Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Dalton Knapper on April 17, 2013, 12:35:14 am

Title: Not exactly "primitive" but seeking info.
Post by: Dalton Knapper on April 17, 2013, 12:35:14 am
I 1972 or so (when I was in Jr. High), I bought a composite re-curve bow at K-mart. The bow has the South Bend "Ranger" logo on it and bears the marks #40 58" 72R9508. I can find zero information about any bow made or sold by South Bend on the net. It is a composite with what seems to be an Osage handle and center with fiberglass overlay (colored green). Anyone have any information? Was this made by some other company and marketed by South Bend? It is still a very nice bow. The rest is a thick felt or pile and a white piece of leather. I could post pictures if necessary, but regardless, there is no record I can find of South Bend ever making or marketing bows.
Title: Re: Not exactly "primitive" but seeking info.
Post by: JackCrafty on April 17, 2013, 12:40:45 am
Personally, I don't know.  But I'm sure someone here may know.   :)

Fiberglass, or FG as we call it, is rarely spoken of in this forum, so it may take a day or so.
Title: Re: Not exactly "primitive" but seeking info.
Post by: Dalton Knapper on April 17, 2013, 12:55:24 am
Right, I understand this is a primitive bow forum. I am beginning to suspect this might be some type of Bear subset, but of course it does not have the bear coin or logo - just South Bend Ranger. Looking further, I see it has four layers in all. Dark wood center (lemonwood? bois'd arc? -  1/4th thick rings) a lighter layer only 1/16th and fiberglass of the same thickness. Just curious about this thing I bought some 41 years ago.
Title: Re: Not exactly "primitive" but seeking info.
Post by: JackCrafty on April 17, 2013, 12:58:57 am
Sure..   :)  Sounds interesting.  I'd be curious too.
Title: Re: Not exactly "primitive" but seeking info.
Post by: Pat B on April 17, 2013, 10:43:26 am
If it is a Bear Mullet might have info on it. You might also try TradGang. Someone there will know about this bow. I've never seen a bow that someone didn't know about.
Title: Re: Not exactly "primitive" but seeking info.
Post by: Buckeye Guy on April 18, 2013, 10:00:38 pm
South Bend was a store so to speak they marketed all kinds of things !
kind of like Cabelas
They had good merchandise !
I like their fly rods !!