Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow Review

First Impressions of Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow is a classic piece of archery equipment that promises a smooth draw and powerful performance. As someone who has spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve seen countless bows come and go, but the Montana Longbow has always held a special appeal. It represents a return to simplicity and the pure archery experience.

What drew me to this bow was a desire to reconnect with the traditional aspects of archery. I was looking for a bow that offered a more instinctive and challenging shooting experience compared to modern compound bows. I wanted to strip away the gadgets and technology and focus on the fundamentals of form and accuracy.

Unboxing the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow was like stepping back in time. The initial impression was one of simple elegance and quality craftsmanship. The black maple riser and white maple limbs create a striking contrast, and the leather grip adds a touch of old-school charm. The weight felt balanced and comfortable in my hand, suggesting a well-engineered design.

Compared to some of the more modern longbows on the market, the Fred Montana Longbow is decidedly less adorned. Models like the Great Plains Rio Bravo longbow or the Bodnik Quick Stick offer different aesthetic and performance characteristics. I chose the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow because of its reputation for smooth drawing and forgiveness, something crucial for instinctive shooting.

My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of apprehension. This bow is a classic for a reason, but it requires a different approach and skillset than what I’m used to. I was eager to learn and master the art of traditional archery with the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow was at my local archery range, a mix of indoor and outdoor shooting lanes. I spent the afternoon getting accustomed to the bow, starting with shorter distances and gradually increasing the range as my confidence grew. The initial draw felt surprisingly smooth, much more so than some other longbows I had tried in the past.

The conditions were ideal for testing, a clear and sunny day with a slight breeze. The bow performed well, even as the wind picked up slightly. The traditional design encouraged me to focus on my form, and the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow was surprisingly forgiving of minor inconsistencies.

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow demanded a focus on form. There were a few instances of string slap early on, but adjusting my grip and release quickly mitigated the problem. After a couple hours, I felt comfortable enough to start experimenting with different arrow weights and fletching styles.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable bow to shoot. The bow holds its draw weight consistently, and the fiberglass overlays on the limbs show no signs of delamination or cracking. The leather grip has also worn in nicely, becoming even more comfortable with use.

I’ve taken the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow on several hunting trips in the past few months. The Montana Longbow has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scuffs. Cleaning and maintaining the bow is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth and occasional application of bowstring wax are all that’s needed.

Compared to my previous experience with modern compound bows, the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow offers a much more intimate and rewarding shooting experience. It requires more skill and attention, but the satisfaction of hitting the target with a traditional longbow is unparalleled. The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow

Specifications

• The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow boasts a 64″ AMO (Archery Manufacturers Organization) length, making it manageable for archers of various draw lengths. This length strikes a balance between maneuverability and stability, offering a smooth draw cycle.
• It features a Black Maple Riser and White Maple Limbs, providing a classic aesthetic and durable construction. The combination of these woods contributes to the bow’s overall strength and responsiveness.
• The bow includes a Shoot off shelf leather rest included, offering a traditional arrow rest setup. This allows for instinctive shooting and reduces the complexity of tuning.
• A Leather grip and side plates provide a comfortable and secure hold, enhancing the overall shooting experience. The leather material molds to the hand over time, offering a personalized fit.
• The Dynaflight 97 Flemish string offers excellent performance and durability, contributing to the bow’s overall speed and accuracy. This high-quality string minimizes stretch and provides consistent performance.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the bow’s performance and user experience. The length, materials, and string all contribute to the smoothness of the draw, the stability of the shot, and the overall accuracy of the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow.

Performance & Functionality

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow performs its job admirably, delivering a smooth draw and accurate shot with proper technique. Its inherent design fosters instinctive shooting skills, demanding focus and precision from the archer.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and forgiveness. However, it requires consistent practice to master. It exceeds expectations as a traditional bow, provided the shooter is committed to developing the necessary skills.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow features a classic design, with its contrasting maple woods and leather grip. The bow feels balanced and comfortable in the hand, making it a joy to shoot for extended periods.

The learning curve is relatively gentle, but achieving consistent accuracy requires dedication. The intuitive nature of the design promotes a connection between the archer and the bow.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow is built to last, thanks to its quality materials and solid construction. The maple riser and limbs are robust and resistant to warping, ensuring years of reliable use.

Maintaining the bow is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and waxing. The leather grip can be treated with leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow comes with a basic setup, including the bow itself, a Dynaflight 97 Flemish string, and a leather arrow rest. Customization options are limited, but the bow is compatible with various arrow rests, strings, and silencers.

While the bow doesn’t offer the same level of customization as modern compound bows, its simplicity is part of its appeal. The focus is on the shooter’s skill, rather than on gadgets and accessories.

Pros and Cons of Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow

Who Should Buy Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow?

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow is perfect for archers seeking a traditional and challenging shooting experience. Hunters looking for a more intimate connection with their sport will also appreciate its simplicity and instinctive nature.

This bow is not ideal for beginners seeking immediate accuracy or archers who prefer high levels of customization.

Must-have accessories include a high-quality armguard, finger tab or glove, and a selection of arrows with appropriate spine for the bow’s draw weight.

Conclusion on Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow

The Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow is a superb choice for those seeking a return to the roots of archery. Its smooth draw, forgiving nature, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for traditional archers.

At $459.99, the price is justified by the bow’s quality and performance. This bow represents a timeless tradition.

I would absolutely recommend the Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow to anyone interested in experiencing the art of traditional archery. Pick up a Bear Archery Fred Montana Longbow today and connect with the tradition of archery.