Modding a Bear Montana

[Rob DiStefano]

Welp, couldn't let well enuf alone with this li'l 50# Bear Montana I just picked up off our Trad Bow Classifieds ... it was in like-new condition, but the darn limb tips were long, bulky, and heavy - unbraced I could've used the bow as spear!  I decided to "Littlefeather-ize" this puppy kinda like how Curtis did up his Montana.

BEFORE ...

   



   


AFTER ...

   

   

... I used a bandsaw and table sander to do most of the dirty work, then some abrasive paper and finished it off with slow set epoxy smeared with a finger.  Now the bow just feels like it's smaller (it is!) and handles a bit better in the woods.  Dunno what it does for overall performance, but each lopped off limb tip weighed about 46 grains (not counting what the bandsaw chewed off) on my digital arra scale.  

I also pulled off the grip wrap - this must be a later model, 'cause the handle didn't feel square-ish or "blocky" at all.  So I won't hafta rasp it down like CK did.

CK also trapped the limb backs - not sure if I wanna do this yet, I'll give it some more shootin' time 'fore committing a Dremel router to chamfering the limb edges.  I also like the draw weight, and trapping will take it down mebbe as much as 5#.

Anyhoo, that's what I done so far to my Montana - what a great shootin' longbow for cheap!

[Walkingstick]

Gosh Rob, you have other talents too....Nice work..Mac~

[Charlie Lamb]

Cool stuff Rob... Montana is a great bow...with a little work!  :D    

[Timo]

Nice lookin job Rob!  

[Rob DiStefano]

Thanx fellers. Ya'know, I really liked those pointy tips, but I'll take function over form with my bows.   :D

[SuperKodiak38]

I have never shot one of those, did you see any difference in vibration or handshock? I assume with less weight in the tips there would be less if any shock?

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by SuperKodiak38:
I have never shot one of those, did you see any difference in vibration or handshock? I assume with less weight in the tips there would be less if any shock?

Didn't notice anything different in feel or dynamic performance after lopping the tips off.  It's a very smooth shooting bow with very very little handshock, if any at all.  It is in NO way as smooth or fast as my Trad Gang MOAB, but I'll tell ya that I'm havin' so much fun with the Montana that it's been all I've been shootin for the last week.
 
Also, MUCH easier going in the brush as the new tips don't snag hard, plus the bow lost about 1-1/2" in overall length, which has also been a good thing (for me, at least!).

[Linc]

Good job Rob.    Montana's aren't given enough credit.I wish I had kept the one I had.Dang nice bow for the money.          

[Shape Shifter]

Very Cool. I have a Montana and have been thinking about doing something like that for a while. I was too afraid that I might screw up.Great Pics Rob! Job well done!

[Terry Green]

Rob's multi talented let me tell ya.

Although sneaky let me tell ya...just found out about this one   :D