I purchased a 1957 Kodiak Special recurve from a guy (Ray Hammond) on the Trad Gang, and just got it yesterday. It is the same year and length as the "Little Delta Bow" that was written about in TBM recently. My Kodiak Special is 47#@28" and it is a pleasure to hold and shoot. The arrows are cast with authority and I was surprised how pointable this bow is. These Kodiak Specials are very smooth, could be the 64" but very impressive for a 50 year old bow!

I like these old Bear bows and I was like a kid at Christmas when I opened the box. The bow looked even better than I expected, it is more a shooter than a show piece for a collection but that suits me and my intent all along.

As I strung the bow I could not help notice the difference in the strung profile compared to my more modern recurves. I nocked an arrow and at 8 yards the arrow hit right where I was looking. I was shooting a Delta 3d deer target and the 1st arrow went right in the 12 ring. Now 8 yards is not a long shot but I thought "That felt good". These old Bears have a little thump when you shoot them. The grip is low, more like a Longbow than my 2005 Black Widow's "Asbell" recurve grip. The thump is a neat feeling, not unpleasant in any way.

I shot again and again till I had 5 arrows in the target. I could have pulled them out with one hand. I was amazed. Now this bow should not be confused with the popular Kodiak model that the guys took on their 1957- 58 hunts. However, I have heard that many guys back then liked the Kodiak Special for hunting as well. The Little Delta bow is proof of that. Originally, I think Fred Bear intended the Specials to be more for the target shooters, that is probably what I will be doing with this bow but I can see why it would make a good hunting bow.

After pulling my arrows I shot a few more rounds. Each group was nice and tight, if an odd arrow was slightly off, it was operator error. Before going to bed last night I just had to watch Fred Bears Grubstake hunting video. Yep, I am hooked on these old bows and that era. These guys built the foundation we all stand on today. Shoting the same bows they shot just makes me feel a little closer. Like what has been said by the guys that have shot the Little Delta bow, I can really feel the spirit in this bow too. When it shoots it is like a talking history book, the shot and the arrow impact telling it's story. Not sure what it is but you really feel the mojo in these old bows. You cannot help but wonder about it's past.

As I sit here today, I cannot wait to get home and play with my new old bow.

I just wanted to share with you guys. If you ever get a chance to try a '57 Kodiak Special SHOOT it! You will like it.

 :D  

Take Care,
Bill

There goes the price of old Kodiaks   :rolleyes:  

I agree Bill, I've got 5 Kodiaks, 3 Specials, 1 delux. I love them all. The longer the bow the more forgiving they seem to be.

Congrats Bill. Does this mean I get my thunderbird back?<><

Frank, Sorry buddy....... I still shoot it too... If you come to BigFoot's Traditional shoot in May I will let you have a visit with it...LOL I knew when I bought that bow you would have sellers remorse...  

Dano, How you doing? Yep I  think will be getting a 57-58 Kodiak some day. Have not seen any bargans for one yet but I keep an eye open. Like most I think the 1959 Kodiak was/is a beautiful bow. With what the are selling for now, I doubt one is in my future. Happily I have discovered the 57-58 era bows and they are great shooters in their own right. Not sure if Gale and I will be going to Cloverdale this year, perhaps we are getting old but the rain is tough every year. I will wait till just before the shoot to decide after seeing the weather report.

Any how, I have been shooting my Special today and for 47#'s the arrows sure hit hard. I need to see how she shoots at 20 yards. I am going to the archery club tonight so I will have my answer soon.

Regards,
Bill

Bill, I have the same exact bow!!!!! However..... Mine is missing a tip overlay and cannot be shot.One of these days   :rolleyes:  I am going to send it off to BowDoc for a professional re-finishing!!!!!

Enjoy your "new" bow!!!!! We would all love to see pictures!!!!!  

I'm doing fine Bill thanks, Tell Gale I said hello. I don't know if I'll be at Cloverdale either, you watch we'll miss it and it won't rain at all.  :D