1961 Bear Kodiak

[N Schraft]

Hello,

I was walking through a local gunshow and this bow was on one of the tables. I had been interested in acquiring a vintage Kodiak bow so I purchased it not really knowing anything about it besides it was made between 53-72 and seemed to be in decent shape. I did some research and I believe it is 1961 model. From what I understand there were issues with these bows that year. There is cracking in the finish but not many vertical stress cracks. I have a couple questions.

Is this bow the version made with bubinga or the purpleheart wood?

What should I use to clean it? And should I put anything on it to preserve it?

I'd like to shoot and hunt with it, would that be recommended or should it be hung on the shelf?

If it is okay to shoot, is there a place I can buy a similar arrow rest and plate to the original?

Thanks,
Nick

[N Schraft]

[Drywood]

A great and powerful bow. If I had it I see no reason not to shoot it.As to cleaning start out with mild soap and water.Stay away from strong chemicals. Looking at the photo of your shelf and plate I myself  think they are fine and add feel.  Your big problem is Hitting what small and fast . It takes a LONG TIME to be skilled but it is worth it. Good Luck !

[deeksleak]

Yours is the walnut purpleheart sight window model and safe to shoot. Plate and rug still look useable

[Babbling Bob]

You made a great find!  Love my '61 early model bubinga risered Kodiak. They are fine bows.

[TBinMN]

That looks to be a 62 as it has the greyish glass as opposed to the lighter greenish glass used in 61.  The riser wood also be bubinga - and a reddish/orange color compared to the darker Brazilian rosewood used in 62.
The 62's are a favorite of mine, I've had severable for a long time, one of Bears best shooters in my opinion.

[alaskabowhunter]

1961 Kodiak with purpleheart site window, really nice all original example.

[Horney Toad]

I wipe old bows off with a mild solvent, sometimes I have used charcoal lighter fluid.  Some use acetone but that can eat through the finish.

After the bow is dry, I use a good auto paste wax.

[Drywood]

   One of my  interests are Bear numbers ,so I keep a list your 22J102 is normal for a green 1961. In 1962 example would be "22AH102 and 1963 "22BH102",1964"22CH102 " . I made up the last three numbers to show the style that Bear used.

[Yolla Bolly]

So, Drywood, what year would 4CA165 indicate?

[mangonboat]

Nice find! I've always liked the look of the 61...that green glass is a little bit bright at first but it grows on you. Should be a sweet shooter.

[Horney Toad]

So, Drywood, what year would 4CA165 indicate?

I have a 1960 grizzly with 22J124  serial number