Anyone hunt with a Browning Explorer II? If so, what are your thoughts and do you have any pics? Thanks in advance.

I've hunted with a 55# explorer II for years. Those bows are smooth shooters. There is a 60# one on auction now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/stickbow98/BrowningExplorer11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/Danceswithtrees/Dirtbiking/browningexplorer001.jpg

Jeff, that is a beauty! I just bought one from The Footed Shaft. 62", 45# @ 28". I will post pics when she arrives. Giving up on the custom bows for a while (wife) and think I will just try and get things done with a good ole classic.    :D

Those ones aren't mine, I just found em on google. I have 4 explorer II bows, did have 5 but I sold one. LOL

What are the bushings at the top and bottom of the riser for? Are they for a bow quiver and if so, what kind?

They are for a quiver and the old Wing quivers fit them.

Browning made their own quivers. I never really cared for those quivers.

I searched everywhere and couldn't find hide nor hair of either kind! I might be looking into the GN adjustable strap on quiver.

Are these bows cut to center?

I have the Explorer 2, in 48#. A right sweet bow. I took a woodchuck with it, now I keep it at camp as a spare. A very stable, accurate bow, but a wee bit heavy, due to the riser. If I recall, as I have not held it since Nov., yes, it is center cut.

I have a Explorer 2, cobra, and 2 backpacker takedowns, very nice bows, killed my first deer in 1973 with the explorer 2

I think I found me a good quiver to go on the Explorer. I got in contact with Larry at German Ridge and he is sending me one of his 4 arrow Spring Arm quivers to put on it.

I'll post a pic in the Pow Wow when it comes.

Does anyone know the date of this Browning?

# 5D923-2

TW, I love my Explorer.  It's a very fast, excellent shooter.  In researching my bow, it seems that the first digit of the Browning serial number is the year of production.  I don't know if it is right in all cases but it has been on all of my Brownings.  

My bow is a 1966 and is an Explorer, this was before there was an Explorer I and II.  With your bow being an Explorer II, that would automatically rule out 1965, the overlays were in place by the 70's and the quiver bushings began in 1974 if I remember right.  Add this all up and your serial number and bow features are consistent with 1975.  Congratulations on your bow, they are very under rated.

It was made 1967-1971 but I do not know how to put an exact date on an individual bow. Jim

TW, I don't have any pictures of the '75 Explorer II, but here is the description of the '76 model from the 1976 Bow and Arrow Magazine's Bowhunter's Annual.  I believe that the '76 is the same as the '75.

I couldn't help but sneak in a picture of my brown and green glass '66, 57# Explorer...

Thanks Brad. '75 would make sense then as my bow has all 3 bushings. Really appreciate the time and info.

That '66 is good looker too. Stumpkiller has the same year bow and he seems to really like his. I'll be keeping mine around for a while. I'm going to have it refinished next year though.  

I have an Explorer, but I think it's a I.  56" and 56#.  I am not much of a short bow guy, but this bow shoots down middle, boy.  The handle grip locates my hand well and the big riser is a stabilizing son of a gun.  Beautiful wood in this bow, too.  I initially bought it as a carp bow, but soon realized it was too nice for that.  I think the best compliment I got on the bow was "That's a great design"...Dick Robertson told me that.  That's nice to hear.  Go for it if you can find one...they are going for good money now...seemed to spike after that article in TBM... Good luck!