McPherson 38 Special

The local McPherson rep asked me if I wanted to test their new 38 Special bow – like I’m going to turn an offer like that down. I was sent at 50-pound, 26-inch draw bow and decided to put it through the rigors of my usual finger-shooting techniques. 

I installed a Golden Key Funnel arrow rest, Golden Key Tranqualizer stabilizer and shot it with a Saunders finger tab. Arrows used were Beman 500s cut at 27 inches. I set the bow at 49 pounds and installed the radar chrony to the bow’s stabilizer bushing; off to the archery shop I went. 

I shot some arrows to get warmed up then hit the button on the chrony. My first shot was 227 fps, the second shot was 228, then 228 and 229; the last was 229. Now remember 49 pounds with a 26-inch draw! To me that was incredible. Some of my 60-pound bows at 27 inches of draw don’t to that. So what else did I notice?

While shooting the bow, I closed my eyes to key my senses on any vibrations and noise. There were no vibrations, but as with any bow, there was a very small audible string noise. String silencers will cure that. But the peep and sight did not make any sound or vibrations either. This was a super quiet bow! 
The 38 Special just stayed in my hand, for it is well-balanced and super vibration free. This Pro Shop Series bow deserves its “special” name; let me tell you why.

First, the new Aluminum Z-cam has a module draw-length system that allows the bow to be adjusted from 25-32 inches. This Z-cam delivers punch without the recoil. The Z-cam has what McPherson calls the PhD system, or Perfect Horizontal Delivery, virtually eliminating dynamic nock travel out the horizontal plane. The Z-cams run with the wide-track Accu-Trac idler wheel, both spinning on frictionless ball bearings. 

The 14 ¼-inch limbs are installed at a 42-degree riser-to-limb angle on a 23 ½-inch riser. This angle is optimum for consistent and accurate shooting. The total length of the bow axel to axel is 38 inches, which is long enough for release or finger shooting with a generous ¾-inch center shot.

What is unique about this bow is the VIB-X system. It incorporates a Sims technology that is installed under the grip and reduces vibration. It’s not heavy but does an excellent job of reducing hand shock and vibration.

The finish is a time-proven Superflauge camo on the riser and limbs, trimmed with yellow McPherson 38 Special lettering on the limbs. You can get this bow in All-American or Fade Blue. 
The price tag also is a factor. A modest price of around $600, you a bow that will IBO at 306-311 fps and lifetime guarantee.

This bow is fast and quiet — a bow hunters dream! I just wish the letters on the limbs were a bit smaller but other then that, this bow is a sure winner; it will send arrows to visit 12-rings and take down animals from antelope to zebra.

www.benpearson.com

www.mcphersonarchery.com