow.  Fortunately, we think it can be fixed rather easily.  Dodged a bullet, or should I say arrow, on that one.    

When I mail a bow to someone, I put it in a padded heavy weight PVC tube with padded heavy caps.  I imagine if a truck drove over it they could still damage the bow inside. PS, don't tell them that, I can just about see that happening with some of the delivery boys around here.

[toddster]

I got my Dave Johnson bow, and as all sais before on here it is sweet.  I like Nate's sunset Hill better, but mr. Johnson bow is probably the second best I have shot.  We exchanged emails and phone calls several time's as he was getting the grip the way I wanted.  A great bowyer, fine gentleman.  If you don't have one and looking for a great Hill style bow give mr. johnson a call.

[Brianlocal3]

I have to ask, what about the sunset do you like better than the Johnson

[Bob B.]

Good question Brian ... I would like to know as well.

Bob.

[akbowbender]

I think I'm getting on track with my N.M. Classic. My arrows are flying nicely for a change. What a difference decent form makes!

I just got my copy of Dave Miller's book. It is mostly geared towards beginning archers, but there are a few bits of wisdom that can be gleaned from it that are useful for more advanced, yet struggling Hill Style longbow shooters.

I hope that my shooting will improve enough that I will feel confident enough to show up at some of the lower 48 longbow shoots. I'd particularly like to go to the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational, since it is held close to where my folks live, and to the North American Longbow Safari.

[toddster]

Keep in mind, I am still playing with it, love the grip he made me.  I feel that my sunset is just a sweeter drawing bow, like butter.  The sunset is 50# at my draw weight, and it feel's like 40, I even checked it on my and brother's scale.  The Johnson is 55# sweet and smooth just not as much.  I think once I shoot the johnson more and I make some arrow up for it will be better.  My pointability with the sunset is dead on.

[Brianlocal3]

Thank you toddster.

[Rossco7002]

I thought Johnson only built bows 45lbs and under now?

[rushlush]

I just received a new to me Pete George, man does it zip an arrow. Will try to get some pics up soon.

[Brianlocal3]

I want to try a Pete george

[stik&string]

Mr. Johnson told me 50# and under, but he was a very nice man to talk to and very responsive to all my questions even though he knew I wasn't interested in a lighter weight bow.

[tradlongbow]

Congratulations!

Raffle winners posted of the Howard Hill arrows with broadheads!

See you at the HillGang Hog Hunt 2013!

[Brianlocal3]

I have been talkin to a buddy about limb cores and wanted you opinion on this.  Im not a fan of bamboo because it feels buzzy and whippet on release, but I love the smooth draw of it. I love how solid red elm feels on release and just thuds, but it is noticable stiffer on draw.  Which got me to thinking Yew is a great middle ground, because it's a solid wood not grass.  How does red cedar perform as a Core wood, and what are its characteristics as compared to boo , yew and red elm? Thanks

Brian, those sensations you feel would probably be as different from bow to bow just as likely as any given core material.  If a light bow wood such as cedar has much action left at the end of the shot it could have just as much buzz as anything else in my experience with it. Yew can be everything from harsh to buzzy to sublime. It is all in the tillering. My favorite yew from a Hill blank is remarkable, but I did rework it a bit after it was initially completed. I was rather surprised by how such a small change in the limbs and tiller could make so much difference in the overall feel of the bow.

[Brianlocal3]

Let me note: I have never shot an all yew core bow, but it was explained to me as having the same smooth draw like boo, but a more solid feel in release as opposed to the boos buzzy feel ( I get it and some others, I'm not saying everyone feels what I do) I equate that too yew is a solid wood as opposed to the "airy"or hollow boo. Now since cedar is a light wood, but yet still solid, does it perform and feel similar to yew?

I hope that cleared up my thought process some

[Brianlocal3]

Pavan,
Thank you for your reply, your experience is always welcome to read

[Bud B.]

Originally posted by stik&string:
Mr. Johnson told me 50# and under, but he was a very nice man to talk to and very responsive to all my questions even though he knew I wasn't interested in a lighter weight bow.

Mine is marked 49@28 but it scaled at 54@28 if I did it right. That's OK by me. That cedar really throws an arrow.

[Goshawkin]

Originally posted by rushlush:
I just received a new to me Pete George, man does it zip an arrow. Will try to get some pics up soon.