looking at a shrew I think it is the ss gold not 100% on that. what are they like as far as hand shock. I shot one at k-zoo this year don't remember much about it don't know if that is good or bad. also looking at Navajo apache,RER vortex all 58".thanks for the help Joe
You can not go wrong with a Shrew. I have 3 now and they are one of if not the best bow I have shot to date. They are quiet, no hand shock, have good arrow cast. The #1 reason that I know of that most people have a problem shooting a Shrew bow is because of arrow spine. 2 of them that I have are 53#@28" and they take a 65-70# spine arrow. Ron knows a lot about his bows and if you get one he can tell you what spine you should shoot. I can't say enough good things about Shrew bows.
I shot a Shrew at a shoot once. It was a very good shooting bow. I think you would be happy with it, if not from what I`ve seen on the classifieds here it would not be hard to sell.RC
There are 4 Shrew Bows in this house, every one of them is a work of art. No handshock, they all launch an arrow like lightening, and the best part of them is the grip. The grip fits my hand like a glove, and allows incredible instinctive accuracy.
The wait isn't like it was several years ago..it's only about 12 months, as far as I know.
I have a Shrew Lil Favorite Scout and Samurai. Those two bows have earned keeper status with my Black Swans and ACS-CX. If you've seen how many bows I have gone through and tried, that should speak volumes.
I can't say enough about those Shrews. There are 3 in my house right now.
I just recieved my third and it took a year to the month to get. And what a shooter! Sooo quiet. Hardly a whisper from her at all.
I've also got a SS Gold. Just another great shooting bow.
Like Mr. Norris already said, the grip is the best part. Molds to your hand really nicely.
Just great shooting bows.
Cheers,
Donavan
I've shot a super shrew very nice no hand shock that I could tell
I have shot my way through a pile of bows that I have kept, including a black widow longbow, a checkmate crusader, great plains longbow, mosshorns, kabekona river, chapparals, martin and others. The only ones I have shot in the past year and a half are the 3 super shrews that rest on the most accessible pegs in my bowrack.
The super shrews have zero handshock, fit my hand like no other bow I have shot, cast a heavy arrow with authority, and somehow I am as accurate if not more accurate with these short 56" bows than I am with any of the other bows I have ever shot. I have stopped looking at bows and have not purchased any bows since my last Super Shrew was delivered winter before last. I bought mine used and don't plan on any more purchases unless its to have a curly maple, bow bolt takedown, super shrew made for myself. I have gone so far as to fill out the order form but haven't scraped up the testicular fortitude to break loose with the cash to get on the list.
I could not recommend a bow any higher than a shrew.
I have 12 high-end longbows hanging on the wall but the one I take to the woods each fall is the Shrew. Tom
I have a Super Shrew Deluxe and it is a sweet bow! Fast, accurate, quiet and no hand shock! I think I may order another very soon!
my shrew was made back in the 90'eds and still is a Kick butt bow. I found heavy arrows work the best from it. If I ever buy another bow it will be a shrew.
I disagree also. I have bought and sold alot of hybrid longbows. I used to be a Lightning dealer. The bows that Gordy builds are nothing like Shrews. He did not intend them to be that way. His bows are his bows and he builds one helluva bow. Shrews are designed and built in a way that I have never seen anyone else do. Look at a Shrew through the eyes of a bowyer and you will see there is a difference. That craftsmanship is second to none. I bought a Samarai used and have another on order. Probably be the last hybrid I buy.
I am familiar with Donovans Shrews and like them a lot other than some are left hand!!!
I don't recall finding any thing negative about them and I would have one in a heart beat.
Pete
I bit the bullet and bought a 58" Super Shrew at Kazoo this winter. This is the first high dollar bow I've bought in the 10 years I've been shooting trad and I have no regrets.
I've been having some consistency issues with my shooting and I like longbows and hybrids so I decided that a Shrew might be a little easier to shoot. I have to say it was a good purchase because I'm shooting better than ever since I got this bow. The grip is a perfect fit and it pulls so smooth it's hard to believe it's only 58".
Even if I go back to my other bows the Shrew has been a great teacher of what it takes for me to shoot well: consistent form all the way around and that's easier for me to do with this bow.
I haven't shot one of each custom bow out there so
I'm not trying to say this is the greatest bow since Ishi met Dr. Pope just that it works for me.
If we all shot bows based on Traditional Bowhunter wouldn't we be more likely to be shooting Robertson's? :)
You don't see them last long in the clasifieds. There is a good reason for that. The Shrew grip is a one if not the best grip in your hand. Your bow hand stays relaxed. I am down to 2 bows now and have no desire for any others.
The same thing applies here as with any other--try one and make your own decisions. I've shot them, and owned an old Gary Holmes--nice bows, but not the bow for me.
Although there is nothing wrong with not caring for this or that bow, you'll hear a lot more from folks that like a particular bow than not--that's the nature of message boards. Folks that like a particular bow are more prone to post than those that don't. I know I get hesitant about giving my opinions sometimes, due to being called basically everything but smart and honest in the past.
Again, as with any other, if there was one bow or one design that was head and shoulders above all others, then that would be the only bow on the market or every other bowyer would be copying that bow, and every serious tournament archer and every serious hunter would be shooting the same bow--obviously not the case.
Some folks like selfbows, some like Hill bows, some like Shrews, and some like bows that are in-between one or the other.
Message board opinions are one tool to use, but not something to base a final decision on--at least not IMO. I've been on these boards for many years, and some of the bows I've read rave reviews about I wouldn't pay $5 for. I'm not saying they were junk (at least most weren't), I just didn't care a bit for them. Different strokes for different folks. I've shot bows that rattled my teeth, but others have said they have "zero" hand shock. I've seen posts about how smooth a bow pulled, when to me it felt 10# heavier than it was marked. Perceptions vary as much as opinions.
Anyhow, that's my 2 cents. Lots of Shrews on the market--hopefully you will get a chance to try one out and make your own call.
**Edit** Thought of one more thing I wanted to add before I step (fall?) off my soapbox.
A lot of us have owned a lot of different bows. I LOVE longbows (LBR stands for "Long Bows Rule!"), but I don't love ALL longbows, if that makes any sense. I couldn't list all the ones I've owned, much less the ones I've shot--too many to recall. Even though I've owned and shot umpteen different longbows over the years, I would never say "you will like this one because I do". I can tell you what I look for in a bow, what impresses me, what I don't like, etc. but again--the things that make me like a bow may not mean a thing to you. Kinda falls back on what I said before--message boards and opinions are a tool, but not something I'd base my final decision on. I'm constantly learning and developing my skills and preferances, so it's possible the bow I love today could be replaced by a different bow in the future. I say that even though I've had the same favorite for the past 10 or so years.
This is just an attempt to help someone avoid some of the mistakes I've made (some can be pretty expensive mistakes).
Chad
Chad,
:clapper: That truly sums it up. Unless you are an identical twin, it has to be what YOU like. And even then I'll bet there might be different likes.
BobW
You mentioned is your post that you were also looking at a Navajo Apache. I have a Shrew and it is a fine shooting bow and a little faster than my Navijo. But I personaly shoot the navajo quiet a bit better than the shrew. Your results could vary. Don
QuoteI've shot them, and owned an old Gary Holmes--nice bows, but not the bow for me.
Just for the information of others, the early Shrews that were made by Gary Holmes and Randy Denel in the early 90's while good shooting bows should not be compared to the current Shrews. A lot has gone over the dam since those early days and the Shrew bows have evolved a lot since then, here's the story. :readit:
http://www.shrewbows.com/super_story.htm#shrewstory
"the early Shrews that were made by Gary Holmes and Randy Denel in the early 90's while good shooting bows should not be compared to the current Shrews"
Absolutely 2 different bows. Todays Shrew has no equal.
(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n180/RogerNorris/Various023.jpg)
I know the shrew has a bit of cult following and I've never shot one, but here's my short 2 cents.
I was on the shrew kick a few months ago, not many come-up in the classifieds (though they do come up), and was going to order one. Sent a couple of emails to the contact address on the shrew site and never heard anything back from anyone (yeah I know, emails can fall into a black hole, the dog ate my homework etc ...). Ended-up ordering a Brush Bow from Mark Horne and like it fine (and $475 new to boot).
Point is, there are lots of nice bows out there and you probably already have an idea if the Shrew's grip suits you or not.
Frankly, if you shot one this year and can't remember anything about it ... that would tell me all I needed to know.
If you couldn't get ahold of Ron, you didn't try to hard.
I've been shooting my recurve quite a bit and got used to the heavier riser weight. My Shrew was taking up space in the closet.
After reading this thread I got out the Shrew, 58" 58# @28". (For you Shrew groupies, I have the SS Limited #1 of 100)
Lets see:
- Quiet (now the recurve sounds very loud)
- Light and easy to draw
- Easy to shoot (As long as I concentrate on a strong bow arm. One area where a recurve heavy riser seems to help)
- Fast (truthfully, I cannot tell if its fast, slow or somewhere in between but it seems to fling an arrow just fine)
Now I just have to remember why I've been shooting the recurve?
Terrific bow!
My experience with Ron has been very positive. Every time I have emailed or called he has been more than helpful and I would rate his service top notch.
If you get a Shrew, I bet you'll be very happy with it.
If not, your risk is low. There is a ready market for them; they seem to sell quickly and for a good price.
No Roger, I didn't try too hard (don't think you should have to try too hard). After a couple of attempts I moved on. I'm a busy man with other things to do. I'm sure Ron's a nice fellow, nor do I think he intentionally ignored me.
Ron is a very nice and helpfull man. I am sure he is sorry he missed an chance to speak with you. If you ever need advise he will help anyone.
HI Guys,
Here is how I feel about Ron LaClair and his bows..... I have been patiently waiting for an opportunity to thank Ron publicly for a very personal favor he did for me a few months back. Ron, I sure hope you are reading this, you are a gentleman and legend in my mind !!!
I am too cursed with being a lefty and have wanted a Shrew for quite some time. I just did not want to wait a year to get one. You know, there is a reason you have to wait for a Shrew.... they are one of the best !!! I am a little slow and finally pm'd Roger and some of the other Shrewhaven guys and they suggested that I call Ron or email him and see if he could help me since he is a lefty too. Did Ron LaClair ever help me alright !!! He sent me one of his personal Shrew Scout Recurves that he had already taken two deer with, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, NO $$$ UP FRONT, to " see if I liked it ", haha !!! He also spent over an hour on the phone with me talking archery and life's lessons. I felt like a giddy little teenager talking to Elvis or something !
I plan on taking my first trad whitetail with this bow. It will never leave me until I can pass it on to some lucky LH shooter in my old age. But for now I think it has at least another 30 years to hunt with me, Good Lord willing !
Ron, I have no words to describe what You and your bow mean to me ! You are a treasure to this sport and Me ! :clapper:
Jimmy Shelton
nocams
Well Said NoCams :thumbsup: :archer:
Nice post NoCams. :thumbsup:
I have many longbows and hybrids by different well known bowyers. Most of them are very good bows.
On a whim, last year I bought two Super Shrew Limited's off the T.G. classifieds. I've never had a grip on a bow fit my hand so perfectly. Yes, they're quiet, no hand shock that I can detect. They shoot pretty fast. The 60" 53@28 prefers the Alaskans over the Sitkas. Ed sent me a dozen Alaskans spined at 68lbs cause the Sitkas shot weak. They both seem to like an arrow spined at least 15lbs over the draw weight. Yes, I really like the Shrews, and my LTD's are dressed up real pretty too! I think there would have to be a month with three moons in it before I'd part with my S S LTD's.
Roger, I'm Irish too. 20 years back I'd fight you for that shirt. But my 'pugilistic' days are long gone. I'm too darn old. (chuckle)
Good post Jimmy.
-LP
Just to clarify, I mentioned the Gary Holmes bow because that's the only one I've actually owned. The last Shrew I shot was a fairly new one last summer.
Chad
Roger helped me remember who the other Shrewhaven guy was that steered me to contact Ron LaClair, it was...... Ray Lyon. Thanks again Ray for steering me in the right direction.
nocams :wavey:
I was lucky to get a Shrew longbow off the TG classifieds last year, it amazed me.... so quiet, so smooth, and a perfect grip.
But the bow was a tad to heavy me, so I recently traded it off, so now im looking for a Shrew Scout, and when I get one I hope it ends the search for that perfect for me bow :pray:
If you feel you need one, the try one, and if its not for you, it will be gone in the
classifieds within 24 hours.
I've never owned one of the new shrews. But I have owned a couple older Holmes Shrews, as well as 10 or more Gary Holmes bows.
If I could have one bow back it would be the first longbow I bought from Gary. Not that it was any better than anything else, but because it was my first longbow, as well as my first custom.
I had a Shrew prototype that Gary made that I liked really well. I traded it to my friend just last year because I got to the point I could no longer handle the weight.
But I'm sure the older Shrews nowhere compare to the new ones. The photos I've seen of the new Shrews alone, show they are a lot more refined than the older ones.
I guess I'm trying to say that if I liked the old ones, even a prototype that didn't work out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one.
One more thing, and I truly don't mean to hi-jack here. But looking through an old TBM the other day I saw one of Rons first adds for the Tiger Shrew. I happened to go by Gary Holmes shop as he was trying what to the best of my recollection was: the first tiger shrew he glued up. He continued to show me how he did the colors. I thought that was neet.
hnh
As to the original question I can offer no help. I wish I had a shrew to thoroughly evaluate myself. As for Ron LaClair, I have nothing but high regards for his knowledge, experience, and contribution to the sport we love. I love the information I get on this site - positive AND negative. I especially appreciate the negative if only because of the reasons LBR stated. I don't understand why someone has to be denigrated if they state a truth, fact, or honest opinion. If all we ever received was positive feedback then there would be no opportunity for improvement. I bet Mr. LaClair knows this. He and his products cast a large shadow in this sport and we all know it. That's all well and good but I truly appreciate those that don't live in another man's shadow but admire it from afar.
Hi Jimmy, It's good to hear from you and I'm glad you like the bow. It's a good bow, it never let me down the season I hunted with it. I wouldn't have let it go but it sounded like you really needed a bow and I thought I could get another one if I could talk Gregg into squeezing me in :rolleyes:
Thanks to all you Shrew Shooters for your endorsements. It gives a fella a good feeling knowing folks are happy with their bows.
Dave, I'm sorry you had trouble getting an answer to your inquiries. I don't know when you sent your emails but it may have been when I was having trouble with my email. I wish I had an 800 number...someday maybe. :archer:
Simply one of the finest bows on the market!
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d22/johndill/Picture128-1.jpg)
Bowhunter97,
To answer your original question; I have never shot a Super Shrew that has ANY handshock. I have shot a lot of them...I own a 58" Samurai, 58" Chameleon T/D, a 60" Scout, and a 52" Classic T/D in addition to being a friend of Gregg's who on occasion get's to try something he has up his sleeve at our archery club.
To the rest of the folks "adding" their opinons, here are mine:
I find it hard to believe there is a more smooth, natural pointing bow out there than the Super Shrew. From full bore running elk to flying pheasants it is just right there for me. Short shots or LONG shots it shoots a beautiful arrow.
Every now and then, I have been able to stop by Ron's place. Each and every time I have been there for more than 2 minutes, his phone is ringing and the e-mail alerts are going off every 10 minutes :eek: . He always answers. At shows, his booth is a popular place, but he make time for everyone. Even as big and gnarly as he is, Ron sure is approachable and very willing to share his vast knowledge thru any communication medium. We are very lucky to have him here.
I owned a few used shrews that I picked up on the trading blanket. One was an older original shrew, a 52" shrew recurve, and a 58" Super Shrew. The original and recurve aren't in the same league as the Super Shrew. The Super was very smooth, fairly fast, and extremely quiet. I no longer own it but that's because I just can't shoot a short, hybrid longbow well. I've tried several and they just don't match up with my shooting style. If it wasn't for that I would still own that super shrew. It's easily one of the top bows available.
Chris
HEY!!!...I didn't get to post!!!...was going to get around to it this evening.
Ya know, it makes it much easier, and more respectful when someone asks about a certain bow, and he gets comments on said bow, and not a lot of comments on other bows. Try and keep the posts on topic guys. Don't forget what Trad Gang was founded on!
Anyway, I've had one for 7 years now, a Samurai, and it aint going anywhere. I got one with the hinge, and the dang thing will not only fit in a back quiver broke down, but my back pocket as well........not to mention its a pleasure to shoot, no hand shock to speak of, and it's one of the most pointable bows I've ever owned with a great grip.
OK......I'll lock it back up. You guys play nice now ya hear? ;)
OK guys.......I took out all the needless bickering, and opened it back up. That's more fair to the topic starter than locking it up.
Thanks, Terry I was having a good time checking it every day. I could do without the bickering myself. I think I made up my mind to trade for a shrew. From the info I have gotten here if a shrew don't fit my style I shouldn't have any trouble getting rid of it. thanks Joe
Bickering?...what bickering :confused: ...I didn't noticing no bickering :biglaugh:
Have any Shrew models been reviewed in TBM?
ive sure noticed the shrews to shoot very fast.
This was my lucky morning. Just got another one from the classifieds. Now when my arm heals I will have a Shrew for the gound blind.