For the last couple of years I've tossed around the idea of getting a longbow. I know absolutly nothing about them. what's a good longbow that wouldn't break the bank? Any info or advice would be appreciated.

You thinking strictly longbow or recurve?

My son has been using one for 3 years and has taken several doe's with it. Google 3 rivers archery, thats who he uses. The guy that owns it is a longbow expert shooter. His name is Rick Welch, and he'll talk to you and is really good at helping. He's helped my son, alot.

I prefer a longbow over a recurve myself. The best thing you can do is wait until they have one of the big trad shoots at Tannehill and check out the vendors there. You'll get a chance to try them out and see what you like. Don't go too high on your draw weight. Mine is 52# and I'm pulling around 48#. I wish it was lower. I've got a Bushman M5 American Native.

Why the preference of longbow over recurve? I have been debating a recurve but could be convinced to get a longbow.

I shoot them better plus they shoot a lot smoother.

longbow

So would you say the longbow is 'more forgiving' than a recurve? Doesn't it take a longer longbow to get the same power as a shorter recurve?

Shaw gave you some great advice.

Terry Harris host two shoots a year at Tannehill (search for Pre-spring Arrow Fling and the Howard Hill southeastern classic) and there are vendors there that will help you out by letting you shoot their bows. The one that comes to mind is Big Jim, he sells not only custom bows that he makes but also trades in used bows, both Recurve and Longbow. There is usually a good variety of vendors to help you out. I like both recurves and longbows and I can shoot both pretty well. This year I am shooting a old Crow Creek longbow that I have had for years, shoots pretty good to be so old.

MASH 4 VID

Just watched the video above from 3Rivers Archery and learned a LOT

Check out the samick verna. Lancaster archery sells them. Foreign made but has a pretty good reputation as a decent bow. I'm saving my pennies for a longbow myself, got three recurves but you know how it is.

Trust me guys, you'll learn more from Rick Welch, than anybody. I'd have a long conversation with him before i bought anything.

Rick welch is a shooting coach and doesn't work at 3 rivers. But either they still will be happy to help you give them a call.

Sorry. I misunderstood my son. He calls Rick Welch and talks to him, and he buys his equipment from 3 rivers archery, and i thought he worked there.

Your son sounds very committed. That's great.

And they're way quieter

I have a G&L and I love it, but they're no longer in business. Several of my buddies shoot Northern Mist and they're a great shooting bow. You can find longbows pretty cheap used.

Love the longbow but remember your in a tree. Had some trouble with length. Some blinds would be out of the question.
I'll let you shoot mine for a while and see what YOU think.

I wanted a longbow a while back. I just don't have enough time to put into it

Most longbows and recurves will be 1" shorter in draw lengh than your compound draw length.

I have used several and prefer the longbow, as mentioned they are smother and much quieter, as the string doesn't "slap" on the limbs like a recurve. But both are much quieter than a compound.

50lbs-55lbs would be fine for your build and youthfulness. LOL

Get a little older and the draw weight might drop.

I get on some of the classifieds on the archery websites and see what you can find.

Going to the trad shoot would be good. Better to have hands on first before buying anything.

Oh, always use a bow stringer.

God Bless,
David B.