I have been lucky enough to pick up two Ben Pearson Mercury Hunters in the past month.

The first was a $40 yard sale find and is 60" 50@28--in terrific condition. A great shooter.

The second I just received today and was purchased from a seller in Tucson, AZ. The bow was described to be in great condition and the photos looked good, but it has some significant stress lines. On the back of the limbs at each fade-out there is a band of horizontal stress lines nearly 2" wide. You can easily feel the cracks of each line as you run finger nail across the band. There are also pinhead sized dots all around the same area where the finish is discolored and is nearly ready to flake.

Do you think this bow is safe to shoot unitl I get the time to fix it with some Locktite and refinish. If I fill the the cracks with Locktite for now and refinish later will it be difficult to remove the Locktite?

Thanks,
Ron

By the way...I did search the archives and found lots of good information on vertical stress cracks, but little on horizontal. I also have the "Bow Restoration 101" document, but it too focuses on vertical cracks.

Are horizontal cracks a beast of a different nature...

Can you post a pic? Based on your description it sounds like the finish cracking which was typical with anything with a heavy coat of finish I believe.

Thanks for the feedback, Guys.

I'm fairly certain that it is only in the finish. I'm going to string it and shoot it tonight.

If it shoots well, I might hunt with it this year and restore it over the winter.