Although I've shot many longbows over the years I'd never laid eyes on these bows until a few weeks ago when I saw an ad for a used one on The Footed Shaft website, in like-new condition.
Although some quick researching didn't turn up much regarding past history on these bows, I liked it's looks (all osage...wow!), lines and specs (64", 47#@28") so decided to take the plunge.
It arrived yesterday, and after corresponding with bowyer Chuck Jones for some useful info (thanks Chuck!) I made a new 12-strand B-50 string for it (FF isn't recommended) and took it out back for some test shots in the snow. I've only put about 50 shots through it so far, but I have to say I'm very impressed.
All that osage is eye-catching, striking, and somehow 'rustic' all at the same time, even though it hasn't yet mellowed to it's eventual deep amber color so will get even better with each passing year. With a mild R/D limb design it still retains a fairly deep and narrow grip typical of most ASL-style bows. This particular grip is straight (my favorite), leather-covered, and very similar to my Hill Wesley Special in feel and shape...very comfortable and form-fitting to the hand. The limb tips are quite small and since no micarta was used on this particular bow (although it is an option on new bows) the bowyer recommends only B-50 or B-55 dacron be used. But, he did say that some owners have used FF with the loops built up with extra strands of dacron and haven't had problems. Osage is strong stuff!
For a 64" bow drawn to 28" (my draw length) this bow felt surprisingly smooth and comfortable, with no hint of stack. Arrows were newly-built (like yesterday) 470 gr. 55-60# spine cedars with 125 grain points and three 5" shield-cut feathers. They behaved very nicely off the bow without any hint of wandering... suggesting these bows can handle a stiffer spine without issues. Arrow speed wasn't measured (no chronograph) but based purely on visual comparison the bow is no slouch, appearing a tad faster than my 51#@28" Hill Big Five longbow with similar 10 gr./lb. of draw arrows. Accuracy was excellent out to 20 yards and required some careful shot choices after several consecutive 'near-nockbuster' hits. With golfball-size yarn puffs on that B-50 dacron string (I prefer silencers on all my bows, even if they are already quiet) it was nearly silent to me as I shot it...I can't imagine a critter would hear much of anything at typical 'hunting shot' ranges.
Needless to say, I'm very pleased with this bow and new/used prices are very reasonable for this level of quality design and construction. So if you're in the market for a stable, quiet and 'plenty quick enough' hunting bow you might want to give Chuck Jones' 'Osage Royale' a hard look.
I don't have pics yet but will try and post a few later.
Topic: Chuck Jones 'Osage Royale' longbow...some observations (Read 3506 times)
