Shakespeare QT Takedown Recurve

QT Takedown – A Forerunner to 

21^st Century Bows

by Larry Vienneau

 

The Shakespeare QT - Quick Takedown - was distinctive in 1973. It was simple and straightforward, requiring no tools, while other manufacturers' limb lock mechanisms had fewer problems. Once it is loosened a little, it slides out, and once locked in with the opposite hand nut, it locks in very securely. There were issues with the limbs in the Bear Takedown and if they weren't seated correctly, the locking mechanism could fail. Every time, the limbs are perfectly seated and safe. QT's riser was originally designed by Phil Grable in conjunction with Ernie Root, Archery Research, and Shakespeare Archery. It is still used by contemporary bow makers today. When you see the risers side by side, you can immediately see the difference in design when Owen Jeffery redesigned them in 1975. Ernie Root and Phil Grable designed the original Golden Eagle metal riser, and the original QT riser was very similar in the axis balance area. In 1974, Owen Jeffery continued to manufacture the QT with Jeffery Archery after Shakespeare Archery closed. The riser was made from aluminum and magnesium, making it strong, yet light. During 1973-74, the risers were painted Forest Green or Gray, while in 1975-76, electrostatically allied metallic paint was applied to the risers. This bow was designed with computers. During the 1970s, experimentation with metal risers was revolutionary, and the technology was advanced for its time. The bow paved the way for the bows of the 21st century in many ways.

Lewis Kent's perfect QT takedown

Shakespeare QT Quick Takedown 1973-74. QT2 1975-76

• Riser: M51: 1973-74 Aluminum and Magnesium, M55: 1975-76 Magnesium
• 1973 -1974 Dark Gray or Forest Green, 1975-76 Metallic color
• Limbs: 2 inch wide
• 1973-74: 56”, 58” and 60” AMO
• 1975-76: 58” 60” and 62” AMO
• Sight window: 4 ½” inch
• Rest: Shakespeare Hunter Rest
• Glass: Forest Green 1973-74, Black 1975-76
• Draw Weights: 40-55 lbs.
• Wood tip overlays
• * Right Hand Only

"No Tool" limb attachment

My friend Lewis Kent bought an excellent QT 1973-74. It was still in the original box; its arrow rest was not installed and showed no sign of ever being shot. 

The former owner said the bow had never shot and boxed since it was bought. Some vintage bow sellers like to use the words "mint" or "near mint" to describe their bows. Mint means flawless, unused, and pristine. There is very slight corrosion on the metal riser of this bow. The bow has never been used, so it can be called mint. Lewis got the bow from a true archery enthusiast, Dave Mayer. Dave has also been very generous in scanning and sharing his vintage archery catalogs and magazine articles.

My righty friend Lewis has another fine bow to add to his collection. As usual, I am jealous of him. I will not get a chance to shoot this QT bow properly because it was only made for right hands. My research for this article brought up one name over and over again: George Stout. His knowledge of vintage bows is impressive, but his expertise lies in Shakespeare and Root bows. His posts on most traditional archery forums are the best place to ask questions about Shakespeare bows. For his help and contribution to this blog, as well as Lewis Kent's excellent example of a QT Takedown and his help and contributions to this blog, and Dave Mayer's generosity, I would like to thank him for his continued help.

© Copyright, Larry Vienneau Jr.

All rights reserved.

 

George Stout's QT Takedown

 

George Stout's QT Takedown