Bear Montana Longbow review

I wanted to do this review of the new Bear Montana Longbow my kids just bought. It is a sweet shooting bow!!

[@unklstepbilly]

Having made a dreadful attempt at a bow, I took a friend's advice to buy one properly made and this montana showed up on my radar. New to archery, all this and your review and I buy this bow and now, not a month into it with a proper bow and I can't put it down. It's a great bow to learn on. Looks great too.

[@Huntington12345678]

Love longbows. Its simple design and traditional feel really gives me a sense of bonding with our caveman ancestors.

[@tiedemann8225]

It is a pleasure to see you send arrows off, usually right on the target. This is really instictive shooting, and you make it look so easy. Love your vid.

[@BananaDealer1337]

Jeff you are awesome. Your vast knowledge and love for archery has inspired me much to put more practice in. Thanks for all the videos.

[@mcmatrix58]

Wow Jeff you sure can shoot! Such a pleasant style!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Yes, they are just cut out cardboard 6" glued together. Lots of fun, easty and cheap.

[@JeffKavanagh]

It was my son's idea to get the Montana longbow. Both he and my daughter share it. I have been a recurve shooter for 39 years so at first the grip kind of felt weird to me too but now it feels great. You get use to the different feel. It is a very smooth shooting bow and probably the quietest bow I have ever seen.

[@richardgredwulf-cronley3858]

When the video goes slow mo most people are looking at the shot, but instead you should be observing the form. Excellent consistent form here. That is how he achieves the shots.

[@ulvesparker]

I totally agree. The Bear Montana Longbow is my favourite of my 9 bows.

[@ss61983]

i bought this bow and i love it. used to shoot compound and a little recurve once i shot the longbow. i got hooked on longbows.

[@delta2194]

pretty amazing shots on objects on the fly. thanks for the video

[@nathansmith5331]

Man nice shooting Jeff. You have a smoothness in your shooting we all strive for.

[@TheMadgecko]

Dude I though your video was of another bow enthusiast until you started hitting flying targets. I never saw that coming bro. You are amazing.

[@markh.2899]

I picked one up at a garage sale for about 100 bucks only later to find that it's a 50# draw strength. It's brand new, still in the plastic and now on consignment at our local archery shop in San Luis Obispo, Ca. I do plan to get the 40# same bow however- the difference in 40# and 50# is big- really big! Thank you for your Video!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi Edmund I use an armguard but for the most part it is used to keep excess loose clothing out of the way. For a glove I like a full glove but that is just a personal preference. PSE sells them as well as Bear Paw. Cheers Jeff

[@chadsims44]

Jeff Kavanagh at 28” draw do you think the 40 lb would be enough for deer?

[@markh.2899]

I just bought the exact same 40# bow and am loving it! I'm a beginner and am trying to model your form - thank you!

[@damienwhitfield2423]

Man your deadly with that bow, lol. I watched this video because i want to buy a bow in future and start practicing, as it looks like a lot of fun.

[@DANVIIL]

I got one on the way to add to my 1968 Bear Kodiak recurve. Can't wait to try this one out. It looks so light and fast.

[@Burboss]

No, it won't be as fast as same poundage recurve. But, its not the point, its all about diff. feel to it.

[@DANVIIL]

Got it and I love it. It's not as fast as my Kodiak Hunter recurve, but it's really fun to shoot and I'm very accurate with it. I destroyed one nock on an arrow and wrecked the entire back end of another arrow in one group of 6 arrows from 20 yards. My groups are really tight. The weather has been rainy and cold lately and haven't been able to shoot that much since I got it.

[@markh.2899]

Poetry in motion - wonderful rhythm !

[@Burboss]

Got me 40 lb Montana. Replaced stock shelf/plate and grip wrapping. Played a bit with location of nocking point, set it for "three under". BTW, the stock string had badly made center serving, but it was easy fix. My arrows: Easton XX75, 1916, 16 grn insert, 100 grn points.At my draw length (f 29.5") they fly great. Initial impression: bow is very quiet even w/o string silencers. Yes, there is some handshock, but it is not bad at all. Overall - I am quite pleased! Like Jeff, I can't put it down! Haven't touched my recurve since it got Montana LB

[@XinyiLHBF]

Jeff your shooting is just sick man! Amazing!

[@jgillespie80]

I have a 50lb Bear Montana. I absolutely love it. It is my second bow, my first is a 1970 Bear Kodiak Hunter. I love them both but almost always shoot my longbow. After watching this video I immediately went out to do some shooting. Thanks for the motivation.

[@chaseybears]

That was a good little video, over here in the UK not many shoot American longbows, ive been shooting a Palmer recurve and super kodiak, but those Montanas really look like a lovely bow, never seen one in the flesh. Great shootin sir, thanks for the video!

[@JeffKavanagh]

Lots of variables around that kind of question. Most of "hitting hard" is about the weigh of arrow, point, etc., used. All bows will hit hard with the right arrow set-up and tuning.

[@JeffKavanagh]

I took this right off the Bear site for you. CONSTRUCTION Riser - made of black Dymondwood® Leather grip - the leather "shoot-off-the-shelf" arrow rest allows for clean arrow flight Limbs - overlaid with clear white maple, backed and faced with high strength black fiberglass Tips - handcrafted with layered black and white fiberglass

[@unshdhGbzbs]

the first shot sounds so good

[@bobbydrawbaugh4058]

Jeff, thanks for the review. I purchased the Montana Yesterday based on your review. Man it's a sweet shooter just like you said. This is my first long bow and the grip is a little strange at first. I hit right where I look with this bow, love it.

[@airjmc87]

Wow great shots at the end there buddy! I have been thinking of picking up one of these in a lower poundage for small game and grouse and for friends wanting to shoot with me

[@robmorris1970rm]

Hi Jeff Thanks so much for your great reviews and videos after seeing this one i bought a montana its now my best bow . please keep your tutorials coming you have helped me improve my archery skills so much you should wright a book or something. Rob from England

[@Traveler2112]

Just scored a 55# Montana a couple days ago. Having a blast with it. Gonna give my 50# Grizzly a break for a couple of weeks and get use to the Montana. The Montana really shoots at what you look at if you let it and don't try and force the shot.

[@JeffKavanagh]

My son is 14 and my daughter is 15. Everyone is different. Start at a light poundage. Form is way more important than weight when learning how to shoot.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Thanks. I've been shooting for around 39 years. Please chesk out some of the other shooting I do,

[@kydrice]

I wish I could shoot like this. That's some Jedi reflexes..

[@liqnitrogn]

i have a 66 pound at 30" bear montana and have been shooting it for about 4 years nothing compares to it. no hand shock sweet and forgiving but accurate .im gonna go shoot it now in fact!

[@thomas.bill92]

Hey thanks for the info and I am really glad to hear that. I am really looking forward to shooting a longbow seeing as i have only shot that ben pearson. I hope that the extra 8 inches in length will make it a smoother shooter. thanks for all the videos you post, I really enjoy watching them. some more shooting the Montana would be great ;)

[@thomas.bill92]

Cool, thanks for the info Jeff, I definitely think i will go with the Montana

[@jakehenry2133]

I shoot a 55lb Longbow, luv it!! but after 2 surgeries on my rite arm,it's kinda up in the air,but I hunt with it anyways, no sites,no pulleys, nothing to go wrong when you gotta take the shot, great shooting!!!

[@oudski]

That’s one of the nicest sounding bows ever. I’ll bet you get that to be whisper quiet.

[@flintlockDave]

Great video Jeff I love my Montana I don't know why people talk bad about it I had a tomahawk longbow that cost twice what the montana did and I sold it because I liked the montana better price does not mean a better bow .

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi. I am using Easton 2114's with this bow and they seem to work well. I find though that every bow can be a bit different when tuning. I doubt the arrows you are using for you Pearson 45lb wouldn't work with the Montana. If I were you I would try them first. P.S. You will love the bow.

[@Traveler2112]

That's awesome shooting man.

[@rockrush69]

i got the 55# montana.., its the only store bought bow i have (i am a bowyer) i shoot selfbows osage orange mostly but you are right . that montana . is SWEET

[@ErikFabian]

Hi Jeff. I like how quiet the bow is here. I have been playing with my brace height of my montana but haven't found such a sweet spot. Maybe it is ,y

[@xharbora]

Sir, pleasure to watch you thanks

[@tonyenglish7176]

Byron Ferguson has nothing on you my friend. Thanks for the bow review, I've been compound hunting (Mathews Z7) for about 29 years. I may look into the Montana! Thanks again!

[@ralfgrosser4443]

I have bee shooting a Montana for three years. Only problem with it was, my wife tried mine, and did not want to give it back. I had to buy her one, to get mine back.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Hi. Thanks. I have some other vids on shooting form that might help out. You can find them on my youtube page.

[@rossbrown9156]

Hey Jeff, amazing shooting, love your vids. From a fellow Canuck eh! Cheers Roscoe

[@mariemorris7031]

thanks...shopping ....this is helping my decision......Thanks

[@csozhukov]

Great video!

[@RealEnglishNow]

Awesome trick shooting! That's a great bow - I'd love to have one but it's just way too much out of my price range.

[@raginroadrunner]

Dude....is that a "Mack" truck cap you have on??? If so, yeah man, I owned one of them and wish I had it back. Great video as I made a presentation to Mr. Bear back in the eighties and never forgot it. I shot ios bows for years. I am definitely going to check out the Montana longbow.

[@smiley00341]

I thought those were cow patties lol j/k. You have awsome shooting, I wish to be as great as you!!!

[@paddelnisse]

Great video

[@cp4056]

That's some good shooting! Thanks

[@ErikFabian]

Sorry. ...my release. I would be interested to see a bow tuning video from you some time if you are up to it. Cheers.

[@Googs5]

Very nice looking bow, I have always wanted to shoot a bow for fun and this makes me want to get this bow. Never was a fan of how those compound bows looked. Great shooting at the moving targets! How long have you been shooting?

[@guitarguy23100]

Great shooting. I'm about to order my first Fred Bear Longbow. I 'me curious as to what type of arrow shoots best???

[@rudyloya9829]

Jeff I just bought one also 45# my draw 271/2 what size arrows and spine I want to shoot wooden arrows from South Texas

[@TalonsTavern]

Just asking this because I have one and I have loved it for over four years but I'm trying to find my best spine and grain of arrowhead..

[@scottyoung8619]

Jeff, I noticed when you shoot you have the bow slightly canted over, is your eye directly over the top of the arrow when you do this? My anchor is my thumb under my jaw, I see you have your hand higher on your face, is there any rule with this and instinctive shooting or is it more whatever works for the individual? Great channel by the way, I get inspired everytime I watch you shoot.

[@JeffKavanagh]

No problem

[@seanbrindley7334]

Sold:) Now I just have to get one to Australia.

[@matheusalencar9238]

I see, thanks for the reply! Will probably buy montana or grizzly

[@richie7820]

Hey Jeff I really enjoy watching your videos and I new to slinging arrows but from my first shot ive loved it since . I shot my buddy's 50 lb bow and ended up getting 45 lb Fred Bear black bear and its quite and nice shooting off the shelf. But I do want to have two different bows to switch it up and I was looking at the bear montana . And im at opposite ends of the spectrum for poundage. Im either thinking 40 lb or 55 / 50 and I was wondering if you were to get a montana for your self what poundage would you like it in ? Get back to me any time . Thanks Rich~

[@archerboy73]

Hi, i've been shooting for some years now, all though first it was only with a youth compound bow and then with a 62" 30# recurve. Now i wanted to upgrade my gear and was wondering if it would be a good idea to get this longbow or maybe i should just stick to recurve a little bit longer? Would the change be too drastic or something? Thanks and awesome video, very nice shooting

[@peedonurpoptart]

Easton camo hunters work pretty well

[@JeffKavanagh]

The targets are just recycled box cardboard glued together. 6 pieces of cardboard for each, then painted.

[@kiwisdad1]

Hey Jeff, Great Vid! So, what made the kids want a longbow in the first place?

[@arlolinn8570]

i love this bow and me and my dad are gonna get a 45 pound pullback. where did you get youres if it is cheaper than the one i saw i would like to knoow please respond

[@matheusalencar9238]

Hello Jeff! I'm about to buy a new bow and was wondering which bow has the strongest shot, which one would you say it is? Talking about recurve and longbows.

[@Yakfisherboy]

Which one should I get? Bear Grizzly 45lb vs. Montana 45lb. First traditional bow, and I'd like to be able to hunt deer, turkey, squirrel with it. I have about a 28" draw. Thanks!

[@thomas.bill92]

Hey man, i love the videos. got a question for you. I am going to be getting this bow in a couple months in 45 lbs. I have an old ben pearson gamester recurve that pulls 45 and i was thinking that i could just use the same arrows without any problem. however, looking at some arrow spine charts (3RiversArchery) that does not seem to be the case. i was wondering what material spine and length you are shooting out of this bow seeing as they seem to work so well .

[@XxCCGSteve117xX]

i know lol, i dont like the compound bows ether, im getting this bow when i am able to get the money together

[@ashtestes]

awesome video. where you live at? you got some land?

[@horntrip]

What are you using for your aerial targets? Are they homemade?

[@brandonsweere4901]

Hey Jeff, Thinking about making the move from re-curve to a long bow and this Montana is looking like the one I will grab just curious of to what the draw weight on the one you are shooting is?

[@TalonsTavern]

Hey there Jeff.. What arrows do you find shoot the best from that Bear Montana I was thinking of going 150 grain field tips with maybe a 500 spine.. I draw around 26-28 inches depends on the shot and the situation haha..

[@ENNconcord]

Im about to buy a montana. Im super excited. On a #45 with a 28" draw, what arrows should I use with this bow? Im very new to this so any advice would be appreciated.

[@bcuyenoyama]

Would a 40# be strong enough for hunting. I'm torn between this and a 50# Grizzly. My draw length is only 26" so I know the draw weight will be about 4-5lbs lighter then labeled.

[@wvhunter12]

Thank you

[@thomas.bill92]

I have another question for you. I am not a huge fan of the suede grip that comes on the bow and i would plan on replacing it but while holding one earlier today i noticed that the grip seems to be very square. in your opinion, does your hand kinda get used to the uncontoured grip or does it seem rather square to you too?

[@craigsayler]

How many pieces of cardboard do you use how thick?

[@bowlingbeeco.8021]

does a heavy pound bow=faster and on that note does faster=better?

[@DanzalAgronai]

Did you make those targets yourself or purchase them from somewhere? Thanks!

[@chriscrowe1257]

Jeff what arrows would you recommend for hunting with the Bear Montana I just purchased one last week? 28inches 40lbs draw...any advice would be appreciated

[@MrTNBassmaster]

I have a bad shoulder well not too bad but would a 40 # Montana kill a dear under 20 yards thanks .

[@anthonyowens5811]

Bought a Montana yesterday and I can't put it down

[@alex-yo5xx]

I have this bow and was curious what string wax you use? (I use the string it came with)

[@asup89]

I was thinking about getting a 45lb version, should I expect to change the strings? If so, do you have any recommendations?

[@akAang1]

Hi, I just bought myself a Montana Longbow 50# at 28''. I just want to know what arrow/spine will work best for this bow at hunting?

[@JeffKavanagh]

I just make them out of cardboard. They are 6 layers thick glued.

[@andrewsmith8818]

I am thinking on getting one of these I was wondering: Would I be able to hunt with it? And second of all I have a fear that it will break (it's my first bow ever) is that a concern?

[@jagurnaut43]

what kind of arrows do you use in this vid?

[@davidrodriguezsimon]

Can you tell me which is your draw lenght? Thanks again.

[@jagurnaut43]

what kind of arrows do u use??

[@robertlove8429]

Did you start them on 40lb Jeff?

[@davidrodriguezsimon]

Hi. Do you thing this longbow can be ok for 31" draw length?? Thanks in advance.

[@Dognut23]

Hey Jeff, just want to say I love your videos, you're an amazing archer. I'm thinking of purchasing a Bear bow and i'm split between the Supermag, the Grizzly, and the Montana. Which one would you recommend as i can only afford one. Thanks! liked and subscribed.

[@JeffKavanagh]

Those are three very different bows from one another. I have all three of those bows and love them all but they all have different uses for me. It will all depend on what you are looking for in a bow. The Supermag 48" is great for hunting close quarters, but I would not recommend it as a starter bow to learn on. For that I would go with the Montana, a very forgiving bow to shoot. The Grizzly I would consider the middle man between the 3 of them.

[@Dognut23]

hey Jeff, i'm going to mostly use it for target shooting. I've been shooting for a couple of years now on recurve. which one would you recommend then? I guess it comes down to the Grizzly or Montana. By the way, Thanks for the fast response!

[@JeffKavanagh]

If I was going to target shoot then I would buy one of the Super Kodiaks 64" (Grayling Green model)

[@Dognut23]

Little bit expensive for me but I will look into it. Do you know what the main differences are between the Grayling Green and the Brown and Black dymondwood are? Thanks a bunch Jeff and it's good to see that you're back on your feet and looking healthy.

[@JeffKavanagh]

If the price matters then I would go with the Montana longbow at 64". The only difference other than the looks between to Grayling Green and Dymondwood is the length. You can get the Grayling Green in 64" but not the Dymondwood. It only comes in 60". For target shooting I would go with the longer bow for more stability and less finger pinch. I have the Super Kodiak Dymondwood in 60" and I really like shooting it. The main reason I said the Super Kodiak is because it has a larger tournament style riser. Very stable in ones hands.

[@kevinemard5370]

Are you still alive? If so does the montana have a lot of hand shock