New to me "old" longbow

[woodchuck]

#5400

I found a great deal (I think) on a traditional longbow. This bow is all wood, just under 6′ in total length, picked it up at an “antique” shop in NW Arkansas for $27.

Only markings on it are F R E on one line, underneath that is stamped 60.

Any idea what I have? It all appears to be in great shape, going to take it to local bow shop for a good once-over and a string.

Thanks for any input.

[David Petersen]

#41279

Hi Chuck — These specific bow questions are the hardest for folks to help with, as there’s so little info and so very many current and former bowmakers, professional and amateur. Apparently you have a mystery bow there. But for $27 it hardly seems you can go wrong. Most wood bows break eventually, but I have found the older they are, assuming they haven’t been abused, the less likely they are to break. Enjoy, dave

[woodchuck]

#48628

Thanks for the reply Dave! I took the bow by the bow shop, unfortunately, it is resigned to a wall hanger. The wood is too dry to even attempt to string.

On the good side, I did get to shoot a new long bow (Bear Montana) and got bit by the bug. Currently have a old Fred Bear Grizzly and a Hoyt compound. Think I will let my nephew have the Hoyt and go to longbow shooting!!

[rwbowman]

#52240

woodchuck wrote: Thanks for the reply Dave! I took the bow by the bow shop, unfortunately, it is resigned to a wall hanger. The wood is too dry to even attempt to string.

On the good side, I did get to shoot a new long bow (Bear Montana) and got bit by the bug. Currently have a old Fred Bear Grizzly and a Hoyt compound. Think I will let my nephew have the Hoyt and go to longbow shooting!!

I too have an itch for the Montana!! What a great bow for the price point.

A friend of mine is giving me an Indian Mohawk (apparently from the 60’s or 70’s) that I’m anxious to get my hands on. I too have concerns as to what it will be like to shoot and how much longevity to expect from it. Good luck!

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