There are several types of weapons to choose from. You stated that you want reliability and durability above all else. I assume you mean through normal use. Do your homework on this because each weapon that you look at has it's pluses, drawbacks and limitations.
Some of the types of bows that you can look at are of course the compound, traditional gear like the longbow, flatbow, recurve bow and selfbow and the Xgun (cross or linear bow).
I'd suggest that you base your decision on how much time and initiative that you can offer to the weapon so that you can become proficient with it. The Xgun is the easiest to learn because of it's similarity to the rifle. They even come with a scope if you want. You cock it, put your arrow on and site them in. Can't get any easier than that. The compound is the next easiest. You still have to pull some weight till the cam rolls over, then it lets off and a child can hold it at full draw. They are a lot more machine like than either the crossbow or the traditional equipment and like with most other machines, they require a tool kit and lots of tinkering to keep them in tune and shooting straight. It is also an easy weapon to become proficient with, but it does have some definite drawbacks and limitations inherent to the design. The most simple and believe it or not, reliable of the archery weapons available to you is also the most difficult to learn to become proficient with. That would be the traditional gear. Which for all intents and purposes, includes the longbow, flatbow and recurve. There are several variations on each of them, but for the most part, those are your choices. You can buy one from a production company like Martin or Bear. You can buy from a bowyer, buy used, or you can make your own.
Once you've made the decision as to how much time and energy you have to put into archery, then you can make the decision as to which weapon you'd like to start with and once you've made that decision, I suggest you buy a book or two on that weapon. That will get you started on the why's and how to's of the weapon. Get online and visit some of the archery message boards like hunting.net, bowsite.com and so on. Most of them cater to the compound and also have a site available for the more traditional minded folks. Once you find a site or two that you like, ask lots of questons about their weapon of choice. Go to the local archery range and get aquainted with the archers hanging out and shooting. Check out their equipment, maybe they'll even let you try your hand at it.
Whichever way you decide to go, it's a great sport that the whole family can become involved in. Have fun, because that's what it's all about.
