Short recurves…suggestions?

[James Harvey]

#4869

So I’ve been thinking about getting a short bow for a little while now. I had a brief, jealousy inspired desire for a Thunderchild, thanks to the jerks here who own them and post salacious photos of them in the field. But I’m so much more comfortable with recurves.

I really want something shorter than 52″, to fit a space I have in mind, so that rules out a Kodiak Mag. I saw a Mag 48 review by Jeff Kavanagh, he has a longer draw than me and had no complaints. That seems like a goer, but on 3rivers there are several reviews of broken 48’s seemingly stemming from poor workshop standards or manufacturing processes.

I just read a whole article about the 48 in the latest TBM and that has primed me even more for one, but I thought I’d seek some advice here. I can’t find anyone locally who owns any short recurves so I can’t even test fire anything before I buy.

Does anyone have experience, good or bad with the 48’s or any other alternatives that may be available? Second hand is not a great option as you can add 100-200 bucks shipping from the US.

Cheers fellas,

Jim

EDIT:

I thought I’d just edit this post and put in links to alternatives (still being made) as I find them, in case anyone else is interested in the future…

http://www.cascadebow.com

http://sierrablancabows.com/

[sinawalli]

#34631

ausjim wrote: So I’ve been thinking about getting a short bow for a little while now. I had a brief, jealousy inspired desire for a Thunderchild, thanks to the jerks here who own them and post salacious photos of them in the field. But I’m so much more comfortable with recurves.

I really want something shorter than 52″, to fit a space I have in mind, so that rules out a Kodiak Mag. I saw a Mag 48 review by Jeff Kavanagh, he has a longer draw than me and had no complaints. That seems like a goer, but on 3rivers there are several reviews of broken 48’s seemingly stemming from poor workshop standards or manufacturing processes.

I just read a whole article about the 48 in the latest TBM and that has primed me even more for one, but I thought I’d seek some advice here. I can’t find anyone locally who owns any short recurves so I can’t even test fire anything before I buy.

Does anyone have experience, good or bad with the 48’s or any other alternatives that may be available? Second hand is not a great option as you can add 100-200 bucks shipping from the US.

Cheers fellas,

Jim

Bear Super Mag is 48″, Herters has a 46″, and I believe Little Suckling has a 44″. If you can find them! What is your draw length?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#34683

ausjim wrote: So I’ve been thinking about getting a short bow for a little while now. I had a brief, jealousy inspired desire for a Thunderchild, thanks to the jerks here who own them and post salacious photos of them in the field.

I know. Those guys are soooo annoying. They should really just have their own sub-forum and quit taunting the rest of us…

ausjim wrote: I really want something shorter than 52″, to fit a space I have in mind…

Climbing down a dingo hole?

On a more serious note….the shortest recurve I’ve shot was 52″ (an old K-Mag). But I’ve heard lots of good things about the Mag 48s, and how cool would it be to have a bow that small?!? It also seems to me that Bear has stepped it up again in the QC dept.

Of course, I do feel compelled to add that I have it on good authority that the Thunderchild is quite stable in hand…

[James Harvey]

#34684

My draw is just over 28. That was my biggest concern.

I didn’t mention it in my OP, but I’d like a one piece. A fella from another state was selling a 48″ Cascade Golden Hawk recently but it was a take down 🙁

[smiley1]

#34708

Jim, I own a Black Mountain Sheepeater Obsidian recurve that was made by Dyrad Bows. It’s a static recurve that measures 46″ strung. I don’t think Dyrad is building them anymore but believe they are still being produced. Not sure who’s building them now. The original model had a longbow style grip but the more recent models are made with a pistol-recurve style grip. Blackie did a review on them a few years back in TBM. Maybe a search will produce more information. The bow draws smooth out to 30″ and shoots a heavy arrow with authority. Great shooting bow and light as a feather.

Steve

[OSQUINT]

#34710

Check into the KAYA KHAN recurves. Small, light, shoot sweet. They are a bit different from other recurves on the market but the prices aren’t too bad.

[James Harvey]

#34761

Steve,

I was able to find a little out about the black mountain bow. The fella who makes them (or did 5 years ago) has an account on tradgang so I sent him a PM. Hopefully I hear back from him.

Squint, those Korean bows are pretty popular in Australia at the moment and you’re right, they’re pretty reasonably priced and fit the bill. Except for the handle. I’m a big baby and shoot much better with a high wrist on a pistol grip style handle 🙁

[James Harvey]

#34783

SmithZappa wrote: I know. Those guys are soooo annoying. They should really just have their own sub-forum and quit taunting the rest of us…

[quote=ausjim]I really want something shorter than 52″, to fit a space I have in mind…

Climbing down a dingo hole?

I stand by my character judgement in the original post 😀

But yeah, a really short bow like that would suit my kayak adventures to a T. It could be stowed inside my yak, strapped to my front deck (I think with no overhang but testing will be required) and I think could even be shot quite comfortable from inside the yak.

It’s a pity, I really like the look of those Cascade Golden Hawk’s, they’d make an excellent backpacking bow too… But I think a one piece will handle the seawater better long term.

[Col Mike]

#34864

Jim

Have you considered going one step back in Trad history—A spear:D

Semper Fi

Mike

[James Harvey]

#34867

I have Mike, but I don’t fancy beaching my kayak then bringing my spear into the mangroves to tickle pigs with 😆

[David Bartlett]

#34881

Jim,

I recently acquired a reprint of a Bear 1967 &1/2 catalog to go with a 67 Super Kodiak I found. The catalog also features the Super Magnum 48, which is a very fine looking bow for such a short one.

In the text of the ad is this statement.

“If you are looking for a hunting bow fully dependable in any tight spot the Super Magnum 48 will meet the test. Every bowhunter needs one!”

[Ralph]

#35609

ausjim wrote: I have Mike, but I don’t fancy beaching my kayak then bringing my spear into the mangroves to tickle pigs with 😆

You can always a spear on pigs like Anthony Hopkins did in “The Edge: on a griz. You just tick off one of those sows with piglets and she’ll come a runnin’ wantin’ a piece of ya. 😆

Stand firm with spear in hand…….. With me? Wonder if you can work a spear from the rear???:wink:

[James Harvey]

#36358

R2 wrote: Wonder if you can work a spear from the rear???:wink:

In the words of Brave Sir Robin (of Monty Python fame), Run away!

[Ralph]

#36603

Jim, is that the short form of “Discretion is sometimes the better part of valor” 😕

On the topic of wet world and bows and equipment, have you ever tried a Saunders fab tab? They’re a bit stiff for awhile but they’re waterproof.

Mine is made for Mediterranean style shooting but works fine with 3 under. Takes some getting used to though. I keep one in my gear in case a cloud comes up around here. 😉 Wet feathers shoot way better with a dry tab or glove.

[James Harvey]

#37052

Is this the tab Ralph?

http://www.siouxarchery.com.au/store/saunders-fab-tab-3-layer/dp/44

I haven’t tried it but I’d give it a go on your recommendation. Waterproof sounds good! I’ve been shooting almost exclusively with a glove the past year, and have just recently started shooting with a tab again (like I had always done previously) and think I will probably stick with them again. Something about it seems to work better for me.

[Ralph]

#37071

That’s the one Jim. I don’t shoot mine all the time but like I said it’s good to have around in wet times. I don’t use the spacer either.

I too have been going back and forth between glove and tab and that’s ?????????????

[sinawalli]

#38518

http://www.wrightarchery.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=stalkerrecurve

This guy has a one piece recurve 46″ long.

[archer38]

#38540

Jim, You should check out Cody Dumont at Tenbrook Archery.

He builds some absolutely beautiful bows and short bows seem to be his specialty !!Reasonably priced too !!

Worth a look my friend !!

[critch]

#38629

Waaay back in 1979 I bought a Browning Nomad bow at a yard sale. I got to hunt with it for 2 years and then it broke,,and Browning had stopped making them, so they gave me a huge discount on a compound Nomad..nice bow, still have it,,,but I really liked that short recurve…

[sinawalli]

#38639

Archer38 wrote: Jim, You should check out Cody Dumont at Tenbrook Archery.

He builds some absolutely beautiful bows and short bows seem to be his specialty !!Reasonably priced too !!

Worth a look my friend !!

I checked out their website. He makes a 43″ recurve! Wow! Would love to try it. Says you should be able to have a 29.5″ draw and shoot it. Watch the last video on his site, very cool!

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#39240

I have to say, reading the interview with Dick Mauch in the new TBM really makes me want to get a Super Mag…

[James Harvey]

#40819

Archer and Sinawalli, I checked out both those bowyers, they look pretty awesome.

I’ve found one guy with a second hand mag 48 here willing to sell, but at 45#. I think I’ll get it to see if that bow fits me. If it does, I’ll resell it and order a new one a little heavier.

Bruce, there’s no reason not to give them a go in the US, they’re so cheap second hand. To get a new one here is going to cost around 500-600 bucks 😕

[Brennan Herr]

#41269

Right handed? Price? Pics?

What is shipping cost?

Just incase anyone is thinking about that stuff. 😀

[James Harvey]

#41301

B,

this is the second hand bow I’m looking at (but when I said ‘here’ I meant in Australia, not on Tradbow), it’s RH, fella’s asking 300 to my door. They’re over 500 brand new here, but only 380 in the US 😕 I’m sure I’ve seen them second hand in the US for around 200. 3rivers staff tell me it’s not an oversize item for post, so that should represent some savings in shipping.

And if ever you’ve wondered what wool limb protectors look like, this is it 😆 The fella selling it reckons the original owner had a wool fetish 😉

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#41702

Jim –

Why don’t you just come to the States this Fall (for elk) or in January (for our Az. javi hunt) and you can pick up a new Mag 48 at the same time? 😉

[Brennan Herr]

#41924

Jim,

I was with you on the location part. That bow looks really nice and the lower poundage might serve you well if you are shooting sitting in a kayak. If I where in your shoes and I shot the bow well I would buy it. Just my two cents.

Brennan

[James Harvey]

#41983

Brennan,

You know what they say, mediocre minds think alike 😉 I am thinking the exact same thing 😀

Bruce,

I have thought the same thing to avoid shipping costs. We had been loosely planning 2015 but it looks like a full year for me at work. Dang it all.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#42151

ausjim wrote:

Bruce,

I have thought the same thing to avoid shipping costs. We had been loosely planning 2015 but it looks like a full year for me at work. Dang it all.

Well, you’ve got a bunk at the Hammer Ranch with your name on it, anytime.

BYOV (Bring Your Own Vegemite). 😉

[daniel boon]

#42778

Jim, I have a 50″ TwoTracks “Ambush”, that I pull to 29.75″ without stacking. I prefer longer bows, and every time I think of letting it go, I shoot it, and it goes back on the rack. A great little bow, shoots great, and quick too.

[James Harvey]

#45001

Daniel,

The Ambush must be good, I checked out the bowyers site and he said he’s so flat out with orders he’s not taking any new ones for a while!

[James Harvey]

#45006

Bruce,

your BYOV line actually had me laughing so hard I had to explain the ruckus to my wife. Being an American herself she was not surprised at your vegemite policy 😉

PS

If you’re interested in the super mag Jeff Kavanagh’s youtube review is of interest, if only because he has quite a long draw and seems pleased with it…

[daniel boon]

#45049

Jim, Chuck makes the “Shrew” bows for Ron these days, so that and his wool products must keep him busy.

[Mark Turton]

#47683

Jim, I found a Bear Cheyenne last year reasonably priced, what you need is a good friend in the US to send you a bow as a birthday present, don’t forget to tick the box on the customs declaration, Western Union is a wonderful way of sending cash to a friend.

Mark.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#47829

ausjim wrote: Bruce,

your BYOV line actually had me laughing so hard I had to explain the ruckus to my wife. Being an American herself she was not surprised at your vegemite policy 😉

Ha – actually, my friend, if you make the trek all the way over here, we’ll track down the freshest vegemite we can find.

And feel free to get your new Super Mag shipped to our place. 😉

[James Harvey]

#57720

Well, I paid for a second hand Super mag 48 yesterday, 45#. It’s coming from interstate, hopefully I’ll see it next week 😉

[James Harvey]

#57722

Smithhammer wrote: Ha – actually, my friend, if you make the trek all the way over here, we’ll track down the freshest vegemite we can find.

Bruce, the freshest of all Aussie food I’ve found in the States is at Jungle Jim’s in Ohio. Which is unsurprising really, Big Jims Bow Company, Jungle Jims, its all pointing to a common link. If you just ignore Jim Beam bourbon and notorious internet pests, the name is a reliable marker of excellence 😉

Jim

[Brennan Herr]

#57978

Jim,

Congrats! Some pics would be great when she arrives. Unless it is the same beauty you showed off earlier. But even so show it off again.:D

Brennan

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#58548

ausjim wrote:

….Which is unsurprising really, Big Jims Bow Company, Jungle Jims, its all pointing to a common link. If you just ignore Jim Beam bourbon and notorious internet pests, the name is a reliable marker of excellence 😉

Jim

Clearly! 😉

[James Harvey]

#8463

Well, the super mag arrived yesterday, finally got a half hour to myself to shoot it. First impressions, in no particular order:

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Beautiful little bow.. much prettier in person I think

I suspect, pound for pound, it is the slowest bow I have ever shot

I noticed that if I didn’t get strong, deep hooks with my string hand I would feel finger pinch. If I consciously got those good hooks, there was none. Fatigue was a factor in this and I wonder if the pinch wouldn’t be harder to resist with a heavier bow?

From awkward positions, like kneeling, sitting cross legged, sitting shooting sideways, or sitting shooting square on, this was the nicest bow I have ever shot, just on account of it being so short.

I didn’t notice any stacking.

It’s whisper quiet, but if you look at the photos on page one, you can see why. Big heavy wool puff silencers, wool limb protectors and wool strikeplate/shelf. I think when I buy some shafts to tune to it, I’ll get rid of all of that and see if I can reduce some drag without making it noisy.

It is absurdly light.

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I will take some photos over the weekend and try and get to the archery shop for some shafts to make up. I’m shooting the last 3 2018 Al arrows I own out of it today as they’re the closest I have to a spine match.

[Fletcher]

#11626

Chuck Deshler at Two Tracks makes a really good 50″ recurve.

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