Help dating Bear Kodiak Magnum....

[Steaknife]

Hello all....first post for me.

I just purchased this bow and wanted to pin down the year of manufacter. I put this topic up at archerytalk.com and was steered to this site. The replies there put it a '63 ,which was my guess too. I don't have the pictures on a web site,so I will post the link to the AT thread for pictures:

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=401817  

Thanks for any info and great site!  

[ckruse]

Your bow is most definitely a 1964. This wood combination was used in 64-65. If it were a 65 the first letter of the serial number would be a 5.

Knowing the various wood and glass configurations and tendencies of the numbers is the best way to identify these old bows. Many of the "rules" have exceptions. It just takes time and exposure. Nice bow, enjoy it! CKruse

[hs6181]

nice to see you here SK. looks like its not quite as old as you    I learn something new almost every time I read this forum.

[Killdeer]

Sweet bow!!
Killdeer  

[alaskabowhunter]

1964 model is would be a good start.

[Steaknife]

Thank you for all the replies!

[PAPALAPIN]

You can never go wrong by going to ARCHERYTALK.COM,  because they steered you here where the right answers are.  Collectively, we know everything.  With over 10,000 members, at least one of us will have the right answer.

Welcome aboard.

Hope you stay a while and join in.

[Steaknife]

Originally posted by PAPALAPIN:
You can never go wrong by going to ARCHERYTALK.COM,  because they steered you here where the right answers are.  Collectively, we know everything.  With over 10,000 members, at least one of us will have the right answer.

Welcome aboard.

Hope you stay a while and join in.

Archerytalk.com is a great place to see new trends and find out about the latest gear. There a quite a few knowledgable people on there....but,lately there has been this kind of "brand war" between a lot of the posters there, and has gotten to be quite disturbing. Even a couple of the moderators have taken sides, and in my oppinion, lost their ability to be non-judgemental and delete posts that contribute to the war. I have been on other types of forums...mainly car type...and can tell you that it will be the demise of the forum, and will only be littered with fanboys    

Thank you for the welcome and all the replies!

[alaskabowhunter]

Here are a few Kodiak Magnums 1961-1971 including all 3 versions of the 1963 'dogleg' K Mag. Oh yea, there is a 1977 model on the bottom of the rack, my first Bear bow and the last production year in Grayling. No brand wars here, all bows are friends. Sorry for the bad angle, best pic I had of that rack.

[Steaknife]

Originally posted by alaskabowhunter:
Here are a few Kodiak Magnums 1961-1971 including all 3 versions of the 1963 'dogleg' K Mag. Oh yea, there is a 1977 model on the bottom of the rack, my first Bear bow and the last production year in Grayling. No brand wars here, all bows are friends. Sorry for the bad angle, best pic I had of that rack.

 

Beautiful collection!!

I almost bought a "Dogleg" but the price went to high for me and i've heard they are not the best for shooting everyday....more fragile than most Kodiaks...except maybe the aluminum laminates.

Do you agree on mine being a '64 also?


thanks again for the replies!

[alaskabowhunter]

Thank you for the compliment. Yes I would agree that  your bow would classified as a 1964 model. Actual "born on" dates are unknown as production runs were not in sync with the calander. As mentioned earlier in this thread what would considered a 1965 model would have a 5M as the first two digits in the serial number, a 1966 would have the 6M digits and brown glass. I think the type 3 1963 dogleg Mag would be fine to shoot but none of these bows are going to last forever, so I don't shoot any of my '63 K Mags. I hardly even consider myself the owner of all these bows (aprox 120 Kodiaks, Mags, K Specials) just the caretaker for now. lol

[tim-flood]

what is a dog leg model and what is not?

[Tom I.]

I'd like to know why the bow in question is not a 1963 model.....the first digit of the serial number is 3???
Thanks
Tom Ireland

[alaskabowhunter]

Tim... The 1963 models were dubbed "dogleg" due to the designs of the risers, it was the only year that   that design was used. I can post a pic of the '63 dogleg Kodiak if you like when I get home tonight.

Tom....Bear Archery didn't start using the last digit of the year in the serial number until 1965 and that lasted till 1969 then they went to a different numbering system using the letter K from 1970.... no rhyme or reason to the 1961-1963 serial numbers that I know of. I have never used "Just" the serial number to date a bow, also consider, wood configurations and bow design as part of the equation. Hope this helps a little.

[Tom I.]

I saw my first "dogleg Grizzley" recently.....once you see one, you'll never forget it.  Really a strange looking configuration.
Tom Ireland