Marksman bow, info requested.

[NeilM]

I have bought, very cheaply from Ebay, a delightful one piece recurve, and wonder if anyone can help with information.

The bow is a Marksman Forest Ranger. It is a one piece 63" bow, somewhat similar to the Bakewell Rebel.

The string that came with it is 58 " long, giving a brace height (to the throat of the grip) of a fraction over 7 1/4 ".

Do those dimensions seem ok ? Any advice or information would be helpful.

[Raedwald]

Without knowing the bow, it sounds about the right range. Whether low, middle or high would depend on too many things!

[NeilM]

Thanks.

I am going to take it along to the club at the weekend, but thought with the wealth of knowledge we have here, someone might have a clue.

[GeoffT]

I had a Forest Ranger when I was a junior (I am now 55). I am afriad my memory isn't good enough to remember bracing heights, etc from 40 years ago.

If you ever want to sell it I may be interested for old times sake.

Given the age of the bow and the glue holding the laminations together, it may be wise not to try a fastflight string. Dacron is more gentle.

[NeilM]

It looks unused, there is not a mark on it. Not even the tell tale impact marks where the string has rubbed the top of the limb.

Yes, I think you are right Geoff, Dacron only, which is something I will take care of this week. The string is in perfect condition, but has fluorescent orange centre serving, which looks like it is made of nylon mono (like fishing line). Very 'groovy baby'.

[provins]

Any chance of a piccy?
Please

[NeilM]

I can take some pictures, but I have no idea how to insert them into the thread.

I tried the AIUK image host, but I can't access it!

[Old Bloke]

I have an old catalogue of that period and as luck would have it I have no details of the Forest ranger but do for the Forest Knight and Forest Princess.
The Princess which was a 62" bow had a height of 8.1/2" to 9.1/2" and the Knight at 64" had a height of 9 to 9.1/2". I guess therefore that an average height for your bow would be from 8.1/2" to 9. For your interest the bows purchase price in 1977 was £33.50 (including purchase tax)! Supplied with fitted arrow rest, B43 Dacron string and vinyl bow bag.

[NeilM]

That's great Old Bloke, thanks.

I have all of that, and as I said, I really don't think the bow has seen any significant use.

Oooh! Does that mean I am using (abusing) a rare example of the bowyers art?? Naaahh, I don't think the bowyer ( Les Howis ? ) would have wanted his bow to be a wall hangar.

I will try the higher brace height and see how things go.

[Eolla]

Dacron definately Dacron (B45?? or B50 or something like that). Also NO carbon arrows, strictly aluminium and a pair of Limb Savers for good measure. I just bought a Hoyt 6PM 1 piece for a bit of fun (and it IS)