I recently acquired a 60" Big River longbow built by John McDonald and have a few questions. (I've done some searches and can't find the answer to these questions.) First for you Big River fans out there, what brace height do you recommend shooting with this bow? Can I use a FF bow string? The bow is older, not sure when it was built, and needs a new leather wrap on the grip. Who do you recommend sending the bow to for a new wrap? Thanks for any help!!!

Start at 7 1/4" and adjust from there. Most of Johns bows were ff compatable, especially his longbows.  Post a pic of the tips I can tell you more. As far as the wrap, DIY, its easy and fun. You can buy leather with adhesive, or use contact cement.

Brian would know.  My 21st Century clone is 60" and brace is 7 1/4" with FF.

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Also wanted opinions on the glass. It is shooting fine, but want to make sure I'm jeopardizing the bow by continuing to shoot it.

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Good to go on the fast flight string. The crazing you see is in the finish. It was a stretch where he tried Fuller Plast finish. Some times it was not catalyzed exact and was too brittle and would crack where the limbs bend. A refinish will take care of it. Does happen a lot, it is not in the glass.

Quote from: Bigriver on August 22, 2022, 10:18:02 AM
Good to go on the fast flight string. The crazing you see is in the finish. It was a stretch where he tried Fuller Plast finish. Some times it was not catalyzed exact and was too brittle and would crack where the limbs bend. A refinish will take care of it. Does happen a lot, it is not in the glass.

Thank you so much!!!

Looks like cocobolo diamond wood tips, Tonkin cane limbs. He usually used micarta or phenolic under the tip wood for reinforcement. Is it a diamond wood riser? I could tell you the approx. year of build from that. Probably what he called his reflex deflex longbow. They are great bows. I might or might not of had a few

Happy Birthday, Jonathon.

Quote from: Wudstix on August 22, 2022, 11:08:53 AM
Happy Birthday, Jonathon.

Thank you!

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Nice pics!!!

Yep, Burgundy diamondwood and Tonkin cane reflex deflex longbow. They are great shooting bows, probably his best model. It should work well for you. Probably late 90s