Traditional - Recurve vs Longbow

[Two Barrels]

I am not a bow hunter at all. I do have an old Shakespeare recurve that I used to casually shoot in the yard about 35 years ago. For some odd reason, I have an urge to pick it up again. Before I do, I think I might like a new one. The limbs on this old bow are twisted a bit. I will definitely need some new arrows. For those that shoot a traditional bow, what do you like about your setup? What arrows would be a good starting point?

My goal is to enjoy shooting at informal targets.

[Glenn]

This can be a rabbit hole event so be prepared.

Are you wanting a longbow or recurve? One piece, two piece, 3 piece takedown? Hill style? Reflex? Reflex/Deflex? Carbon core? One piece selfbow?

It goes on and on and on. LOL.

I have a few I shoot enough to say I'm still a trad shooter. My favorite is a little 48# longbow by O.L. Adcock (distant distant distant relative). For arrows, go carbon. You'll want/need way more weight than you think you will. Not unusual to see arrows coming off these bows in the 700+ grain range.

Don't buy custom unless you're REALLY into it. Lancaster Archery has some great factory bows that will serve your need very well. Or you can buy used.

[Gut_Pile]

This can be a rabbit hole event so be prepared.

Lancaster Archery has some great factory bows that will serve your need very well. Or you can buy used.

This, and this

[centurian]

All i ever shot but don't have the strength to draw and hold a 55# bow any longer. I liked fiberglass arrows but that was back in the day.

[2thDoc]

dont pull it back as far and its 50pounds.
hope this helps

[Catdaddy]

dont pull it back as far and its 50pounds.
hope this helps

Speaking of 50 lbs,...they sell rice in 50 lb bags.

You'll need it with a trad bow

Sent from my motorola edge 2024 using Tapatalk

[MolliesMaster]

You can get an ILF riser and order different pound limbs. Start low and build good form. Then you can up the poundage. Beats having to buy two different bows. You can also experiment with limb length for your preferences.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wiz18]

Find “John’s custom archery” on Facebook. He is in VA. He sells a line of trad bows that a few of my friends have been happy with. He’s not a pushy salesman by any means, but he would be a good one to talk with and buy from.

[wcrites307]

I read a lot of military historical literature. fiction and non fiction. I seem to remember that English long bowmen of old had 100# plus draw longbows.

[Two Barrels]

I spent some time researching the many options last night. One gigantic rabbit hole is correct. I think starting with a recurve is my best option. Too many choices to be made.

[FLS]

A 3 piece recurve with a heavy riser is he easiest for most people to shoot. I shoot an ILF style recurve. CD Archery WF21 heavy aluminum riser with Uukha carbon limbs. It’s fast, easy to tune, and very forgiving.