- Joined
- Jun 4, 2002
- Messages
- 3,930
Stevo,
As I understand it you are not just new to bowmaking, but new to the sport of archery altogether. If that is the case, here are some things for you to think about looking into;
1. Do you have ready access to an archery range, or property suitable for setting up a range on?
To develop real proficiency with bow and arrow you'll need to shoot/practice regularly.
2. Is there an archery club in the area, or at least a pro shop at the archery range, where you can get hands on assistance/advice?
No one can teach you to shoot without being there to observe your form for errors, etc., that need correction/adjustment. Best we can give you over the internet is generalized advice.
3. How tall/strong are you?
Traditional archery involves certain biomechanical "laws" that can't be contravened. For one, you will not be able to use proper form, or get any kind of consistency if trying to shoot a bow of too heavy draw weight. How do you figure out the draw weight you can handle? You should be able to bring the bow to full draw, and comfortably hold it at full draw for seven seconds, if you can't then the bow's probably too heavy for you to shoot consistently with. Another consideration, if say you're 5'2" tall, you're going to have a helluva time stringing a 72" longbow due to the length of your arms. (an unbraced longbow should be roughly the height of the archer)
4. Do you plan on hunting with the bow, and if so where?
As Hawkwind pointed out, longbows were once upon a time used regularly to take game, but I've got to add that, even in the medieval period, shorter bows were preferred by many for hunting. I can't, for example, imagine I'd want my trusty longbow with me while perched in a tree stand. If game is plentiful, and terrain is suitable for stalking, a longbow will do just fine, but if hunting in thick brush, or shooting from a stand or blind, you will definitely want something shorter.
5. What kind of bow is right for you?
Much as I prefer longbows, a Native American, oops sorry Yvsa*, Indian style flat bow may be more your cup of tea. I enjoy making and shooting the "Injun" bows, they're light, quick handling, and surprisingly powerful (read that, fine hunting weapon). The only way to figure out what's "right" for you is to try shooting as many different types/styles as you can get your hands on. *Yvsa don't cotton to PC nonsense
6. How much actual research have you done on the subject of archery?
There are many good books out there and at least one magazine (Primitive Archer) that I know of. The better read up you are on the subject, the more you'll be able to make informed choices. As far as making your own bow goes, the rough shaped, floor tillered, bowstaves sold by www.rudderbows.com and www.buildabow.com are a safe bet for beginners. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of the equation, and they're fairly economical.
Good luck, shoot straight, and most of all have fun,
Sarge
As I understand it you are not just new to bowmaking, but new to the sport of archery altogether. If that is the case, here are some things for you to think about looking into;
1. Do you have ready access to an archery range, or property suitable for setting up a range on?
To develop real proficiency with bow and arrow you'll need to shoot/practice regularly.
2. Is there an archery club in the area, or at least a pro shop at the archery range, where you can get hands on assistance/advice?
No one can teach you to shoot without being there to observe your form for errors, etc., that need correction/adjustment. Best we can give you over the internet is generalized advice.
3. How tall/strong are you?
Traditional archery involves certain biomechanical "laws" that can't be contravened. For one, you will not be able to use proper form, or get any kind of consistency if trying to shoot a bow of too heavy draw weight. How do you figure out the draw weight you can handle? You should be able to bring the bow to full draw, and comfortably hold it at full draw for seven seconds, if you can't then the bow's probably too heavy for you to shoot consistently with. Another consideration, if say you're 5'2" tall, you're going to have a helluva time stringing a 72" longbow due to the length of your arms. (an unbraced longbow should be roughly the height of the archer)
4. Do you plan on hunting with the bow, and if so where?
As Hawkwind pointed out, longbows were once upon a time used regularly to take game, but I've got to add that, even in the medieval period, shorter bows were preferred by many for hunting. I can't, for example, imagine I'd want my trusty longbow with me while perched in a tree stand. If game is plentiful, and terrain is suitable for stalking, a longbow will do just fine, but if hunting in thick brush, or shooting from a stand or blind, you will definitely want something shorter.
5. What kind of bow is right for you?
Much as I prefer longbows, a Native American, oops sorry Yvsa*, Indian style flat bow may be more your cup of tea. I enjoy making and shooting the "Injun" bows, they're light, quick handling, and surprisingly powerful (read that, fine hunting weapon). The only way to figure out what's "right" for you is to try shooting as many different types/styles as you can get your hands on. *Yvsa don't cotton to PC nonsense
6. How much actual research have you done on the subject of archery?
There are many good books out there and at least one magazine (Primitive Archer) that I know of. The better read up you are on the subject, the more you'll be able to make informed choices. As far as making your own bow goes, the rough shaped, floor tillered, bowstaves sold by www.rudderbows.com and www.buildabow.com are a safe bet for beginners. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of the equation, and they're fairly economical.
Good luck, shoot straight, and most of all have fun,
Sarge
Asking which bow is kind of like asking which khukuri, depends on the individual and the intended use. Hawkwind and I seem to be pretty much in agreement regarding the virtues of the English longbow, but your results may vary. Most honest answer I can give you is try to get your hands on and shoot several types to see which one's right for you.