Bear Grizzly ID help please

[Bladepeek]

I picked up a very tired, old bow which I believe to be a Grizzly. It had a lot of white paint over-spray and black adhesive on it and was missing all decals, coin, rest and sideplate. The lower limb was twisted where it had apparently stood in a closet for years and the string would not line up in the string groove when drawn and let down slowly.

I got the twist out just by leaving it strung for a week. Thought I might have to apply heat and bend it the other way, but it was very cooperative.

It has no recess for the medallion. I have not weighed it, but see no reason to doubt the 40# marking on the bow. It shoots like a dream in spite of the scrape/chip on the limb edge.

Someone poked two sight screw holes in the grip, but they are very small diameter and I won't have any trouble filling and hiding them. Two layers of zebrawood I-beam that is a bit dis-colored, but would re-finish nicely I think.

I bought this as a junker to play with (and paid accordingly    )  , but it's such a sweet shooter that I might someday have it properly refinished.

Can somebody help me identify it please?

[papabear08]

It looks to be a Shakespeare Super Necedah

[Blackhawk]

I believe it's a Shakespeare also, but I think the Super Necedah came along later and was 54" and all zebrawood.  

You are right about how good they shoot and are one of the "sleepers" out there.  Prices are usually less than $100 for a nice one.

[ron w]

Neat bow   :cool:   .....I would just refinish it myself and then shoot it and enjoy it.......    How ya doing Ron?

[Bladepeek]

Thanks Guys. I guess I never even thought about it being a Shakespeare, although I did own a Super Necadah some few years ago.The grip did seem awfully bulbous for a Bear now that I think about it.

Yeah, they are great shooters. Maybe I will see if I can get some decals and pretty it up a bit.

Hey Ron. I'm doing well. Saw a great buck the other night. Didn't get a shot, but he sure had my heart working over time - deep heavy belly, big solid neck and more points than I could count through all the small branches he was standing behind. Maybe he'll be back?

[papabear08]

I'm sorry I meant it is a Kaibab model.

[damascusdave]

I sure looks an awful lot like my Kaibab at 58 inches

DDave

[Bladepeek]

Looks like papabear and damascave nailed it. I found a Root/Shakespeare blog by Larry Vienneau Jr with great pictures and specs. So it appears it's a 1970 Kaibab, 58", 40# and I think I may start shooting more right-handed again. Sure is pleasant to shoot.

I'd have wandered in circles for a long time without your help.

Thanks
Ron

[eidsvolling]

Originally posted by Bladepeek:
Looks like papabear and damascave nailed it. I found a Root/Shakespeare blog by Larry Vienneau Jr with great pictures and specs.

Well, this is just great. I've been ignoring my Shakespeare itch for some time, hoping it would just go away. My wife would like a word with you ...

  Vintage Root and Shakeapeare Archery

[wadde]

The Shakespeare OCALA alos looked like that and had the Zebrawood I beam and sight window.

[Bladepeek]

wadde, from what I've read so far, the Ocala was a 62" bow. Mine is 58". I'm going to keep digging (that Vintage Root and Shakespeare Archery blog is a goldmine).

Once I get a nice comfortable feeling I have it nailed for sure, I'm going to get some decals made up and refinish it.

Man, I'm really enjoying shooting this one, even though I switched to lefty several years ago.

[wadde]

That is correct, I did not even think about the length, just the woods.

[Bladepeek]

eidsvolling, just promise her you won't do anything about scratching that itch until you find a real "bargain". Women love things on sale    

By the way, I found this one advertised on the bulletin board of my favorite restaurant for $25.

[Gerald Denley]

The Ocala was 58" later in production...I have one just like that hanging on the wall beside me. The zebrawood window and tip construction are the same. Mine is the green glass model.

[Gerald Denley]

Ooops...I meant Kaibab, not Ocala-duh. As was already mentioned that bow is a Kaibab.