I just acquired a Browning Firedrake recurve bow. Can anyone advise me on the recommended brace height? Any history or discussion of this bow will be much appreciated.

There should be some old threads on the bow. It was a late 70's/early 80's production. The Firedrake was a 64" version of the earlier Backpacker. They also introduced the Wasp takedown at the same time...a black painted model. You'll just need to find the brace that suits you. With the forward handle it will be more than many standard takedowns.

Would like to see it have any pictures?

George, I tried researching any history for the brace height. I did find the Backpacker was a predecessor to this model. It is a 64 inch AMO Laminated wood riser and same with the limb lambs. Shoots very nice at 8 to 8 1/2 BH I'll send over some pictures in the morning

One of the best old bows I ever owned.

8 to 8.5 inches for the brace height. If memory serves mine shot best at just above 8 to 8.25".

Congrats. Those are great old bows.

Rick

Rick, the bow is a a keeper ; a real nice shooter. It seems to shot quietly at 8-8.5. With the back mounted limbs, it just looks like it is braced low at this dimension. I'm working on some pictures but my downloading is on the brink. I really like thus far but mostly bought it because it was different in design,

It's a shooter - the quietest bow I own...by far!!!! It shoots great between 8.25 and 9" with no noticeable difference. I love mine. My father bought it for me in the early 80's and I dabbled with it throughout my compound years but always tinkered. Now that I've gone all trad and have been through dozens of bows I always gravitate back to it. You'll be very happy!

What's the specs of it? Mine is 55@28.

recommended 8.5 from an old browning cat.

It is a good shooter , but fairly darn heavy in wood weight. Pretty stiff limbs if trying to string it up with standard recurve stringer - much easier stringing with longbow tip pocket stringer.

Its 60 @28 A bit heavy because of the riser but it shoots well and is very quiet. It seems too shoot a 550 grain arrow quicker than my Howatt Hunter.

It's the only bow of the era I ever found, that would actually shoot a bit faster than the Howatt Hunter.

Rick

It's odd how differently the same bow can be perceived by different people. To me, mine seems slow and of poor cast.

I’m looking for one around 60# or so pounds like yours. If you decide to sell it, PM me. I think they are old-school cool looking.

I have though I would like to have one around 50#.

I had a Backpacker many moons ago. It had an inclination to rock backwards on the shot...I shoot open hand with little pressure on the grip. A short stabilizer on the bottom riser would fix that though. I just never could shoot it well.

I wanted one mainly because of the Harry Drake simulated signature on the limbs and Harry's connection to my "San Diego Collection" - along with Browning's connection as well.

Comparatively, mine shoots really well in terms of POI left/right and comfort of the shot. Up and down though, it impacts far below many of my equal weight bows (#50).

The threaded inserts for stabilizers/quivers have all been removed and plugged with wood on mine.

If any of you guys want one for a hunter and you have one that's too light with the Harry Drake signature on the limb, let's talk a trade.

Boomer,

I sent you a p/m

Thanks Scooter, I pinged you back. Let’s talk.

For reason unknown my pc wont upload the pictures, I'll take some pictures again and send if I can. I haven't shot it much yet , but it seems quick with 2216 arrows, It takes a bit to get used to the raised rest as the shelf is rounded making no use of a flat rug rest . The bow's mass weight is heavier than most recurve's. I bought it mostly because it is a rare bow and it just looks different. It would also make a good bow for an Elk trip should I decide to fly.

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