Root Score Master Longbow

ROOT SCORE MASTER

by Larry Vienneau

Ernie Root is in the right back row. Bob Bitner, National Champion 

in front right 

From the Root Archery 1959 Green Catalog: "This outstanding 4-man indoor team from Big Rapids Archery Club uses the "Score Master" Straight end bow because of its extreme stability."

Ernie Root crafted straight limbed, and recurve bows in the mid-1950s. Among his early creations were longbows such as the Target Master, Score Master, and Kadet. However, by 1959, only the Score Master remained a longbow in Root's lineup. Eventually, in 1960, Root ceased production of the Score Master model.

1958? Score Master Custom 68" with green glass.

 When I wrote my post on the Target Master, I found very little online information.( https://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2018/05/ernie-roots-target-master.html ) During my research on this particular model, I was unable to find any useful information on archery forums or in printed materials from that period, except for two catalogs that I personally own - one from 1957 and one from 1959. As a result, this particular bow is one of Ernie Roots' more obscure models. Before 1956, Root offered two lines of bows: the "Master" line - which included the Game Master, Field Master, and Target Master - and the "King" line, which included the Field King and Target King. The Field King and Target King were only produced for a brief period and are very rare, with little information available about them.

pre-1958 Root Target King, 68" 39#

I enjoy using a longbow and have crafted numerous fiberglass, wood laminate, sinew-backed, and self-bows. When wielded by a skilled archer with proper arrows, a well-made longbow can surpass a recurve in accuracy. Although a recurve may offer faster speeds, a longbow can still hit a bull's eyes from a distance. While living in Alaska, I trained to make long shots using a 74# longbow at ranges of 40-65 yards. This practice paid off in field competitions and hunting moose and caribou. Through my longbow experience, I have gained a full understanding of its advantages in tournament settings. A stable platform can launch an arrow with substantial force. However, in the late 1950s, the trend shifted towards recurves, and Ernie Root may have needed to adapt by phasing out his Score Master.

1958? Score Master Custom, 70" 38#. note the slightly reflexed tips.

1959? Score Master Custom70" 36#. 

I rarely review a bow without first shooting or inspecting an example of the model. Unfortunately, due to scarcity, I will have to rely on Ernie Roots' description from his 1957 red catalog. 

Larry Root found this in 1957? Score Master Custom in his garage!! Thanks, Larry !!

SPECS: SCORE MASTER

• Years- 1956-59?
• two lengths- 68" and 70" (custom)
• weights: 25-50lbs
• Glass: woven white
• sight window: 7 inches
• left hand (custom)
• straight limb
• 2-inch-wide limbs 
• brace height- 7- 8 inch

copyright Larry Vienneau 2018 (C)