Big River 21st Century

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Originally posted by dougedwards:
with no website.....how does anyone know what they are purchasing and how to make a choice of which to buy?

John has a loyal following and usually has people lining up for his bows.

You either trust the master to do his work or you don't, if you don't, buy used or buy elsewhere.  I think people these days get too tied up with what their bow looks like and put what it shoots like in second place.

At Johns point in his life his system serves him well. I doubt he cares about getting hoards of new customers through his doors.  He just wants to build bows for the love of it and to stay busy.

He is doing just that! a Website would probably kill him lol.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Michael, I look forward to seeing your new bow.

[dougedwards]

Originally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
 

Originally posted by dougedwards:
with no website.....how does anyone know what they are purchasing and how to make a choice of which to buy?

John has a loyal following and usually has people lining up for his bows.

You either trust the master to do his work or you don't, if you don't, buy used or buy elsewhere.  I think people these days get too tied up with what their bow looks like and put what it shoots like in second place.

At Johns point in his life his system serves him well. I doubt he cares about getting hoards of new customers through his doors.  He just wants to build bows for the love of it and to stay busy.

He is doing just that! a Website would probably kill him lol. [/b]

I would like to know about lengths and types of bows available, but maybe ole John is too busy for ordinary guys like myself.  I don't know.

  I do know that I love my 21st Century Edge and this thread caught my eye.

 Doug

[SELFBOW19953]

The several times I talked with him on the phone, he was very helpful and answered all my questions, even the stupid ones.  I've owned several of his bows new and used, never been disappointed.  May be time to start a thread with photos of John's handiwork.

[Bigriver]

Dougedwards,
please understand John is almost 85 years old, is a one man operation, and has some health issues. He does the best he can, I help him whenever I can.

Like most older fellas, technology for him stops at cell phones. It`s nothing personal, he just makes bows when he wants, he has earned that right.

He is not a sponsor here, so I try not to pump his bows too much out of respect for the other bow sponsors on here who pay the bills. Sometimes I cant help it, I like them that much, as do most of us Bigriver groupies.

Dont take offense, get a hold of him or one of us groupies, & find out what they are all about. Maybe in private.He wont turn down anyone who wants a bow. Hope this helps.

Mods I hope my post is ok, if not, yank her down.

[Wudstix]

Amen to what Cyclic River and Bigriver said.  John is a very humble man and makes awesome shooting tools, they usually look pretty good, as well.

   

Michael

[dougedwards]

Thanks for explanation Bigriver.  I did not intend to cause any disruption.  

 Doug

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Doug, if you want his contact info, send one of us a PM. we'll be happy to share    

I should have re-read my post and hope you didn't take it the wrong way.  I think Brian hit my sentiment a little better.  

Either way, if you are curious about his stuff, give him a call. He is in the midwestern time zone.

[Wudstix]

Talked with John a couple days ago and the bow cam in a couple pounds lighter than I wanted at 62", so it will be a 60" bow to get it closer to the 65# I want.  Also, added horn tips.  Zircote riser, bamboo cores, Bird's Eye maple laminations, should be a beauty!!!  
         

No worries, 60" will make it a better bow in the Texas brush.

[Warden609]

Sounds like a dandy. Looking forward to some pictures.

[ballen28115]

I bought one from one of our better known Georgia based members.  That bow was such a pleasant surprise to shoot, really quick and dead in the hand.  My second favorite design after Bob Sarrels' Sierra.

[tracker12]

I was lucky enough to pick up one of John's 21 Century copy at a song last fall.  It has been a lot of fn to shoot.  My first but not last longbow.

[T-Bowhunter]

Great looking Bow!

[savage1]

If you want craftsmanship buy Big river. If you like
less give Milton a call.
I make my own any more but have personally dealt
With Milton and it was the last time I would.
In hindsite I should thank him as it led to my copying a Jim and Buddy bow, one of four I picked up from Jim at his home long ago.

Lou

[Wudstix]

John called today and he is waiting for my check.  Payday on Friday,  check will be headed to Wisconsin, I'm pumped.
   

[Terry Banitt]

I have 4  Big River Longbows in the shop right now. Give me a Call for more info. Terry

[Moots]

I just received a new bow from Mr. McDonald this week -- a 21st Century, bamboo core, yew veneers, osage riser.  68" and 50# @ 30".  I am very pleased to own the bow.  I have owned several of John's bows, and really like this 68" bow.

[Bazooka Joe]

Jim Ploen is still alive and around John's age and they talk quite often. I email Jim about once a month and he like John still shoot.

Rick

[Wudstix]

Mr. Hansen;

You must have been 1 or 2 in front of me.  We also share a birth date.
 

[Wudstix]

John should get my money this weekend and hopefully get the bow right in the mail.  Have some new Grizzly Instinct broadheads that need a push.