What are some good vintage collectible longbows?

Onski316 · November 13, 2021, 01:34:12 PM

I got bit by the trad bug about a year ago and started collecting older recurve bows. I've been fortunate to pick up a Super Kodiak, KMag, KHunter, Red Wing Hunter, Gull, B.H. Avenger, Grizzly, etc. Now I'd like to add some longbows to my collection and dabble a bit with them. My problem is I don't know what are 'good' models. Obviously when you bring up old recurves, Bear, Wing, Hoyt, Black Widow come up with the 'must have' models like Grizzly, Kodiak, High Speed, Presentation, etc. But when I try and research longbows, I don't seem to find that. Can anyone give me some suggestions on some classics to add to a collection?

Kelly · November 13, 2021, 10:00:03 PM

Howard Hill, John Schulz, Zebra, Abbott, Liberty to name a few.

Onski316 · November 13, 2021, 11:23:46 PM

Thank you! That's what I was looking for.

Onski316 · November 14, 2021, 02:37:54 PM

I found some Pearsons for sale that are reasonably priced. Also ran across a few wooden Indian longbows. Are they any good?

The couple Martin, Zebra and Hill bows I've found for sale are out of my price range ($400) at the moment. Maybe someday down the road but just looking for a shooter right now. From the looks of things, a Pearson is probably what I'm going to have to pick from. Are they still descent shooters? The wooden ones?

The Black Spot · November 15, 2021, 01:09:25 PM

look for the pearson 304 or 306, cobra, bushmaster. some of these are takedown models. the 304 and 306 are all fiberglass takedown with a hardwood core if remember correctly

Onski316 · November 16, 2021, 08:28:00 AM

Noted. Thank you. I think I saw a 304 on fleabay recently and it kinda caught my attention. Cool looking setup really. May have to bid on that one.

The Black Spot · November 16, 2021, 10:11:55 AM

shot a couple of hogs last may with a 60# pearson 306. i also have several set up for bowfishing

Onski316 · November 18, 2021, 07:29:36 AM

I think I'm going to hold off on that 304 I saw on ebay. 2 actually but both are over $150 right now. One may be worth it, very nice, the other looks a little on the used and abused side. I did score a fiberglass backed older Pearson 1 piece longbow. It kind of looks like a 701 from the early 50's. I did get it on the cheap so even if it's not a shooter, it will still look nice on display.

mahantango · December 28, 2021, 11:56:04 AM

X2 on the Pearsons. Also Martin made two : "The Stick" and the "Mountaineer" that don't usually go for too much money.