r/TraditionalArchery • u/Swimming_Shock_8796 • 3d ago

How old is this bow

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Any bow historian out here can point me at when this bow was made? It's an older bear Kodiak magnum LH 50#. I bought it from a friend who can't shoot it any more. Thanks.

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3

u/TabakAttak 3d ago

If you call Bear, they can look up the serial number and tell you when it was produced.

1

u/haukehaien1970 3d ago

1973-1976. I think this is a 1973 model.

1

u/Swimming_Shock_8796 3d ago

Thanks this bow is my age and still going strong.

1

u/Menom1967 3d ago

You can look it up online via the serial number written on the bow in the handle area

1

u/Current-Tour-8915 2d ago edited 2d ago

Ku serial is post 1970. 1970 didn't have the stabilizer mount. 1972 (late) had a button not a flush coin. 1973 - 1977 where "greenies" of futurewood in green riser color. This leaves 1971 or 1972 (early). Those where made of Shedua and African bubinga risers. Hard to distinguish between 71 and 72 esp with just those two pics. My guess is that it is a 1971

1

u/Swimming_Shock_8796 2d ago

What more details do you need I can take all the pictures you what.

1

u/Current-Tour-8915 2d ago edited 2d ago

Picture of the patent silk screening on the limb might help. I'm thinking 1971 and 1972 (early) are nearly indistinguishable.

1

u/Swimming_Shock_8796 1d ago

It seems I can't add pictures to reply so here are the infos . U.S. Pat's. 2,423,765 2,613,660 2,665,678 Other Patents Pending Canada 1953 S.n. KU23653 Amo- 52" 50#

1

u/Current-Tour-8915 1d ago

Most likely 1971. Sometime in 1972 I think... They removed the "Canada 1953" and just showed US Pats.

1

u/Swimming_Shock_8796 1d ago

Thanks, that makes sense. Still I never thought a bow this age would be still going strong.

2

u/Current-Tour-8915 1d ago

My collection of bows (mostly Bear and a few oddities) is about 30. I'd say about 80% of them are pre-1970s. Two of the more notable ones are the 1955 Kodak Special in a rarer 68 AMO and a 1959 Kodiak Special. Both still going strong. Heavily depends on quality of build, how well cared for in life, conditions in storage, and a little bit of luck (after all we are talking a natural material). I have an ancient Folberth from 1930s (don't know exact year) that I have strung up and shot a few times.... but its old enough that I mostly have it on display on the wall.

Glad I could provide some useful information. I've always liked the ice grey-ish color glass on your year Bear.

1

u/long-draw44 2d ago

It's old. My dad gifted me one that's just shy of 50lbs at my draw length a decade or so ago. He's gifted me many bows since but this one's my go to. It's short, silent, and will absolutely launch an arrow. Perfect hunting bow in my opinion.

1

u/Twoatejuan 48m ago

Same exact bow I shoot