Primative Compound Bow?

B

Burncycle

Joined
Jan 3, 2005
Messages
248
For those with experience making their own bows, is there any reason a compound bow could not be made with medieval technology (wooden or composite bows, sinew, etc) as opposed to modern composites and plastics?

I realise some metal would probably be needed for the cams/pulleys but is there any technical reason it couldn't be done, other than that they didn't think of it at the time?
 
No training wheels needed, it's called a Penobscot bow, has a little "extra" on the back.:thumbup:
 
SOmewhere in my dim memories of the past, I recall seeing a "compound" bow which instead of using wheels and cams, used several limbs in an arrangement like progressive leaf springs. Is this what you are referring to?

Codger
 
Burncycle said:
I realise some metal would probably be needed for the cams/pulleys but is there any technical reason it couldn't be done, other than that they didn't think of it at the time?
Click to expand...

I highly doubt it's so much that they didn't think of it at the time... Our modern views on bow use are just much different, apparently. A modern bow shooter wants those cams and such so he can draw a powerful bow with "letoff" at the end of the draw, so he can hold it at full draw until that deer presents a perfect shot, carefully line up his pin sights, and gently squeeze the trigger on his release. If ancient people wanted these features, they simply used a crossbow, as they were not limited by modern hunting regulations. Otherwise, I recall reading a quote by a native american who described how to shoot a bow- He said both arms must work together at the same time. One hand draws the string while the other pushes the bow forward simultaneously. At the moment full draw is reached, the bow is released. No sights to line up, no need to stand there holding it at full draw. He just had to know from vast experience exactly where that arrow was going.
 
This is the only way I can shoot a bow. I tried the sights and other geegaws, I just can't do it. I THINK the arrow to the target and that is where it goes. I liken it to accurately throwing a rock. No sights on a rock, are there? My pull and release are all one swift motion.
 
Why the need to make a compound bow, or even a tillered bow at all?
Wouldn`t it be much easier to make a bundle bow?
And wouldn`t a bundle bow require less in regards to equipment and materials?
I`m not a bowmaker, nor a bow-shooter, so i really don`t know.
Just a thought.

http://primitiveways.com/bow_and_arrow.html
 
Thanks for the comments guys

I guess I was just wondering, from a military standpoint more than a survival standpoint, if it would have been possible with the materials at the time.

As far as why is concerned, there are quite a few advantages to the design, not just the ability to hold the shot.
 
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