Jim Gainey-Black Creek Bows

[twbhunter]

When Jim made the business decision to close Black Creek Bows we lost one of the stand up bowers.  Hopefully Jim doesn't mind me posting my experience.

In May of this year I attended the Tennessee Classic Shoot and purchased a set of new Black Creek  Bear takedown limbs from a vendor.  The limbs were smooth and fast but the top limb broke after about one month of heavy usage.  I sent Black Creek a email with the limbs serial number.

 Jim responded quickly stating that he had sold the limbs to a third party and that they were a prototype which he  build over a year ago but he had modified the style before he started production.  He stated that he would warranty the limbs even thought I didn't buy them from him and they were over a year old. So I boxed up the limbs and shipped to Black Creek with instruction on type and weight limbs I wanted to replace the broken limbs.

A couple of  weeks latter Black Creek posted a notice on Trad Gang that they were going out of business so I contacted Jim to see if he was going to replace the limbs or if I was out of luck.

 Jim confirmed that he was going to finish all his orders before he shut shop but it would take some time as he was working full time plus wrapping up Black Creek's orders.

On Tuesday of this week UPS delivered a set of  54# Bubinga limbs with beautiful tips that match my Bear B riser.  These limbs are smooth, fast and with no stack at my 28.5 inch draw.

Jim's action have refreshed my believe that there a lot of great people in traditional archery and actions like his should not go unnoticed.

Tom

[Gerry]

       

[BuckeyeGuy]

Very cool, he made some gorgeous bows!

[Gen273]

[Lamey]

im hoping at some point, even if its a matter of "years",  Jim makes bows again.

[str8jct]

Jim is a super guy.  His actions are not at all suprising, he always treated his customers very well...most, like me, became friends.

[nineworlds9]

Jim is one of the nice guys and makes some super bows.  I've had my hands on two and they always have an invitation to come stay on my bowrack.  Bravo Jim.  Truly I also hope he 'comes back'.

[Terry Green]

Yeah....I owned one...till I let a guy shoot it...and he made me and offer I couldn't refuse.   He made a really nice bow no doubt.

[cosgood]

I had a similar experience with Jim. Earlier this year, I bought a Black Creek Siren off the classifieds. It arrived just fine. The most beautiful bow I've ever held in my hands. What does any sane archer do but string it up and shoot it? On the very first shot, both limb tips came off. I almost cried it was so disheartening. I called Jim that night and explained what transpired. He said no problem, just send it down and I'll take care of it.

Next morning, I head to the post office with bow packaged in PVC and bubble wrap, same way I received it. I set it on the counter to let mail lady do her stickers. As she is rolling it over to place mailing address, it falls 5 feet to the floor. Boy, was I ticked off. Talk about adding insult to injury. I then told lady that I wanted to insure for $1000. Hopefully she got the point.

Lets go back to the story. Jim calls up when he received the bow. I had originally asked if he could replace the tips with antler or horn, but I didn't want to burden him as he was building other bows. I offered several times to pay him for his labor and materials, which he refused. He wouldn't even let me pay the return shipping.

I found out that he was going out of business on here and was shocked. Jim Gainey is a top notch, honest to goodness bowyer! I too hope to see Black Creek Bows up and running again!

[rick7]

owned a couple of his bows they were excellent.  wish he was still in business

[mark stella]

What Lamey said.

[2fletch]

I'll add my vote for Jim. He was a reputable guy with high standards and excellent craftsmanship. He sold our EFA quivers and we had several of his nice bows in our shop. We are down to one bow now and there won't be any rush to sell it.

Good luck Jim, and hope to see you at some of the future events.

[Shawn Leonard]

Bought my bud one for his B-Day, great bows and Jim is a great guy!! I hope he starts building again one day. I will be first to buy one, I am a recurve guy and I know today you can buy a T/D and still be a recurve guy and shoot long bow limbs, but Jims one-piece longbow was one that I could shoot really well. My buddy loves his and hopefully he kills his first Trad deer with it this year! Shawn

[mec lineman]

I would like to share my story as well. In Feb.I ordered a one piece Siren from Jim. I got the bow in June and I also got the bad news from him that he was going out of business. That bow was a shooter and also eye candy. After shooting the bow for a while, noticed little white specks under the glass on the top limb.I took photos and sent them to Jim. He called me back and ask me to send it to BOW HOSPITAL and that he(Jim) would pay for the cost of repair. I am sad that I cant shoot my bow right now, but I AM PLEASED WITH JIMS SOLUTION. With his shop closed he could have completely ignored my calls. Jim Gainey is a fine fellow and great bowyer.                                                                                                      

[nineworlds9]

Jim is one of the good guys 100%.  His bows are also 100% Jim Gainey.  I had two.  One I wish I had kept.  My bow rack will always have an opening for a Gainey-made bow.

[Mudd]