I got this one on Monday and considering the way it was shipped,it survived straight as the day it was made. Had some dings and scratches typical of a 54 year old bow. I used 0000 steel wool on the limbs and 320 on the riser to smooth it out for a quick refinish. Shot on 2 coats of Helmsman and then applied 3 coats of Tru Oil with my finger. Twisted up a 12 strand B-50 and wrapped some Beaver on I cut from a pelt I bought. I had some nice leather and cut out a shelf and strike plate and dyed it the shade that I thought looked right.

Just got back in from shooting and I Love it! The brace is at 7-1/2" and I had to twist it up twice as it stretched in and it's holding nice now. Using Gold Tip 500 Traditional with 4" parabolic fletch and they fly perfectly - no funny stuff. For a 45# bow it really spits 'em. I had a '66 that I think was more forgiving but this one is quicker.

One more

I was able to preserve all the silkscreen decals and serial number.

Nice. Beautiful Bear Kodiak.

The 65 is my pick over the 66, it had a nicer hand fit and no pronounced palm swell like the 66. I wouldn't turn down either though..both are beautiful bows. ;)

The 65 is my favorite Kodiak in that style of bow, hands down.

Better than anything they make today, no contest baby.

Great looking bow!

It’s really nice! Lance

Looks great. I like the green.

Rich K.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I think that '65 was the only year they used what they called "Olive Gray" glass. To me is just says Vintage Bear. I was lucky to get this one.

Aside from the scuffs and minor limb scratches, there is No stress in the glass and everything is what I hoped it would be. Haven't had a deer tag in 3 years, but this one has me thinking!

When I think of recurves these are the style of bow that comes to mind. That's a great bow you got there!........Nimrod

Very nice looking bow, enjoy!!

Fantastic. You got a good one. Good job refinishing. I think less is better when you can do it like that. >>>>----> Ken

Just shooting my 66 lefty. With a Bloodline SK99 stretched properly no need for twisting. Gonna be quite a bit faster and quieter than your 65.

Yet again the string is the thing.

And I kind of like the consistency and feel with the fat grip. Never had a 65 but had two 1964 Kodiak.

And I finally got past my need to touch up old bows. They earned those age marks.

Ugly girls need luvin' too, but I kinda like 'em pretty. I will add my own character marks to this one in time. Actually, with the 5" beaver strips on there and having the brace in a sweet spot she is hushed down pretty good. I'm not getting any loud slap and inside of 20 yards that shaft is getting there quick enough for me. I actually use fast flite on some of my selfbows, but like B-50 on the vintage bows. I've got no need for speed pushing 64 - I just like the feel of a nice old bow in hand watching the arc of the arrow in flight.

Murph - first thing I did was make the string as it arrived without one. Looked it over for de-lams,cracks, tip condition, etc. Strung it - scaled it. The rug was gone and the strike plate was peeled half off. It was dirty and scuffed up. I wear jeans with holes in them but don't want to take a bow out that looks like it was owned by someone that used it and threw it in the corner. I looked at it and being newly retired had the time and desire to make it at least to me presentable. I didn't fuss over it - sanding between each coat and it ain't showroom but a nice piece of archery history that I felt the need to preserve to elevate my enjoyment of archery. I also restore vintage Bamboo fly rods - a good old blank can cast modern lines beautifully if done right.

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