Bear montana

[M60gunner]

I have an older Montana (1999) yes the grip is a bit chunky but not to bad. I did the mod on the tips as the stock limb tips could be used as a walking stick. I have shot the newer Montana with a better shaped grip. It feels better than mine. Mine is still back at our home in San Diego, I do not have to carry one with me every time we visit.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by M60gunner:
I have an older Montana (1999) yes the grip is a bit chunky but not to bad. I did the mod on the tips as the stock limb tips could be used as a walking stick. I have shot the newer Montana with a better shaped grip. It feels better than mine. Mine is still back at our home in San Diego, I do not have to carry one with me every time we visit.

rework the grip - it's really too easy, and so is the adding a few clear coats - it's like having a new and far better montana ... promise!  

[KyStickbow]

I have hunted with one all deer season this year. It's a great bow! Add a skinny string to it to juice it up a bit and it gets even better. Love mine!

[finkm1]

I see your from Michigan. May want to wait till the end of January and go to the K-ZOO trad expo and shoot a Montana and other long bows. I would look at a New Wood Longbow, they run about $500.00. Very nice bows for the money. I bought one at the show last year and love it!!

[Steelman]

I have one and hunt and shoot with it often and like it a lot. I bought mine from Big Jim's bow company. It was one that missed weight so I got a good deal on it. So for what I paid you really can't do better for the price. As some one said replace the sting that comes on it with something better and you'll have a shooter. The one con I have is the grip cover and the rest. They are really cheap. But they were easly replaced so it's not a deal breaker for me. If mine broke or was stolen I would call Big Jim and order another without hesitation.

[CoachBGriff]

I still have a Montana.  I don't have a lot to compare it to, but here are my thoughts:

Pros - As other's have said, it's bombproof!  I'm rough on equipment, and it takes it all.  I shot it well out to 20 yards.  It's quiet (to my ears).

Cons - As other's have said, the grip is not that comfortable.  I did notice some shock (never enough it was uncomfortable, and I kept the stock string on it).  I didn't like the amount of arrow drop past 20 yards.  Some don't mind this, but a slightly flatter shooting bow gives me a little more confidence.  

If I was starting over with the info I have now, I would look into a Kanati or something like that( again, just me).

Go shoot one!  Most of the two largest sporting goods stores carry them in stock (right handed).

[bigiron]

the new models have a lot smaller narrower tips, as good a shooting working mans longbow as you can ask for, for the money.

[nineworlds9]

And all that being said if the Montana doesn't float your boat there are alternatives like the Sky Trophy Hunter, which can also be had in 66" and only costs marginally more.

Mad Dog was a great suggestion also.

[Krex1010]

I bought my first trad bow 3 months ago and I went with the bear Montana in 45#.  I really like it. It's been an easy bow to shoot, I don't notice any hand shock and my shooting has been steadily improving which is all I can ask for. Coming from compounds I had to get used to shooting with a low wrist grip, but that feels really comfortable to me now.  Granted I don't have much experience with other bows to compare the montana to but overall I've been very happy with my purchase. For the money I think it's a great weapon, I'm sure there are nicer custom bows available but who wants to spend twice the money or more for a custom when you're just starting out and don't really know what to look for in a custom. Ive seen nothing in the Montana that will hold me back as an archer. Get a draw weight that's comfortable to shoot, fling some arrows and be happy.

[buckster]

The newer models have been slimmed down with regard to handle, limbs and tip.  These changes result in a much better "feel" and performance.  Real bargin pricing and the nostalgia of shooting a Bear bow.

[Harry]

Great bow. For me very quiet, no hand shock and accurate. Shoots as good or on par with my well known custom longbows costing 3times as much.

[Friend]

Shooting the Montana has provided much enjoyment over the years.

A great choice for many!

[Benny Nganabbarru]

My Meg shoots one, and although she's a beginner she is really enjoying it.

[LBR]

I haven't shot one in many years, but threads like this make me want to try it again.  The first ones that came out snakebit me on them.

Like most any bow, I figure a good string will make it better.  18-20 strands of BCY-X has been great for everything I've tried it on, from around 20# on up.

[LongStick64]

I've never shot one but I've seen others shoot them and they seem to be very pleased with them. They may not win a bow beauty pageant but they may be about the best performing low cost hunting longbow.

[bear mike]

I ended up buying a 50# its a really nice shooting bow I traded a Roy Hall Navajo for it the Navajo was much a lot more money but it was a little much for me to shoot for any length of time so I traded for the Montana and some other things for traditional shooting. All is good now.

Thanks Mike

[tonytwotimes]

55# Montana for me. Newer style with the reworked handle and such. The only thing I really didnt like was the grip wrap which I promptly removed. It feels more secure in my hand now without that cheap leather held on by barge cement.

Just ordered all the fixins for wood arrows to put through it.

[Krex1010]

Tony was it easy getting the adhesive off?

[KyStickbow]

The adhesive isnt hard to get off...dont know if its the right way but i put a little lighter fluid on a cotton ball and in about 2-3 minutes I had it all off. Im sure there are other things that would help remove the cement as well.

I replaced the grip with a sur grip...and put velcro on for the rest and side plate. A big improvment over the junk that comes stock on it.

[Krex1010]

Sounds good ky, I want to take the grip off and just shoot it bare for a while.