A couple bighorn bows. 99% complete

[loefflerchuck]

I've been enjoying the post of the Tom Lucas style bow build. Even taking notes to maybe use myself.

Here are a couple 99% complete bighorn bows I'm finishing. The shorter is a single horn 30" long. I am unable to draw it more than 17.5" by hand where it draws 66#. The photo is on the tree where it is being drawn a full 18". The stack is so huge at 17.5" drawn by hand. Feels like full draw to me. These are the kind of bows you can draw back as far as you can to release the arrow. Makes for a good buffalo bow at close range. The bow is a near match to an old Crow bow. 6 layers of sinew applied.  3 layers first, waited a week then 2 more, waited a week then the last layer was back sinew 30+" long for a single placement. The under layers were long elk leg sinews over 20" long and 15" bundles joined in the middle with extra sinew sections for the handle. over 70 grams total dry sinew weight. On both these bows I weigh sinew to make sure limbs have equal amount. Knock tips are molded sinew. 3 ply elk back sinew string.

[loefflerchuck]

The longer is 34" long with a handle splice. 71# draw at 20". I am able to draw this one to 20" but the photo would probably be pretty blurry with me trying to hold a 71# draw 34" bow still at full draw. Just over 3 oz of sinew backed this one the same as above. Both these bows are as historically accurate as I could get them.

[Stick Bender]

As usal Chuck awsome bows 

[BowEd]

Fantastic work done Chuck.You got these type dialed in.Your work is as authentic looking as any I've ever seen.Thanks for showing.

[mullet]

Man oh man, they look like nothing but pure power!

[Aaron H]

Awesome work Chuck
I really appreciate the effort you go through to accurately replicate these historic bows.  No easy task.

[NorthHeart]

Looking very good brother.  Cant wait to see more!

[Redhand]

Those are some awesome looking bows Chuck!

[Trapper Rob]

Those are nice looking bows.
How long does it take to make one?

[loefflerchuck]

Thanks everyone. Rob, I usually need to make some heat corrections so need to let the sinew season for 6 months before that. Takes a couple months of minor adjustments and observation after that to make sure the bend does not change. If I measured time in 15 min segments I'd say a bow takes from 40-50 hours over 8-10 months on average.

[wizardgoat]

Awesome buffalo bangers Chuck, bent to that max for sure

[upstatenybowyer]

You absolutely amaze me Chuck. Those look awesome. My brother lives in SLC. We go there to visit every other year or so. Sure would love to see one in person one day... (hint, hint) 

[BowEd]

Chuck....You are'nt counting the weight of the amount of wrapping sinew used for the handle splice are you?That's a little over 3 ounces on the limbs correct?

[loefflerchuck]

Correct Ed. Weighed to make sure it's even on both limbs. Not sure what the handle wrap weighs. Thick wet split sinews for that.

Upstate, Let me know when you will be in town.

[upstatenybowyer]

Will do. Always wanted to try a horn bow, but I'd like to see one in person before taking that big a plunge.