What year did they first appear? which years had a Bear coin ? Thanks

First appeared in 1971 Catalog and I "think" the coin showed up on the '74 models.

Any other way to date them? did they all have the "little bears" on the back of the latches?

When the coin showed up the latch bears disappeared.

The best way to date them is to get a catalog cd and look at colors, painted vs unpainted latched, bears vs. coins, etc.

The handles are all serial numbered but I don't believe there is any hard listing as to what serial numbers correspond to what years. The serial numbers were sequential though so it will give an idea as to early or more later.

Got it today. Original color was drk brown and I think the bear coin is missing....actually looks like the one Nick has for sale. the limbs are #3s that look like faded blue tips.

What color tips do you think?

PM sent

Tip color is kinda hard to tell. Faded Blue or Brown maybe.

I say slap a rug or feather rest on it and have fun!! Those #3's should be pretty smooth on that A.

Congrats.

the tips are brown but the edges you can see what looks like "faded blue"  what year were blue tips made...1976 only?

they sure look like blue tip limbs to me those are sweet shooters and look like a real good draw weight too 55# on an A riser ??? Mags first pics showed in the 71 catalog.And the raised plastic coin came along in 1973 the same year and time it appeared in the red stripe Super Kodiak and other models bd

thanks

Took some more paint off, original is brown....good latches and sight window plate.Both  limbs have some checks. I just shot them and they didn't blow up. How bad is too bad for the checks?Thanks.

Chad,those lines are in the finish and fairly common. They look ok. Keep us posted on your progress.   :cool: