Information on Ben Pearson 304 2 piece fiberglass longbow

[Michael Lambert]

#135910

I just got my hands on a Ben Pearson 304 64” 45# 2 piece fiberglass longbow it didn’t come with a string so I’m unable shoot it. I got online and YouTube to try to find reviews info and just try to find out if was even worth getting a string for it, I can’t find anything on the 304. Can someone tell me some specs on it, such as FPS is a good bow for hunting etc. or were I can find some info at thanks.

[Robin Conrads]

#135921

Wow, that sounds like an interesting bow. How do the two pieces go together? Hopefully, someone will chime in soon with suggestions.

[Tom Winter]

#142234

Love mine. (Garage sale find, several years ago). It was apart, in a canvas sleeve, and with a small quiver. The upper limb fits into the handle, and once you’ve strung it, it sets in firmly: it is very difficult to take it down. Since it is fiberglass, I simply leave it together, strung.
Mine had no markings or decals, except for “304” below the handle. But now that we have the internet, a google search for “ambidextrous 304 takedown bow” got me there.
The last ones were made in 1958. I like competing right hand shooting against left hand shooting, so I NEED an old-fashioned bow.
Yes, worth getting (or making) a string for it.
A guy on the web wants $200 for his. Mine is nfs.

[Raymond Coffman]

#135924

Hi Mike

I don’t know much about Ben Pearson bows. I have not owned one. The 304 was made in the 50s I believe. It was well received. This type of bow was used as a starter bow and /or fishing bow. Adequate for small game / deer if in good working order.

To protect yourself and the old bow — before shooting it, I would have it inspected by a trad bowyer or a very knowledgeable trad bow person / shooter. If you are an old trad bow shooter,  you know to check the bow for cracks ,  dents , limb tip damage,  loose takedown joint etc.

I am sure any of the string makers will build a string for you or just call 3 rivers / King and order one.

I doubt If you can find out the bows speed, unless you chronograph it yourself. I imagine it is about average for a bow of its day, weight , and type.

As web mom mentioned maybe some one here will chime in with more info.

Buena Ventura

Scout

[Michael Lambert]

#135925

Thanks a lot for the help you actually answered a lot for me because I wandering if it was a beginner bow or more of top of the line bow for that time period and if would make a good white tail bow for hunting. I’ve checked the bow out there is no delamation, or cracks the tips are in good shape, the sleeve is not tight when the two pieces are put together but there is no play in it. So thanks again

[Raymond Coffman]

#135926

Mike

You bet.

It is an interesting piece of Archery history. I am sure this bow and others of its type took many Whitetail deer.

Sorry I don’t have more info. You might try to google – Ben Pearson Archery – or see if there is a biography of Ben Pearson available.

PS. I noticed Ben Pearson co has a website (2017) they only show compounds . You might contact them for info – sometimes they will send you to an ol geezer (like me) who collects their bows.

 

Scout

 

 

[Robin Conrads]

#135943

Those older bows were not built for today’s non-stretch string material (Fast Flight). When you order a string, tell them it’s for an old bow.

[Raymond Coffman]

#135955

Webmom makes an excellent point . If you decide to get a string and shoot the bow. be sure to tell the purveyors you are shooting an old classic and need an appropriate string —

Scout

[Tom Winter]

#145906

Archery practice is a great use of pandemic-caused free time! I’m liking the Ben Pearson 304 more than ever.

[Raymond Coffman]

#145912

Hi Tom

Glad it worked out and you are shooting your Ben Pearson

Happy Arrows

Scout aka Ray

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