Anybody modify their recurve riser

[Oregon Okie]

I'm thinking about doing some "carving" on the riser of my take-down bow and just wondering if any of you have done your own modifications to a custom or factory bow. I've seen older bears with the handles modified but this is a newer style and I'm just wanting to make the grip a little smaller and lighten it up. Bad idea??
thanks
Russ

[James Wrenn]

I wind up do some work on most bows if I shoot them much.If it is something I am just playing with and might no keep I usually leave them alone.Bows I plan on hunting with or shooting 3d with get a makeover of sorts.

[Oregon Okie]

Anybody have a before / after pic of a "home-modified" recurve?
Just don't want to ruin a good shooting bow because I can.
thanks

[Emmons]

Here is my favorite Morrison.  When I got the bow the grip was a bit big around the throat for my hand.  So I add finger grooves, reshaped, and refinished it.  I took my time and went at it slow with a file, sand paper, and a dremal tools.  It fits my hand great now.

Before
 

After
 


James

[p1choco]

Nice work James.  

[WidowEater]

the only mod i feel comfortable doing is putting a radius on the shelf.  I dont like messing with the grip in a primo stress area

[Oregon Okie]

I was afraid someone would say that. I like the mod james. Looks great.
I know I shouldn't mess with it but I almost can't help myself.
I'm trying to trade my take down recurve for take down long bow then maybe I would quit thinking about it??

[Pointer]

I have a couple of old Pearson Cougars that came with a real clunky grip...I narrowed them all down and I love the feel. I'd say you'll be Ok if you don't redupce the size by too much

[Don Stokes]

I taper the shelf on all my bows from back to belly, leaving just enough to support the shaft on the back end. It makes the bow more forgiving when I mess up my release, or have to take a less-than-optimum shot position in the field. I can also shoot a wider spine range accurately.

[Oregon Okie]

So here's a theory and you guys can tell me how bad it is. I'm guessing guys selling bows overbuild them some so they don't come back to the shop broken. I know I've made some board self bows with pretty small handle areas and none of 'em broke there.  
Just a thought.

[Dave Bulla]

Well, just to make ya think, look how small the nocks are between the grooves.....

And they're doin' some serious whackin' on the string.

Or, look at some of the old double shelf selfbows that are only about 1/2" thick between the shelves.  And they're not even laminated which I believe would be stronger yet.