What vintage Bear for a short drawing hunter?

[False Cast]

For those of you who have owned a few vintage Bears in your day, and have a short drawlength, I've got an inquiry.

My family's hunting cabin is about 45 minutes from Grayling. I've hunted there since I've been old enough to do so and I've been going up there with my dad for years before that. I have been spending a lot of time lately reading about Mr. Bear and I am interested in picking up a vintage Bear recurve for an everyday shooter and hunting bow.

Is there a particular model or year of vintage Bear that performs "better" for shorter drawlengths than the others? I have a 26.5" actual recurve drawlength and my everyday shooter is a 67 @ 26" longbow so weight is not an issue.

I'm not   necessarily  looking for a short AMO bow but with my short DL a longer bow isn't needed to maintain stability (in my experience).

Does any one bow come to mind or are they all pretty even when drawn to 26-27"?

I know there are a lot of GREAT customs out there but I'm interested in a vintage Bear only.

I posted this in the Collectors forum as well and was told I might find some help here too.

Thanks for any and all help!

[Retnuh Wob]

Kodiak Magnums are very smooth out to your draw length and are quite powerful. I have noticed that some of the mid to late 60s KMs have a little more reflex and are a little smoother than some of the later ones. But at your draw length that might not be an issue. I have a 1965 46# that seems just as fast and smoother than a 1970 50# I also have. My draw length is a bit over 28" though.

[Orion]

Lots of 58-inch Grizzlies around that are very good shooters.  Kodiaks, Super Kodiaks and Kodiak Hunters all came in 60-inch versions and are excellent shooters. If money is no object, you might look for an early or 80s Bear T/D. Can configure one of those  in just about any bow length to match your preference. Vintage bows as heavy as you are shooting now are on the rare side.  Much easier to find them in 45-55# weights. Good luck.

[Eric Sprick]

Had a 67 Grizzly and a 68 Kmag.  Both great bows, smooth and sweet shooters.  With your draw length the Kmag would be right up your alley I think.  Short, light and maneuverable, easy to get through the woods.

Good luck, Eric

[drewsbow]

kmag

[dtarbell]

52 inch Kodiak Magnum

[Phrogdrvr]

KM is mighty handy.

[Frank V]

I think the Grizzly & Kodiak Hunter are very underrated bows. Both are smooth even out to 29" & should be really sweet at 27"
Frank

[Arwin]

Any Grizzly made from 62-67.
 Kodiak Hunter
 Super K
 Super Mag 48

 I also have a soft spot for the semi curve Pandas, Cubs, Alaskans and Polars

[tradgreenhorn]

The choices are many,Being from Mi. if you could go to the kalamazoo expo the end of January,I am sure you could test drive a couple.Good luck with your search. Don

[False Cast]

I will be going to Kalamazoo in a few weeks for the expo.

Thanks for the input, guys. If anyone else has any vintage Bear short-draw experience please post up!

Take care all

[finkm1]

I think any vintage bear will work. I have 2 k-mags and a kodiak hunter, they all shoot great. I have never shot a Grizzly but that will be my next purchase.

[DamselflyFarm]

Another vote here for the KMag or Grizz.