Ernie Root's Target Master

ROOT TARGET MASTER

by Larry Vienneau

1957 ad

Ernie Root, a renowned bow maker, gained popularity for his unique naming convention of using "Master" on his bows. He crafted bows with names such as Score Master, Target Master, Field Master, Range Master, Game Master, and Brush Master. Ernie began his career at American Archery in Chicago during the late 1940s before starting his family business, Root Archery, in the early 1950s in suburban Chicago. As the business grew, it relocated a couple of times before finally settling in Big Rapids, MI. Ernie was also a skilled tournament archer who set a record for an individual score of 836 in 1947, which remained unbeaten until 1959. During the 1950s, Ernie focused on crafting straight-limbed target longbows. Although not much information is available about his Target Master, it is known that it started as a longbow and eventually evolved into a recurve by 1957. However, dating most of his earlier bows is difficult as Ernie did not publish many catalogs, and the ones available lack dates.

a young Archery Champion Bob Bitner with his Target Master

1957?

The Target Master bow came in various lengths during its production period. Between 1956 and 1959, it was available in 67", 68", and 70" sizes. However, after 1960, it was solely produced as a 68" bow. Additionally, it could be customized to a 70" length with extra wood on the riser for over-draw purposes. The primary focus behind the creation of the Target Master was accuracy and performance, with careful attention given to weight distribution for optimal balance. Its lightweight design allowed for a smooth draw and release, making it a preferred choice among archers of its time. Besides, it was also known for its durability, making it a long-lasting option.

1958? ad with a description of the overdraw

1959

TARGET MASTER SPECS:
• Before 1956: 68” and 70” six-inch sight window. Two-inch limbs Longbow
• 1957: 68” and 70” 7 ½ sight window Two-inch limbs recurve
• 1958: 67”, 68”, and 70” 7 ½ sight window Two-inch limbs recurve
• 1959: 68” and 70” 7 ½ sight window Two-inch limbs recurve
• 1960-65: 68” and 8-inch sight window Two-inch limbs recurve
• 1966-69: 68” 7 ½ sight window Two-inch limbs recurve
  
• Brace height 7 ½ to 8 ½ inch
• Draw weight 25lbs- 55lbs, heavier weights custom ordered.
• Left-handed bows custom ordered
• Glass teal green, Dark green, and/or white
• Wood tip overlay

1960-63? 

I own a vintage Target Master longbow that dates back to pre-1957. Despite its weight of 53#, it shoots accurately with minimal hand shock. However, I have been on the lookout for a left-handed Target Master recurve but haven't had much luck so far. Some of the bows I've come across were either too light or too beaten up. The mid-1960s Target Master is a more affordable option as compared to the Root Pendulus, but the design of both bows became similar in the late 60s. I am a proud owner of a Pendulus and it is one of my most favored target bows. I anticipate that the Target Master will offer a similar shooting experience.

1965-69? 

Joey Zoppa's bow serial D5202....1965?

1966-69? 

I have a Shakespeare Model 100 from 1960 that closely resembles the Root Target Master of that era. This target bow has a length of 68 inches and a draw weight of 55 pounds. It's the smoothest and most enjoyable bow to shoot that I own. The riser and limb designs are similar enough to indicate a likeness in shooting performance. It's worth noting that all of the Shakespeare bows produced between 1959 and 1970 were designed by Ernie Root.

comparison Target Master

vs. Model 100

my restored Target Master pre-1957 longbow 53#

any additional information will be appreciated 
copyright Larry Vienneau 2018 (C)