Trying longbow

[1Canvas]

After a year of shooting recurves I wanted to try a longbow. I came across a deal on a used Bear Montana longbow and was wondering from those that owned them and not just shot one,
what’s your opinion on that bow? I’ve shot a cheaper longbow and shot it very well, actually better than my recurve.

[KentuckyWolf]

Had a bear Montana for a few years, I got it the first year they came out to try out a longbow coming from recurves (my younger pre widow days)...would still have it but it got destroyed in a fire. Personal thing...I can’t sell bows I have killed with. It’s an ok bow. Its tough as nails...over built...and as a result slow as molasses. It’s quite.

For the price you can get much better longbows out there now.

[sancoon]

   I’ve had my Montana for a long time. I really enjoyed shooting it,but had to e retire it because 60lbs became to much for me. I still shoot it once in a while just to prove to myself that I can handle it . I’m down to 50 now and more comfortable. I found the Montana to shoot where I was looking and didn’t notice any hand shock. I think you will enjoy it.

[1Canvas]

In my research I had read at one time they had trimmed down the grip size and also the limb tips but not sure what year that was. I’ve seen a lot of good video reviews on it so when an offer to buy one for cheap I went for it, I haven’t got it yet though.

[KentuckyWolf]

Modifying the tips helps with speed some. The original grip was a brick...or 2x4...pretty awful stuff...so modifying it is a good idea unless you enjoy blocky grips.

Again...is a ok bow. Solid. However, there are much much better longbows out there in the same price range now (wasn’t much to choose from years ago).

[1Canvas]

I’m really into the recurves but wanted to have a longbow to play with and I think this will do for less than 200.00.

[KentuckyWolf]

At that price...worth playing with. Read up on mods for it. They are worth doing.

[M60gunner]

I had one of the orginal ones. I bought it as a backup. I also did the mods to the grip and tips. The do along was on this site. I sold it to a new guy a few years ago. He enjoys it now. But, Christmas Eve I was in one of the big box sporting goods stores looking for fudge. They had a new one so I had to fondle it. It actually felt good in my hand , not bulky, clean lines. Was under 4 bills. If I was looking I would consider that bow.

[Rustic]

I love my 50# Montana. I cant say enough good things about this bow.

[Steelhead]

I have seen a lot of reviews on the Montana over the years and the vast majority have been positive.I have not had one personally.

[Deno]

Review

[David Mitchell]

That's some great shooting and a fine endorsement for the Montana. I always enjoy watching Jeff shoot and saw a video of his daughter shooting.  She's learning well. That bow is quiet and has no silencers. 

[1Canvas]

The mail finally got the bow to me after two weeks. It was in great condition and I have been having fun shooting it, I’m very happy with it.
It is brown instead of black which I really like.

[MattfromVT]

I've had a 50# Montana since 2008. It shoots well for me and I have nothing bad to say about it except that it's pretty slow. My buddies get a chuckle out of the arc on my long shots compared to their widow recurves. I'll never sell it.

[1Canvas]

Yep, my Montana @28.5 460grn at 45# is 152fps., not fast at all but fun to shoot.
I never shoot over 25 yards so arc on a long shot isn’t an issue for me.

[1Canvas]

I've had a 50# Montana since 2008. It shoots well for me and I have nothing bad to say about it except that it's pretty slow. My buddies get a chuckle out of the arc on my long shots compared to their widow recurves. I'll never sell it.

Quite a price difference?

[MattfromVT]

I've had a 50# Montana since 2008. It shoots well for me and I have nothing bad to say about it except that it's pretty slow. My buddies get a chuckle out of the arc on my long shots compared to their widow recurves. I'll never sell it.

Quite a price difference?

Oh for sure. 3x the price at least for a widow. Like I said, I love my Montana and wouldn't get rid of it. It's just slower than a lot of other bows I've shot, including Bear Grizzlies.

[1Canvas]

Coming from compounds last year and starting into recurves I started looking at speeds I could get out of my maximum 45# draw for hunting I was very disappointed.