HuntingNet.com Forums - Browning Cobra II recurve

Browning introduced the cobra in 1968. In that year, there were no "I's" and "II's", just "cobra". The bow was very short at 50" amo. Pricewise, the bow msrp'd for $64.50 which put it on the same level as the company's top hunting recurve, the explorer II.

The "I" and "II" designation came the following year, with the original cobra becoming the "cobra I" and a longer model (58" amo) being designated as the "cobra II". I consider the cobra II to be one of the best of Browning's recurve line--along with the explorer II and the fury II (made only from '72-'74).

In more than a century of existence, Browning has manufactured few of their products themselves and recurves were no exception. In the sixties, alot of Browning's operations were in St. Louis, MO. I have heard some say that Browning recurves of the day were made in the same shops as hoyt recurves, which were also based in St. Louis at the time. I've never been able to verify this. Some models may have been made in St. Louis, perhaps all, but I've never been able to get a name--could be several makers.

I have what I consider to be a fairly reliable source tell me the cobra line specifically was manufactured by a company in San Diego, CA. Its possible all of their recurves were made there. This makes more sense to me since Browning's entry into the archery market in 1962 was precipitated by the purchase of Silaflex fiberglass out of California.

You have a fine bow, one of the best models of the pre-compound era. But I'm sure you'll find that out for yourself.