big jim buffalo or thunderchild

[mark Willoughby]

Guys im having a hard time picking one of these bows I currently shoot a abbott lb 51#@28nn do pretty well with it im kinda concerned about going to a short bow any help would be greatly aporeciated thanks and god bless

[bamboo]

mark
I'm not a short bow guy that being said I had the good fortune to shoot both models back to back at denton hill last summer---well I certainly was surprised to find that I definitely preferred the thunder child- it handled like a longer bow and was a solid performer that handled both heavy and light arrows nicely--not only that but the fit and finish are spot on!!

[LongStick64]

I have owned a TC and a Buffalo, while the Buffalo was a real nice bow, the performance of the TC and how well it behaves stood out to me. I also have to admit I love the style of the TC and find it to be a non typical longbow, and I like that it shows an original design. This is not to say the Buffalo is a bad bow, just that I prefer the TC. You will not believe how well this short longbow behaves.

[sidekick]

I've also had both Buffalo & TC. I no longer have the Buff, but I do have two TC's! I just shoot the TC better.

[nineworlds9]

The Buffalo is a longer bow of course and has more classic r/d longbow profile.  The TC is 58" or less and has a pretty radical look to it.

I love the TC hands down of the two.  For any given length to me it performs like a bow 6" longer simply due to the design.  

Both models are very smooth drawing.  Both dead quiet.

The TC is more dead in the hand than the Buff in my experience.  

To me the TC is the natural choice if wanting a hunting bow.  

Or even for 3D, believe it or not.  I owned a 51#er for a time that netted me my 2nd highest 3D score at my local club.  

Just a dandy little bow and one of my favorite shorties.

If you just have to have a longer bow 60"+ then you may want to consider a Buff.  Personally unless you're going to go 64"+ I would get a TC for sure.  58" or less and just super.  

I've had two 56"ers and both swallowed my 29"+ draw for lunch.  

Talk to Jim, he'll steer you right.

Oh and the only thing better from Jim than a Buff or TC is a 2pc Buff or TC!!  LOL

[ejhorstick]

Never shot a buffalo bow, but have a TC and love it. Amazing bow. Mine is 58in but shoots like it was 64in. Also, Big Jim simply does amazing work and is great to work with. It's one of those bows that I typically wonder if I "need" another. But I got a soft spot for r/d longbows.

 
       
   

[Possum Head]

Life's full of tough choices. Good luck with yours. If I ever tell the wife I need another Child it will be the Thunder variety!

[Mr. fingers]

Love my buffalo. Have not shot a,TC . I went from a Bob Lee recurve to the buff. And needless to say I do not like my Lee anymore. Either one you pick you will love Jim is a fantastic bowyer and does amazing flawless work. And he's a great guy to deal with really down to earth.
Good luck in yor choice talk to jim for sure. He won't steer you wrong .
Tim

[mark Willoughby]

Guys thank yall so much I think Im leaning towards the tc im on jims list and hes actually supposed to call me tomorrow many many thanks and god bless

[CoachBGriff]

Very cool!  Keep us updated on what you end up choosing, and pics would be great too!

I've been eyeing one of these too.  Unfortunately, it's not in the budget right now though, so until I'll have to drool over pics!

[KyRidgeRunner]

Had the thunder child and it was a superb bow.  I'm currently shooting a recurve again but if I had the funds for a new longbow I'd have to consider the thunder child!

[pamike]

i have shot all and i kept the desert bighorn - all are good but the bighorn is SWEET!!

[Caughtandhobble]

Get both of them, lol... I have both, personally I like the 66" Buffalo way better than the TC.

I almost never see a Buffalo for sale, can't say that about the TC. Big Jim would have to say if that is due to shear numbers of TC's being sold or if people just hang on to their Buffalos.

One thing for certain, which ever you go with, you will receive a very well built bow that is a performer.

The good thing about a bowyer with a waiting list is you have time to change your mind a few times. I know that I wore out the slide show of his bows on his site.  

[Alexander Traditional]

I wish I could speak about the Thunderchild,but can't and probably never will because I like the Buffalo so much. I've got three of them. I have two that are one piece,and just got a three piece that I really like. I need to get some pictures up.

I have both-- would be hard to give up either. I do think the TC has the edge, if only because it is a better length for me in the treestand.

[Frenchymanny]

Whatever you decide, do yourself a favor: Consider the take-down and the beaver tail for your new bow!

F-Manny

[Frenchymanny]

Double post

F-Manny

[gringol]

This is like a blondes vs brunettes question.  They are both great, but everyone will have their own preference.  Like manny said, make it a 2 piece if you can.  Definitely worth the $$.

[BigJim]

both  

I shoot them interchangeable... 64" buff and 58" Tc. I have a very near 32" draw..I like to give all my bows opportunities to draw blood so I use them all including my "New and improved" three piece lb and my recurve.

Speed and performance will vary slightly, but a 62" buff and a 56" tc both 50#s and drawn to 28" shot a 9g p lb arrow 187 and 184 fps respectively.
There are many misconceptions about bow speed, I.e. one bow being faster than another.. This is frequently due to perception and not reality however, individuals certainly benefit from the proper length bow... But we know it's not all about speed.
Thanks for the kind words, BigJim

[mark Willoughby]

Guys youll never believe this but I was blessed lastnight what I mean when I say that is I found a big jim buffalo bow n the classifieds here on tradgang for 300 bucks!! Yes yall read that right lol its 64 58#@28 needless to say its on its way to my house lol n since I got it cheap enough if still getting the thunderchild aswell talk about getting your cake and eating it to!! Thanks everybody for the advice !! Good luck out there n happy hunting