If it was me, I would buy it (not too expensive mind you) because it is a Bear bow made in Grayling, but thats because I’m a Fred Bear Fan. Some people have good luck shooting short bows. Some don’t. If you have a longer draw length you may not like it.

Steve’s advice is objective and sound. My own is more subjective: I’ve owned a couple of Grayling Bears including a KM … and loved ’em! My general advice on Bears — based far more on the experience of others than my own — is Graylings are great but since then, including now, it’s iffy compared to most custom bows. If the price is right and shew shoots goods, that’s a collector’s item as well as a good hunting tool. While I’m settled into Shrews for the duration, I’d scoop up an old Grayling Bear, at a good price, in a heartbeat, just for the nostalgia if nothing else. My 1 cent worth. dp

I got my Kodiak Magnum in the late 70’s (new, Grayling). I used it well for about 4 years. The best I ever got was accuracy to 35 yards (never at game). 47 pound draw weight
I have a short, 27 inch draw but it never was very stable – rotationally – for me.

It was, and still is, the sexyist bow I ever held. Whenever I show it all you hear are OOOO’s and Ahhhh’s. It sadly suffered limb damage during a 2,500 mile move and now I’m afraid to string it and Bear says they won’t even look at it.
I’m going to buy another one day.
If memory serves (you know how that works, I guess), I think gave about $70 for it back then.
If it’s pretty, go for it!

Brian, I think the 1953 is the patent date. My 1979 KM (beautiful green laminate) has the same decal.

I shot this short bow a while, and got confident enough to hunt with it. I then inherited a 50# Kodiak, 60″ long compared to the KM 52″.

I shot the longer bow better, and it seemed to be quieter. When I decided to splurge for a new outfit, it ended up being a 60″/45# 2006 Martin Serengeti recurve. I just seem to do better with the longer bow. But yes, the looks of the litte KM are hard to beat!

My KM is green, left-handed, and as another poster noted, the sexiest bow I ever picked up. Too bad I can’t hit the side of a barn with it . . . If your draw is short, it may be the bow for you. My draw is a bit on the long side, and so the KM stays in when I hunt, in favor of a smooth old Pearson that’s six inches longer. I have confidence in my ability with the Pearson.