Tell us all you know about this classic hunting bow. Why you carry it still today? Even when there are so many new bows out there today. And why you feel it is the absolute best for hunting. Thanks!

I don't know that it is the best but it will certainly shoot with the best of the same design in the field along with the Kmag and many of the other older bows. Today's modern custom bow builders are playing catch-up with the 50's-60's and 70 model bows. The customs are certainly prettier but they should be for $1000, side by side performance is not much better than the old production bows if at all.

James

I have shot them and I agree the BushMaster bow with the off set riser that Ben Pearson shot was not just ahead of its time, there are features of it that may be ahead of ours. When you get a chance to shoot one the stability at the shot is amazing. They are very rare and expensive.

Well I have never seen one come up for sale. I sure would like to shoot one.

Here's that offset that master guide is talking about. This Bushmaster belongs to Tom Baldwin-- who can be seen in the background, fetching another prize bow for me to have a look at.

It was a grueling two days there-- look at bows, shoot them, talk about them till our mouths were dangerously dry... then rehydrate and resume. Someone had to do it. Anyway it was the first Bushmaster I'd ever had a look at. Rest assured it's the bow that's crooked, and not the cameraman's aim!

Now that's interesting, I've never seen one before. Have anymore pics of that Bushmaster? Is that a recurve, longbow, slight reflex limbs?

The Bushmaster is a recurve. Ben Pearson made a few take down long bows as well. Didn't know that the Bushmaster had an built in offset in the handle. What was the idea behind that? Heard it was a good shooting bow. Thanks for the picture crookedstix.

Black Swan's have an offset handle.

I have several Bushmasters (1958-61), or it's predecessor-the Window Bow (1957). I have 2 Window Bow recurves, 1 Bushmaster recurve , and 1 Bushmaster longbow. I have not been able to find any reference in the 57-60 Pearson catalogs to a Bushmaster longbow, just know that I lucked into one.

Never heard of the window bow. Is the long bow marked Bushmaster Phil? Got any pictures? Sure would like to see them.

Pearson bows were not really "NAMED" until 1958. Through 1957 Pearson bows had numbers-956, 969,, etc. In 1958, the bows had names-Bushmaster, Cobra, Cougar, Palomino, Javelina, etc.

Yes, the Bushmaster LB is labeled as a Bushmaster.

Nice Bow!

Thanks for the picture. Sweet looking bow!

How many of these Bushmaster long bows were Made?

I have a buddy who had two Bushmasters so I've shot them quite a bit. Yes, they are excellent handling bows as are the other Pearson two-piece longbows and recurves from the 50's

Here's a picture on the Bushmaster lb strung. This is the only one I've seen or seen pictures of. I have no idea how many were made or if it was by special order only, just know that it's not listed in the catalogs or in any print that I've seen.

Why do you think Ben Pearson didn't do a Newer version of the Bushmaster?

I spoke to Ben Pearson Jr. and he siad his fathers favorite bow was the Bush Master.

now have vintage Bushmaster on classifieds recurve.

The offset grip was not unique. I have a 1958 Cravotta Bros Warrior bow with the same offset type grip.

Sure would like to see a picture of it master guide.

How about a couple pics of my 969.

Oops, 956.

heres a 969 wth some other pearson things

TTT

T4halo thought you might be interested in this old thread.

HaHa! I've read this one a few times. Just sell me that Bushmaster...you've grown sick of it by now.

T4

Yes I did exactly what you did too. Looked up all the old Bushmaster threads I could find. Maybe put a wanted out for one in classifieds you never know. There are guys on here that have more then one Bushmaster. Maybe they will let one go. I'm not sick of mine yet. ;-) Good luck on your search. You have a very nice bow collection.

Brought this old thread up for VTbow. MasterGuide is the one who had a beautiful Bushmaster up for sale in our classifieds ahile back. Don't know if he ever sold it or not. He said it was in really nice shape.

TTT Masterguide has a Bushmaster bow for sale on here. Did anyone buy it?

Nice old thread. I think reading this is what got me into searching and researching them. Phil "Philbow" has been my biggest help and supplied me with many bows, arrows and broadheads over the years. You know Don I could use your Bushmaster in my display that I am gathering these for. Lol

Hugh did you see in our classifieds Masterguide had a Bushmasrer for sale? The only one I ever seen come up for sale on here for over 20 years.

I did not.

He said it was mint. I never saw a picture of it though.

He was asking $800.00 for it. Do you feel that was to high a price?

I can say I wouldn't have paid that much. In my collection I have one in the original box and I wouldn't even ask that much for it.

That being said if someone really wanted one and considering how hard they are to find you never know what someone might give to finally get one.

When you get a chance maybe you can post a picture of that one in the original box. That’s cool!

I'd have to call that the crazy I don't want to sell it price. To me that is over twice the value, but I'm tight.

Well you never see them come up for sale. So it’s hard saying what they are going for Ben.

The last 2 I bought were between 250 and 300. Both bought in 2020.

Was that for a named Bushmaster Justin?

Two tone 979, doesn’t have the bushmaster logo but it’s the same bow.

Pix in this old thread doesn't apppear on my computer... Anybody have pix of the Bushmaster Longbow, and what year/years were they made, don't see them in any Pearson catalog... Thanks...

I believe 1961 given the solid hardwood riser. Here is mine next to a regular Bushmaster. The riser is slightly smaller. The longbow was made special for Howard Hill and only a few were built.

Wow Hugh thats cool, thanks for sharing...

Two beauty’s there Hugh. How long is the long bow? Very cool.8

Does the long bow have a snake decal on it too? Like the Bushmaster recurve?

Hi Don, longbow is 69" and does have the Bushmaster Logo on it.

Damn it, guys, now I’ve got to have one of these too

Thanks Hugh. That’s a really rare bird you have there. Nice find!

Wow, interesting logo is on belly of top limb rather than bottom...

Here you go Brad. Here’s some information on the window bow. The 979 and the Bushmaster that was only made for four years.

Wow, that’s all good stuff...archery history is the best

The White and Black Glass Bushmaster seems to be even a little bit harder to find.

Black and White.

A little Bushmaster eye candy for the BP fans.

Both longbows !

I need to make me one of them bows.....

Two beauties there Brad. A Bushmaster recurve would be a nice addition. Very nice Bows.

Here’s my Ben Pearson 969 T/D longbow. Another sweet shooter. If you like long bows;)

I’d love to see someone recreate these bows. I swear the bushmaster is one of the best bows of all time.

I agree Justin.:)

Fascinating piece of our history. I have never shot one but love the way they look. I would be interested in total production numbers, Pearson was certainly at the top of their game at this point but I would still bet that there were not that many made.

Sad day at my house, the 57 Bushmaster exploded on the 15 th arrow.

That really stinks. Sorry to see it.

As a Big Ben Pearson fan. I feel your pain Brad. Sorry man. You lost a real special bow there. But that can happen to any bow any time. Even customs.

As a Big Ben Pearson fan. I feel your pain Brad. Sorry man. You lost a real special bow there. But that can happen to any bow any time. Even customs.

Pretty neat looking combo on this BM I just picked up.

.

.

Newell, that is awesome!

Never seen that color glass on a takedown; when you tire of looking at it , I’d be happy to be the next in line to care for it.... special bow there!

Found another one 45#

Found another one 45#

Found another one 45#

Try this again

Wow those are a couple of the best I’ve ever seen

Ok Newell, I’m going to hire you to find bows for me. I must be looking in the wrong places. Those are fabulous. I’m still enjoying the 979 with the high gloss finish, that you were kind enough to sell me last year. I hope to take a deer or two with it this coming Fall, thank you!

She’s a shooter for sure

She’s a shooter for sure

Looks new HA,,,,,nice find,,Have Fun

Very nice...

Some real eye candy on this thread.

Has anyone ever seen a Bushmaster with Black and White Glass other then mine?

All I can say is. It’s been an amazing journey so far. And bow hunting, collecting and searching for vintage bows has been a lot of fun. It’s always an amazing feeling when you finally find the vintage bow you have been searching for. In my opinion the holy grail of Ben Pearson bows is hands down the Bushmaster. It’s a very special bow. And if you were ever lucky enough to shoot one you know! Good luck to all of you still searching for that special classic vintage bow. Keep that fire burning!;)

This picture could be on the cover of a bow hunting magazine. Now that’s some eye candy!

Re upping my 956 pics.

Brown and black glass.

A 956 in classifieds now.

https://leatherwall.bowsite.com/TF/lw/classdetail.CFM?id=192674

I've had several over the years, even had a few in my shop back in the early 80's. They are fun bows to shoot, hunt and just have fun with. I had a black and white version of it also back then and hunted some with it. The last one I got was at a flea market for about ten bucks. LOL. They are cool, and a great part of the sport's history.

One of the best Pearson bows of those early "naming years" was the Safari, just an awesome looking recurve and great shooter. Find one of those and give it a whirl.

George Didnt Browning make a Safari as well?

Back in the Early 80’s I could regularly pick up Recurves and longbows for 25 or 30 bucks. 10 Bucks George? Wow! :)

There is a man at Pearson Arkansas who has two bushmaster and two boxes of hill Pearson arrows plus a Cape buffalo back cover made by hill..he wants three thousand for the lot.

This thread is missing a Bushmaster at full draw. Look at those amazing lines;)

Old bows were meant to be shot! ;) Thanks George Stout ;)

Old bows were meant to be shot! ;) Thanks George Stout ;)

I like the shirt too don...8^)

Thanks Gary

Who ever owned this old Bushmaster before me took good care of it.:)

I have two Safaris and they are nice shooters like George said. Very under rated.

Is this a Safari?

Yes

Thanks Justin. Pearson made some beauties.

These vintage bows are real eye candy, thanks for posting the pictures.

How about this old 50@ 28 Bushmaster. My grandpa killed deer with it, my dad killed his first deer with it. I'm hoping to become the 3rd generation to bag something with it in 2023.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dzLfKtKiZoQVio2b7

That Bow has a lot of MoJo to it Jesse cool story good luck being the 3rd in your family to get a deer with it. What color glass is in the back on the belly on those limbs? nice bow too!

Thanks, Don. The glass is green on both sides.

Thanks, Don. The glass is green on both sides.

Nice.

Good luck on your hunts with it.

Wow, like Don said, some serious mojo. That bow is an absolute classic and the family history just adds to the magic. Good luck with it!

Thanks guys. I'll keep you updated on how it goes. I have been shooting traditional archery for about 2 years now and have amassed a collection of 5 stick bows in that time. This one is definitely my favorite to shoot!

A classic

I think Master Guide George from Nevada said it best. He actually hit the nail right on the head. And if your a true Ben Pearson Fan Like me. You just have to try a Real classic like the BP Bushmaster. I searched hard for 3 years looking at all the used bow sites. And finally found my Bushmaster on Raptor Archery. And I was thrilled. Ted Fry is a good man to deal with too. I’ve got several Bows of of him. And I was happy with all of them. All I can say is. If your looking don’t give up. Be persistent in your search for that classic bow your looking for. It sure is an amazing feeling when you pull that classic back to full draw for the first time! Ask me how I know!;) Good luck to all still on the search….

What also nice about the Bushmaster is it breaks down to a pretty small package. It fits nice in A standard arrow box. Nice for shipping!;)

I may be out of touch with reality, but $800/3= $266, and seems to me to be more in line with my views on bows in this class. And, that seems generous to me...

Scott, Just like Bear Archery bow collectors. That have been known to pay exuberant prices for a recurve. $10,000 bucks and probably more. There are certain bows that people are willing to spend a little more for. When you compare it to Bear $800.00 really isn’t that high a price for a very hard to come by classic recurve. In my opinion and maybe a few other BP fans. The Bushmaster is kinda in a class if it’s own. ;) ask someone who has actually shot one.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here