Spring steel bows?

[Highlandwarrior]

Ok this is new to me, have any of you guys heard of bows made entirely out of spring steel? This one is from sometime around the 30's-50's and made by true temper (the tool guys I assume?) Any info would be a big help, I've never heard of this!

[EzArcher]

seems like the limbs would be too heavy to shoot well. Although, I have heard of steel being used on crossbows

[Highlandwarrior]

Havent shot it, so I dont know how it is, but it was made!

[Jeremy]

Haven't shot it, so can't comment on it, but...

steel bows were being made in India starting in he 1500's.  I read a review of a replica 5 or so years ago and it was favorable.  Wish I could remember the specifics...

[Ryan Rothhaar]

You need George Stout..I'm sure he'll know details.

There is a picture in Bill Baker's book (Born to the Bow) of one of his mates sitting near a swamp in Oz with a steel bow.  I've heard of them here as well, but don't know details.

R

[Highlandwarrior]

Hopefully George sees this, wondering what it might be worth

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Yes, I have a photo of a bowhunter in the 1950s relaxing by a swamp with a bow made of Swedish steel.

[SveinD]

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=081445  ^^

[Highlandwarrior]

Thanks svein but its not that, this bow is flat spring steel

[Roddo]

I have 2 True Temper bows one has a thin cable for a string. the cork grip helps but the hand shock is really bad, and the cable really is rough on the fingers. True Temper made a plain model and a crome plated model. They also made golf clubs in the 50s.

[TommyBoy]

I have a number of steel bows: a True Temper (which I sold), two Seefabs (Swedish, and two Apollo's (British). The only one that I didn't like was the True Temper. I could never get good arrow flight out of it.  The Seefabs and the Apollo's shoot like champs though, and are great to carry along with you in your truck during the summer for those impromptu bowfishing excursions. I am a collector of wayward bows. Usually, nobody wants these things, but I have found a place for them in my shooting.  They are great, but if you have a draw above 28", I would pass.

[cacciatore]

George will see,always.

[hayslope]

I've seen one True Temper bow......in fact it was about a month ago.  A guy that collects bows brought it to a range that I frequent.

The limbs were not flat.  In fact, they were concave.  I watched him string it, but he did not shoot it while I was there.

It did have a cork grip.  Wild looking bow.

[Chris Shelton]

I have never heard of them before, only aluminum, and I know they are dangerous, do these bows have that ping when they are shot like the aluminum ones?

[TommyBoy]

I also have 3 Grimes aluminum takedowns and the notion that they are dangerous is an old wives tale on this board (no offense intended Chris). Par-X bows did have some issues in the 60's, but they were way overblown. If you have a 31" draw, don't shoot them, but if you are around 28/29 or below they are fine. I have a 75#, 65#, and a 45#. All of them are exceptional shooters and I would put them up against 90% of the custom bows out there in terms of performance. I believe a Grimes Bow won the NFAA championship one year in the 60's.

I wish someone would make these bows again.

[Highlandwarrior]

If anyone has interest it aquiring this let me know, still trying to figure out what it would be worth. An old fellow contacted me about it, and I dont want to cheat him out of anything

[TommyBoy]

Highlandwarrior,

They usually go for about $50 to $60 bucks on ****. They are not highly sought after bows.  If you ever come across any Grimes, Seefabs, or Apollos let me know.  I would more than likely be happy to take them off your hands :-) Take care.

[bowmofo]

I guess they are a (hit) during thunderstorms