Thinking about picking up a older vintage Bear recurve. I guess vintage would be the right word to call them. Something 60in and in the 50# @ 28 range. Excellent condition is a plus, I plan on shooting in the back yard and work on developing good form. Also I would like to hunt with it.

Where and What do I need to look for when thinking about purchasing one. What can I expect to pay and what are your experiences with older bows.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank You      

Sounds like a Kodiak Hunter or Super K would appeal to you.  The big things to watch for are stress cracks, holes drilled and twisted limbs.  I've had great experiences with older bows, as have many others.

A nice Kodiak Hunter would probably run 150 to 200, a Super Kodiak quite a bit more.  The 60's bows have higher collector interest and go for more, but there's nothing wrong with Grayling Bears from the early to mid 70's if you're just looking for shooters.

There are a bunch of guys on here with far more knowledge on these great old bows, hopefully they'll chime in for you.

WARNING:  Old Bears are addictive!!!

Thanks    I was just checking out eBay for pictures of the older ones. I can see why they would become addicting  

I agree with Slowbow about the Kodiak Hunter.  I had a right handed one but sold it when I started shooting left handed.  It shot real nice.  The grip on some of the K Hunters that I have seen varies alot.  I don't like a grip that is very high.  It is nice to shoot before you buy.  Some of the Traditional shoot will have alot of venders who will let you shoot them first.  

I have a 45# grizzly that is 58" long and it shoots nice.  Shot it at a 3d shoot today.  I payed about $100 for it.

I do like the longer bows better.  60" and up.

I've found that even the older Bear 58 inchers are good pullers. I have a 30 inch draw and haven't had any trouble with stacking on my bows that are 58".

The Kodiaks mentioned above are good shooters, but don't shy away from some of the old Bear sleeper bows. Two that I own that are real nice shooters are the Tigercat and the Super Grizzly. Both are 58" early to mid 70's bows and both are nice all around performers.

If at all possible put hands on the bows before you buy them. When checking for limb twist do it both strung and unstrung. I've found on some of these older bears the limbs look straight until you string it and give it a tug.

You should be able to pick up a pretty decent "vintage" Bear for $200.00 or so & like SlowBow said the 60's Kodiaks can bring premium prices. These old Bears are indeed indictive. Enjoy the hunt, that's part of the fun.

I have a Bear Kodiak Hunter, 70's model, and it shoots very well.  Great bow for the money.

I personally would not necessarily shy away from a bow with sight holes drilled.  That really seems to cut the collectors "worth" but if you are just wanting a hunting bow, it changes nothing except for how much you need to part with to get it.
ChuckC

I've got one of those old Bear Kodiak Specials from the late 50's (I think).  It dosn't have any markings left on it to tell draw weight or serial numbers.  Seems like it shoots pretty well for a few arrows but after shooting a bit or leaving it strung for a while the limbs start to pull off center.  Should I just hang it up or is there a fix for it?

Question Does anyone make new bows based on the old Bear designs ?

Well...Bear does.

oops forgot about that....    I would  enjoy the older ones.

Have you checked on ebay?  If you just want something to shoot, do a search for Shakespeare, Wing, Ben Person recurve bow, you can probaly find a similar quality bow for less than the old bears.  These bows don't seem to be as collectable and usually are less expensive, except for the some of the Wings.

I have a couple "Black Bears" by Bear....very overlooked, but sure enjoy shooting them...easy to find and among the cheapest, I bought all mine off ebay.  However (and this makes no difference really, since I make my own strings, but it may to you...), they aren't fast flight compatable, stick with good old B50.
Semper Fi,
Mike

Yep, do a Search on "That Auction Place"  :rolleyes:   for Recurves! You will have a BoatLoad of the "Good, the Bad & The Ugly"      

Thanks guys for all your replies. Please keep them coming. I should of mentioned besides shooting to develop good form. The bow will be primarily used to hunt turkeys    :D

Also wanted to ask if I have to worry about stacking in the older bows ?

Between me and my buddy we've got three grizzly's to shoot. He's got two 56 inch Grizzly's a 53# & 45#  and I got two 58 inch and a 62 inch dogleg all shoot right up there with some great custom bows I really like to have them and look forward to shooting them often.

I have a Grizzly that is a joy to shoot it's not a new one it is 53lb @ 28 & I pull 29 no problems. I kinda like it & they may be a little cheaper than the Hunter or Super K. Bear is of course still offering the Super K & the Grizzly. I think there is just something neat about the old Bears. Frank

If you want to develop form.. I strongly urge you to lower your weight to 35-40#.
50# is a great diverse weight..but not good for developing shooting form.