Great Plains Recurves

[rheubach]

I'm an OLD target shooter (started in the early 1950s) and, while I enjoy shooting the field ranges and 3-D, I don't expect that I ever will be inclined to take a shot at a living animal, so I don't need a short, maneuverable bow that will help keep me from entanglement in brush, etc.  

I'm looking to add a new recurve to my stable in the approximate 50# (+/- a pound or two) draw range but, aside from a Martin X-200 my wife bought me last Christmas and which I hope to sell soon, I haven't owned or shot anything newer than a 1964 Bear Tamerlane. (A 35#er that I still use with fair success at the indoor range but which is seriously distance-challenged in the field, and I recently delaminated my trusty old 55# Polar.  But that's another story, not worthy of repetition here.)  Naturally I'd like a bow that's smooth, fast, and as accurate as can be given my level of talent.

I'm taken by the looks of Great Plains' recurve bows, particularly the 64-68" B-Model (and, of course, the Paragon) take-downs, but I haven't been able to find a good deal of information about them from experienced archers.  I'd really appreciate your candid opinions about these bows -- the pros and the cons -- since I'd like to submit a Christmas wish-list THIS year based on some advance research.  Or would some other bow suite my needs as well/better?

Thanks,

Randy

[ron w]

I just got a Great Plains sr swift in July, I'm really impressed with performance for 58" 48#@28" bow. I know several guys who had nothing but good things to say about Great Plains,I think you will pleased. Good shooting!!!!

[SpankyNeal]

I've owned two Original Model recurves - excellent bows!

[john1271]

i have owned the longbows and recurves ...excellent bows ..bill makes one hell,uv a bow

[Cupcake]

I have a 64" take-down B-model that is 42# and a Paragon that is 37#.  Both bows are smooth and stable and as accurate as I can be.  I draw 30" and like the performance of either one.  I have a flipper rest and spring plunger on the Paragon and can dial it in very well for a variety of shafts.

You won't be disappointed in either of them.

[Rick Perry]

I've never shot one ,but they are very good looking bows  ........ I sure wouldnt be afraid of them

[Ringneck]

I have two of the one piece bows and love them both. I have a 42# and a 52# at 28". These are the B models. Smooth pulling. Not the fastest bow but they are great shooters. I really want one of the Swift models. They say they are quick.

[Danny J]

58" SR Swift here, 50#@28. Love the looks, feel and great performance. I own and enjoy shooting alot of bows. I did score my first tradtition Buck with it. My SR swift is not only a keeper , it is my go to bow. Shoot one and, atleast for me, it sold itself for reasons listed above. Dont be afraid to try a shorter bow, you might find yourself delighted. I did. There are alot of plusses to a shorter bow. Once you get used to it, and that doesnt take long, you will find it hard to come up with a negative. I would reccommend the SR Swift to anyone.
Danny J

[Oregon Okie]

I just sold a 62 inch original riser take down. It was a little too heavy for me at 55@28 and I'm pulling 30. I shot it at a 3-d just before I sold it and at least 5 times the guys in my group commented on how fast it was shooting. I wasn't hitting, but I was missing impressively. If it was 55 at my draw I think I would still have it.

[Hatrick]

Oregon Okie - "missing impressively" now there's an honest man. I couldn't help but post since I laughed my butt off with that one.

I shoot a lot of 3D and work with a bunch of guys that are trying stickbows for the first time or just pulling the old Bear back out of the closet. I firmly believe that the #1 reason they can't hit the mark more often is they're over bowed. They just can't build consistent form with too much bow weight.

As the bow arm goes, so goes the arrow.

[REM]

You will not be disappointed.  They are smooth as butter.

[rheubach]

Wow!  Ten responses overnight!  Thanks everybody.  I sincerely appreciate the feedback -- it's reassuring.  Doesn't anyone have anything BAD to say about these bows? :-)

Cupcake:  How do the Paragon and B-Model compare against one-another?  Do they have unique advantages and disadvantages?  Do you know if the shooting characteristics of a 68" and a 64" B-model (which I assume use the same limbs on different length risers) would differ significantly?

Hatrick, I hear what you're saying about excessive bow weight and, since the newer bows are so much faster than my antiques (and my "antique" shoulders may not be quite as resilient as they used to be,) I'll probably look for something on the South side of 50#.  

Oregon Okie, I have a feeling that "missing impressively" soon will become a standard in the archery lexicon.  I know I'll have plenty of use for the expression.  

Thanks again everyone,

Randy

[Bowtie]

I sold a GP 'B' model this summer.  60" 53lb.  Beautiful bow, very quick and smooth shooting. Being that I shoot longbows mostly, I couldn't get comfortable with the grip.  You won't go wrong with a Great Plains.

[Koko Bow]

I sold my B model bamboo and want it back.  (I'm crying inside) Love the grip!

[Al Dean]

I have a 64" one piece recurve, yew limbs.  Smoothest bow I have ever shot.  You ask for a negative.  Hard to get as quiet as I would like.

[Cupcake]

Randy,
The Paragon has a longer riser than standard and i think they are the same limb.  I have been meaning to try swapping them but have not gotten around to it yet.  They both shoot very smooth and I can not recommend one over the other.

Either one is a sweet bow to shoot and look at.
Kevin

[rheubach]

Kevin,
That's very good to know.  In addition to the Paragon (which they don't seem to be exactly "pushing" but advertise only by the generic moniker, "target bow,") GP also is offering a longer riser (23" I think) in the B-model now with AMOs of 66 and 68".  Know anything about those?

[V-Archer]

I have a 60" 47#@28" Palo Duro B-model recurve. Very smooth, quick, dead in the hand, hit where you look etc etc. Bill makes great looking and performing bows.

V-Archer

[tarponnut]

My favorite bow is a Great Plains 60", 50#
One piece Palo Duro. I can't say enough about how great it shoots and looks.
Very smooth, fast, light in the hand, and quiet.

[Cupcake]

Randy,
The Paragon riser is 23".  A couple years ago when my local shop ordered a Paragon for someone it took a long time to get.  The reason I was told is that the "normal" production line had to be interrupted to make the Paragon riser and it was not easy to find a convenient time to interrupt the line.

I did not know that they now offer the longer riser for the B model.  My 64" bow performs great and I would recommend it to anyone.
Kevin