| From: Wudstix
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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How many folks own and shot Big River bows? I have a 1996 recurve Kodiak clone and a 2014 D/R longbow 21st Century clone. They will go in my will, with the stipulation they not be sold, but given to a family member who appreciates them.
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| From: David McLendon
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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Good move, I have some bows listed the same way in my will.
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| From: Ramjet
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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I own 2. The 21st century clone,and a black widow recurve clone. Great shooters and 2 of my favorite bows
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| From: Wudstix
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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My recurve was first and John tried to talk me out of the weight I wanted, but hit it within 1# at my draw. It's not a speed demon, but throws 650 grain arrows around 170 fps. Speed does not kill, quiet does. With paracord puffs this bow is very quiet.
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| From: lefty4
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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I’ve got a lefty Whitetailer that I bought new in 1999. It has been a great bow for me but unfortunately heavier than I can shoot now.
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| From: lefty4
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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Correction. My bow is a Bow River not Big River. By I used to live near John M and shot some of his earlier bows and had one for while.
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| From: savage1
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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I almost owned the first 21st century clone. He wouldn't build it despite my insistance for nearly two years. I provided a sample bow I purchased from Jim Ploen. The last time I called about it he said it was final. Then I go to a shoot and a friend informs me that he is making them and they are selling good. I refused to buy one. Thats most of the story and really all that matters. Good bows they say.
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| From: Wudstix
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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Mine is the fastest bow I have and a good looking bow. Both bows I have are Ziricote risers. Bamboo cores.
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| From: bowhunt
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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I had the 21st century longbow he built.
Nice bow and all around good shooter.
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| From: Knifeman
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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Luis get over it! My God man, John is dead! Time to let it go, or at least telling the story to trash him...
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| From: B.T.
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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A friend of mine gave him his 21st Century to measure and build forms from. He said John tweeked the design a little from the original. My friend sold his 21st Century and bought several Big River longbows.
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| From: petemc
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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I've got an ASL and two R/Ds made by John. The last one he made for me is a two piece with brass sleeve, Macasar ebony riser with Koa limb vineers - love it. John was a master at tillering - very smooth shooters.
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| From: Gray Goose Shaft
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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John McDonald for Lamont Grainger, neat. This Super Kodiak clone has a nice feel to it.
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| From: Wudstix
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| Date: 19-Jun-23 |
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I borrowed a 21st Century to shoot, shot a Big River LB and it was smoother and faster, to my feel and hand. Also, got the bow in 12 weeks.
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| From: NOVA7
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| Date: 20-Jun-23 |
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Ive ordered several bows from John!
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| From: Caboo
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| Date: 20-Jun-23 |
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“A friend of mine gave him his 21st Century to measure and build forms from. He said John tweeked the design a little from the original. My friend sold his 21st Century and bought several Big River longbows.“
The first bow John built using the 21st Century profile had reverse taper limb laminations like Jim designed the 21st Century. On a 21st Century by Jim & Buddy the limb laminations are thinner at the fade-outs and taper to a larger thickness to the limb tips. If you ever have watched someone shooting a 21st Century from the side you can see the limbs hinge right at and after the fade-outs……….. John only made the first copy using the reverse tapers to the limb tips. All the rest had the same profile of the 21st Century reflex/deflex when not braced but the limb laminations were thicker at the fade-outs and got thinner towards the limb tips.
John was a good friend and I purchased over 20 longbows from him over the years but sometimes the details of how bows were made get confused with facts.
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| From: Wudstix
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| Date: 20-Jun-23 |
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I am exceptionally pleased with the recurve and longbow that I got from John. Was fortunate enough to be able to talk with him on his second to last birthday. I'll always cherish that conversation.
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| From: savage1
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| Date: 20-Jun-23 |
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PM sent.
R.I.P. John McDonald
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| From: savage1
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| Date: 20-Jun-23 |
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PM sent.
R.I.P. John McDonald
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| From: savage1
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| Date: 20-Jun-23 |
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Fat fingers.
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| From: BowAholic
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| Date: 12-Apr-24 |
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I recently made a trade on here for a 66" 49.5# Big River 21st style longbow...I already want another one. :) It would be great to have a 62-64" 45-50# just like it just to see the difference that length makes. This is one of the best longbows I have ever owned, and I have owned a LOT of bows.
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| From: Wudstix
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| Date: 12-Apr-24 |
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Have a Kodiak clone recurve, 21st Century clone D/R longbow both 60", mentioned above. Also, mild D/R longbow 60#@30" (53.5#) that I just got in January from the classifieds. Been shooting it a bunch to get back from a Mt Bike wreck. It is "snappy" for a lighter bow.
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| From: BowAholic
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| Date: 12-Apr-24 |
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I have been buying, selling, making, and trading bows on here since this site started...this is my first Big River bow. I hate that it took so long to get one.
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| From: Wudstix
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| Date: 12-Apr-24 |
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John didn't make a pile of bows and those who got them keep them. I was very lucky to find a gentleman willing to let one go. I have seen three for sale since I got my first in 1996.
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