New to me Bear Grizzly...?

[rwbowman]

So an associate of mine who shoots at the indoor range where I shoot has been trying to sell me this bow for a while. I finally bit the bullet and bought it from him today. Its a 58 inch, 45 pounds at 28 inches, bear grizzly, labeled with grayling Michigan. I was wondering if anyone could offer any information regarding the year this bow was made based on this serial number. Thank you in advance.

[dbd870]

Unfortunately the serial number won't be very helpful. Does it have the 1953 date on the limb? Post up a pic of the medalion as well. It's going to be a 70's bow getting the exact year is going to be a problem

[Jack Shanks]

1973-76 The 76 model would have originally come with a Bear weather rest.

[rwbowman]

Sorry these keep coming in sideways.
No 1953 date on the limbs. The medallion is silver.

[dbd870]

Agree with Jack - not going to be able to get any closer than that.

[rwbowman]

Thanks guys!
Will denatured alcohol hurt anything if I want to clean the old tape residue off of it? The guy I got it from said the tape was from when the bow was originally sold and the string was taped to the fadeout (first picture).
I'm also looking around to find out what might be recommended for brace height. I twisted up a B-50 string for this gem last night and it is still stretching, but am wondering what a good brace range would be.

[warpedarrow]

I use denatured alcohol to clean up nearly every bow that I buy.  It is amazing how much crud will come off of even a clean looking fifty year old bow.  I follow up with a good polishing using Meguiars wax.  I bought an old "Halloween" Alaskan awhile back that looked as if someone had stored it in coal bin.  Twenty minutes of elbow grease and it was shiny and new looking and fit to hang on the display rack.

[Jack Shanks]

Acetone, Goo-Gone or Goof off will remove tape residue. 8" is a good starting point for brace height on the Grizzlies.

[rwbowman]

Thank you guys! I love this bar!

[dbd870]

Have 2, early 70's. They get real happy right around 8"

[wadde]

Be careful if you use Acetone. I would recommend using Goof Off. Acetone in concentrated form will hurt the original varnish finish.

[59Alaskan]

those mid 1970's Grizzlys are sweet bows.  Congrats!  Those bows are made to "git er done"!  

Enjoy!  That is a "bomb proof" bow that is made to take game.

[rwbowman]

well I took her to the indoor range yesterday and this bow is truly a shooter. it's probably the most consistent bow I've ever shot, or at least the most controllable one piece bow I've ever shot. I cleaned it up with denatured alcohol and waxed it up as well. Awesome bow for sure!

[Frank V]

I'm not much help in dating, but I shoot a 1970 Grizzly & really like it. I didn't get an Elk or Deer with it last year but did get a nice Grouse for the pot.
 Keep that Grizzly, you'll like it.

OH YES CONGRATULATIONS!!!  

[rwbowman]

Maybe one more question. I twisted up a twelve strand B-50 string for the new bow, but I'm wondering if a ten strand would be sufficient with the loops padded to twelve. I ask because my nocks are fitting a bit more snug than I usually like.

[Frank V]

Another possible soulution might be to serve your string with a thinner serving?

[rwbowman]

Good point Frank. Thanks!

[Frank V]

 

You are welcome.

[ozzy1977]

I got one of those a couple of months back, best dating I could come up with is between 1972 and 1978

[rwbowman]

Another friend just gave me a 55# to go with this one!