Big Jim's Buffalo Bow

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#4897

I’ve been so impressed and enjoying my Thunderchild over the last year, that of course my curiosity about Jim’s Buffalo Bow had to be satisfied. It arrived yesterday, and I’ve probably put about 100 arrows or so through it between a backyard shooting session and getting out stumping with it this afternoon. Without a doubt, it is every bit as impressive as my Thunderchild, both in workmanship and in performance. And Jim is absolutely top-notch to work with!

Specs:

62″ AMO

#52 @ 28″

2-piece Takedown

B&W Ebony limb veneers

Cocobolo riser w/Gabon Ebony Stripe

Sheep horn overlays and tips

I had Jim build the grip to the same specs as my Thunderchild, so the bow immediately felt familiar when I started shooting it. Stable in the hand, with a little more mass to it (not surprisingly) than my 56″ T-child. See the “Paper Tuning” thread for the results with the arrow I’ve been shooting with it so far.

The question often seems to come up – “what’s the difference between the Thunderchild and the Buffalo?” I think this pic answers that question pretty well:

As you can see, the Buffalo isn’t simply a longer Thunderchild – there are differences not only in length, but in the amount of D/R and the riser design. They are definitely different bows, though they share some similarities.

Which one do I prefer? So far, I can only answer – Yes.

[wahoo]

#34993

Smitty that thing is sweet. Hope to shoot it some day

[tailfeather]

#35017

Gorgeous, Bruce. Nice choice of woods. How do you like that takedown system so far? Shoot like a one piece?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#35029

Jim’s takedown system is as simple and rock-solid as it gets (I have a takedown T-child – same sleeve system). The sleeve fits as snug and smooth as a glove, and I love that there are no hinges, tools needed, etc. In fact, you can just forget that it’s a 2-piece bow until you take it apart. And this 62″ bow fits into my 38″ Safari Tuff case when its broken down, making it easy to travel with.

[William Warren]

#35110

Not gonna work Smithammer. I’m not going to buy one – yet. But yours is definitely a beaut. 😀

Duncan

[Etter1]

#35615

Looks great! Bring em both to AZ. I’ve never shot a big Jim bow.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#35657

Duncan wrote: Not gonna work Smithammer. I’m not going to buy one – yet. But yours is definitely a beaut. 😀

Duncan

Your resolve is admirable, my friend. By resistance is futile.

Etter1 wrote: Looks great! Bring em both to AZ. I’ve never shot a big Jim bow.

Definitely. I’m looking forward to taking a javi with this bow!

[James Harvey]

#35912

It looks great Bruce. I had just made a fella an offer on a t/d buffalo down here when the Shrew came up that I couldn’t refuse.

[Alexandre Bugnon]

#36109

What limb cores do these bows have?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#36137

Alex

Bamboo cores, but I think red elm , carbon, etc. are options as well.

[Author]

Posts