I have this bow en route to me.  Can someone please tell me what year this Ventura is?  Thanks for any info.

 
 
 
 
 

Looks to be 74

1974

Great.  Thanks very much for the information.

Gotta go visit my old Ventura one of these days...sold it to a friend I have not seen in a while...that one you have coming is very nice

DDave

Thanks Dave.  I'm very excited about it  

Do a little googling about the Ventura...I recall that something I read online about it was what got me looking for one in the first place...I believe that in its day it was quite highly regarded as a competition bow that could also be used for hunting

DDave

The Ventura arrived today.  After a thorough inspection unstrung and then strung, I'm convinced this bow may have never even been strung and shot before.  The tips have NO signs of wear whatsoever.  Not a scratch anywhere.  The shine is superb.  The Bear brush rest appears new.  Limbs and riser straight and flawless.  Looks like it was paid for and then just laid under a bed and forgotten about.
   Included with the Ventura is a new in package, "Bow Pal - the original pocket stringer".  A new in package Browning leather arm guard and a new tab called "Nam Tab National".  The bow also came in a nice canvas recurve case with "King 69" printed on it.  
    I'm so stoked.  What an incredible find.  Lastly, there was an endless loop string in the case.  Looks new.  I strung it up and shot a dozen arrows before dinner.  A smooth shooter indeed!  But it does not "feel" like 27@28.  From my limited experience, it feels like 30#ish to be honest.  Does anyone have this same issue with their DHs?  A draw weight that seems heavier than the printed weight?

Next question.  I added more pics.  Can someone tell me what kind of wood they used for this 74 Ventura?  Any info is much appreciated.

Richard
   
 
   
 

Can a string as old as the bow be trusted?  Even if it seems to be a new string, can it be trusted for it's age?

It looks like bubinga to me. I've never had a string completely fail, usually a strand or two will break and then it is time to get a new one.

Damon Howatt bows have always had a reputation for being heavier than the marked draw weight...I asked the seller to check that with mine and it is actually a couple of pounds light...only way to tell for sure is to scale them...any good bow shop ought to be able to do that for you...it does make sense that is bubinga...kind of nice grain for bubinga actually and pictures never really do bubinga justice

DDave

I talked to Larry Hatfield and sent him pictures.  He said it's a solid shedua riser.  Had it checked and the weight was 28@28.  So just about right on.

Richard