I just picked up one on the weekend and I am pretty sure I see the Hatfield design features in the bow...still that bow does not seem to have stood the test of time so I am wondering if it ended up having some flaws

DDave

Larry was there for half a century so I 'spect he was in on the design. Timing may have been an issue as longbows weren't "in" when it first showed up. I have always been of the idea that the Barta Bow was a Bushmaster done over. Hopefully Larry will pop in here. I really liked the Bushmaster..it was a great shooting bow.

The way I remember it, the Martin takedown recurves came about during the early compound era. The came out with a recurve that used the metal handle Cougar compound riser. Then, they offered a recurve using these limbs on the wood handle Warthog compound riser. Later, that wood compound riser was refined into a true recurve riser. That's when I first remember it being called the Hatfield recurve.

I'm sorry for the confusion. I see you mean the Martin Bushmaster. That was a nice bow. I think Martin only offers so many models and they must've decided to go with more radical r/d longbows like the Savannah, Vision & Bamboo Viper.

Thanks for the input gentlemen...I see Larry has been around lately and I hope this thread catches his eye...Cameron got the bow in a trade and was raving about the construction but not too impressed with the performance...I shot one heavy arrow out of it and it opened both of our eyes...for as mild as the reflex is that bow really puts some energy into an arrow...it is also smooth drawing enough that I can shoot several more pounds than I would ever have thought possible, getting up near 70 I would say...and George as always thanks for helping a bit with where it fits into the big picture

DDave

I am going to run this through one more time in hopes that Larry will notice it

DDave

the ml-18 was one of the first r/d longbows i tried. it was pretty effecient for it's time. it came about because a friend of gail martins that wanted to shoot longbows with us had a bad shoulder and what we were doing was too harsh for him. he could shoot that bow just fine. as i experimented more, the savannah came about followed by the viper and venom. i still think the venom is the best longbow i have ever shot.

" i still think the venom is the best longbow i have ever shot."

So who wants to trade me for one? #65 or so, maybe?

Thanks Larry...somehow I missed your post...that bow will have to do until I can find a good deal on a Venom...definitely want to try one of those...GF I wish I had something nice around that weight to trade you...because I draw 30 inches or more even my bows that shoot around 65 for me are closer to 60 at 28 inches

DDave

GF just realized you are looking for one too...I will let you know if I find one in your weight...and you let me know if you find a lighter one...anything 40 and up would be fine

DDave

If you run across a vision you'll probably be pleased. The 66" length of the Vision or Venom will probably suit your draw length a little better than the Savanah. I have two Visions and a Venom. I can't seem to quiet the Venom to my satisfaction yet. All these bows mentioned have different grip shapes. Hope you can try them. If you're into speed, get a venom. Have fun, Rick H

I have been shooting the same Vision for the past 8 years i honestly don't think the bows that came out to replace it are near as pleasing in my hand

I shoot so many grip shapes I really have no preference...so many bows and so little time...may have to just be happy with the Bushmaster

DDave

The Bushmaster(ML-18) is still a very good bow. I had a 50#'er a while back. Wish now that I still had it.

That was my Disco name "The Bushmaster" :)

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