Longbow help

[>>>---WW---->]

I bought a longbow today for a good price. Always wanted to give onea try. But I don't know who or what company made it. The marking on it is 50#@28". I suppose the the maker or company is ML-14. There is either a W or U attached to the front of the M. But that could just be a squiggley mark of some kind.

Do any of you trad guys have any idea as to the maker of this bow?

[rudyc]

Pretty sure the Ml-14 was made by the Martin Bow Company. If I remember, it should be a straight limb, Howard Hill style bow, maybe some reflex in the limbs. My pal had one back in the 80's, kind of an entry level bow. Most of them had brown or black glass. They also made a Zebra wood model with clear glass.

[ElkNut1]

Bill, have you tried shooting it yet? .500 spine arrows is what you will most likely need with a standard 125grn head wt.

ElkNut1

[stykbow67]

Yep what Rudy said, It's made by Martin, I used have one myself good bow for the money if you keep your arrow weight 500-525gr it'll be whisper quiet and take some of the hand shock out of it. Good luck!

Steve

[rudyc]

+1 on the heavier arrows, for the distances you'll be shooting, the heavier arrows will serve you well. Most of my arrows are 575-625 gr, quiet bow, less to no hand shock and great penetration on critters.

[>>>---WW---->]

Thanks for the replies. This one is zebra wood with clear glass. The leather on the grip shows no sign of wear at all. I think I did pretty well for $10! It is a 68 incher so it is taller than I am. I'll probably Ebay it.

[Mike Bolin]

Definitely a great pick up for the money. The ML is a Martin and a very decent bow. Arrow weight will take some of the vibration out of it. 500 spine will probably work out for it as Paul said, but they "might" require more point weight. Unless they made some changes since I had one years ago, the bow is no where near cut to center shot. Mine was 65#@28" and I shot 50/55# cedars with 160 grains up front. Should bring $150-$200 in pristine condition, but the used stickbow market is very slow right now. Either way you go, you'll get a heck of a return on your investment or you have a solid shooter if you keep it. Mike