Chapter 4: Know Your Bow and Arrow
Three Common Bow Types

Longbow

• Considered the “traditional” bow, the longbow has long, nearly straight limbs that form an arc when strung.
• This is the bow used by those interested in traditional shooting with minimal additional equipment.

Recurve Bow

• Also considered a “traditional” bow, the limbs are shorter than a longbow and curve back away from the belly of the bow, which can provide more power in a shorter bow than the longbow.
• The recurve also features a “pistol-style” grip that adapts well for use with a bowsight or other accessories.
• This bow is a popular choice because it’s smooth, quiet, and fast-shooting.

Compound Bow

• By far, the compound bow is the most popular bow for hunting and target shooting.
• Many styles are available, but they all work basically in the same manner.
  • Wheels and cams attached to the limbs and bowstring efficiently store energy as the bow is drawn to reduce the holding weight and make it easier to hold at full draw.
  • The resulting benefit of the bow’s design is that it can reduce draw weight by 50 percent or more.

Choosing a Compound Bow

Many compound bows are adjustable for both draw length and draw weight. A proper choice would be a bow that could be adjusted for more draw weight as you become stronger through practice. Younger shooters benefit from a bow that allows them to adjust the draw length and draw weight as their arms grow longer and stronger.