Bear bow and riser value?

[LIVE2RIDE]

Hey guys. So I came across the opportunity to purchase my first Bear, ive never owned one, but always wanted one. But in saying that I have no idea what’s a good one to go after or a fair value. So I’ve comes across a 1969 Grizzly by the looks of things 56”/50#, Kodiak Mag 52”/50#(Unknown year GCE**?, can’t quite make it out in photos), and a 50# 76er. The seller won’t give me prices, just says make an offer but I don’t know, just looking to be fair. All 3 bows are in very good condition. More interested in the Grizzly since my draw is 29”.

I’ve also come across a supposedly 1971 “Red Stripe” B riser and choice of limbs. But the riser lost it’s serial # during a refinishing project, so there is no way to verify this exact year. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[PAPALAPIN]

Be careful of the guy that won't send you pics.  Sounds like a scammer to me.  To gauge values of bows find what you are considering on e8ay by looking for sold items and seen what they sold for.  If they guy you are looking at is legit he would provide you with any information you need to make a sale.  Also, pay with a  credit card or PayPal.  If the deal goes sour, like you pay and he disappears, Your credit card company or PayPal, will get your money back.  Always buy from a trusted source.  Happens all the time. Bear bows can have a big range in prices depending on the rarity and the condition of the bows.

[LIVE2RIDE]

Yes i have always used PayPal when purchasing anything online I am aware of the insurance for sure, whether it be previous purchased bows, firearms, etc. And I do have pics, both have sent me pictures and info. All I meant by the one pic being unclear on the serial number of the Kodiak Mag because of the glare in the photo. I can try eBay for reference. Thanks

[Onski316]

You can always hit ebay and do a search in the SOLD section and see what they're going for. They do tend to run a bit high compared to online groups like facebook and forums but it'd at least give you and idea. I'd say if ebay's selling around $300, I'd offer him $250. But condition is everything.

[stagetek]

I would be very suspicious of a guy who only wants an offer, and won't send pic's. I also have never heard of a '71 red stripe. By what you describe it sounds like a T/D. Bear had red stripe S.K.'s in 73 and 74, but they were not T/D's.

[mangonboat]

The 'red stripe' Bear TD riser is very recent vintage ,2010's, with resin impregnated black and brown maple. There was a red stripe in the one-piece Bear Super Kodiak and Super Grizzly in 1973 but not since. The all wood Bear TD riser from 1969-71 had a bubinga stripe but it was orange-brown wood, not red . Those are coveted by collectors but not without a SN.

The 56" Grizzly was a short -lived experiment, 1968-70. They tend to stack. The best of the lot was 1968 when Bear first experimented with tigerwood in the Grizzly.

If the SN on the K Mag begins with GCE and not a number its a 1961-64. The bow was different materials and riser each of those 4 years. 1962 , Brazilian rosewood, is regarded by many as the best K Mag of all. 1963 has 3 different versions due to design leading to riser cracks and breaks. Version 3 is the only one that's shootable, but its a good'un. 1964 is Maple and Brazilian rosewood with a curved bubinga stripe through the riser..tough bow and very handsome but they stack beyond 28". 

So what you might be interested in depends on a lot more info and photos. If I was going to look for my first Bear bow, it probably wouldn't be any of those.

[LIVE2RIDE]

The 'red stripe' Bear TD riser is very recent vintage ,2010's, with resin impregnated black and brown maple. There was a red stripe in the one-piece Bear Super Kodiak and Super Grizzly in 1973 but not since. The all wood Bear TD riser from 1969-71 had a bubinga stripe but it was orange-brown wood, not red . Those are coveted by collectors but not without a SN.

The 56" Grizzly was a short -lived experiment, 1968-70. They tend to stack. The best of the lot was 1968 when Bear first experimented with tigerwood in the Grizzly.

If the SN on the K Mag begins with GCE and not a number its a 1961-64. The bow was different materials and riser each of those 4 years. 1962 , Brazilian rosewood, is regarded by many as the best K Mag of all. 1963 has 3 different versions due to design leading to riser cracks and breaks. Version 3 is the only one that's shootable, but its a good'un. 1964 is Maple and Brazilian rosewood with a curved bubinga stripe through the riser..tough bow and very handsome but they stack beyond 28". 

So what you might be interested in depends on a lot more info and photos. If I was going to look for my first Bear bow, it probably wouldn't be any of those.

This is great and appreciated info. I did not end up making a deal with either of these sellers. $1200 for a ‘71 “Red Stripe” with no serial number assuming refurbished was way out of my range and I’m no collector, it may not have even been what was advertised. And the other sent me a counter offer of $500 for the ‘69 Grizzly, a Ben Pearson zebra wood and a damaged Ben Pearson(hanger). He unfortunately would not separate them and I don’t really need 3 bows. I’d more likely end up using the Grizzly and selling the BP for a loss after shipping. I’m still in the market but with the price of Vintage Bears going up I’m also broadening my search into newer Bears. I’ve come across some, Super Kodiaks, Grizzly’s and a K-Mag. And some new Cheyenne’s but they’re a bit pricey. All being around 2014-2020 models(other then the Cheyenne’s). A Super Grizzly would be nice as well, usage of a FF string is a plus. One SK being an ‘18 re-man of the Black Beauty, but it’s 55# and a bit more money. I’m personally more comfortable with 50# as of now and hunting regulations in my area allow a 50# for all big game, so it’s a plus to not have to slightly over-bow myself on a unfamiliar recurve.