I have an early Red Wing Hunter coming from the auction site. It is 62" 42# with the small tips. Wondering what length string? I know some of these early Wings took a little different string than other bows.

Thanks for the help, Tony

I have one and use a 59" 14 strand two color Dacron string from 60X strings with excellent results.

59".

I would suggest, especially since the 62" was an uncommon size, that once you have the bow you do things the good old fashioned way and measure it along the belly and then order the string three inches shorter. That's what I do for all my bows...then you are sure you have it right.

62" uncommon ???

I always wait until I get the bow and measure it myself..ive had several surprises. Having said that, early Wings were typically measured tip to tip, so with the tiny tips, yours is probably 61" groove to groove. A 58" flemish twist string will give you room for adjustment .

I ordered a 59". We'll see how it works out. Looking forward to getting this old girl tuned up. Want to see how she compares to Bears of the same period.

stikbowhntr...yes, an early 62" RWH is rare...they were normally 58".

Given that the bow was pre AMO there is not a great deal of common knowledge as to the bow's actual length.

The answers vary but I can tell you I own 2 Red wing Hunters and I have the original endless loop strings that came with the bows actually a few in the package still and on the 52" bow the string is 48"s and on the 58" bow the string is 54"s. I believe this was done as the linen string were known to stretch. Shawn

Bob Lee never paid much attention to AMO suggested measures. His bows, like the Herter's, were measured tip to tip...so the 62" may only be 60". You have to measure it to be sure. After Head Ski took over, then it appears they started following AMO suggestions.

By the way, AMO was always a volunteer system, so manufacturers had an option. Most did follow the designations because it made things more uniform overall.

Yes, the pre AMO Wings were measured to the end of tips. Like said above they had tiny tips so the they will need a shorter string like 58".

That said, it all depends upon the string maker whether they measure the length of a pre-shaped string or one that is not.

Recommended brace height should be close to 8" as measured to the throat of grip.

IMO, the 1962/63 rosewood handled, 62" Red Wing Hunter was THE finest, best shooting Wing bow Bob Lee ever made. The next closest was the 62" Thunderbolt that Rob and Bob Lee decent made.

Was that the Thunderbird or was there a Thunderbolt?

Thunderbird first, then Thunderbolt when Bob Lee started making bows under his own name.

Its a shame the Lees do not make a one-piece anymore!! Shawn

Man, you guys are getting me pretty excited to shoot this old girl. My only other Wing is a mid 60's Gull.

T4

The bow must be pretty early. It is serial# R500

T4

Dang autocorrect on my phone. My last post, last line was meant to say recently made, not decent.

Yes, I meant Thunderbolt, a one piece bow Bob Lee Archery made a few years back. It came in 58", 60" and 62". Wish that bow was still made I'd order one in a heartbeat. Or if I could find a used one with lower 40's poundage.

R-500 is a low number, not the lowest I've seen. Does it have a solid rosewood handle or something else?

Thanks Kelly...all of my knowledge of Wings is from the very early Houston Wings up to the Slim Line bows. No nothing about the later endeavours.

The 62" Thunderbird is a potent recurve that is steady in the hand.

I had a pleasant surprise yesterday. Had a 45# 1967 Thunderbird that had been sitting around for a couple of years as it had white paint slapped all over it. Looked very unappealing.

Warm day yesterday so took it ouside and went at it with Goof Off and the paint came off quite easily.

Found a beautiful bow under that mess with very minor typical stress cracks in the glass. Made my day!

I now have 3 62" and a 52". Going to sell two of the long ones.

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