Compound or recurve bow for PPO homestead?

hermit · Heavy Crude Joined: May 13, 2008 Posts: 184

I've been target practicing with a standard recurve for about a year now, and have nursed a bit of a disdain for the teched-up compound bow shooters at the range.

Now I find myself wondering if I am better off switching to compound, as I may have more serious archery needs on day.

The power and accuracy of the compound bow is attractive, but I am a bit daunted by it's many moving parts. I find myself wondering how maintainable and repairable it is.

Does anyone have any guidance to offer?

Mquinon3 · Tar Sands Joined: Apr 03, 2008 Posts: 38

I have used both a recurve and a compound bow. They both are decent but the compound gives you more power and the comfort to hold your aim longer becuase of the pulleys. You DON"T need any super tech compound bow by any means to enjoy the luxruies it offers in terms of pullies. I have an older Bear Archery model compound bow with about 60 pounds of pull and as long as I keep it clean and taken care of it will last quite awhile. Make sure you have some spare pulleys and string just in case and you should be fine.

Bella · Tar Sands Joined: May 25, 2008 Posts: 26

I must reccomend the recurve bow over the compound. Compound bows fail the KISS rule, recurves have thousands of years of testing behind them. I freely admit I've never been able to hit the broad side of a barn with a compound (and sights). I learned to shoot a recurve as a teen and I still have the same Red Wing bow I purchased when I was 15. I shoot instinctively, thinking the arrow into the target, concentrating on good form and posture. Living in New England, the critters hide in the bushes and the cover is thick most places. All those pulleys and crosscrossing cables catch on twigs if you are still hunting. The other thing is I have always been proud of manufacturing my own gear. I can make shooting tabs, wrist bracers, quivers, even the arrows themselves. I could make a stick bow if I need to, but I can't make a compound bow. There is my two cents worth, make up your own mind which factors are important to you, get a bow and hit the range. Bella

SoylentGreen · Heavy Crude Joined: May 25, 2008 Posts: 168

I am a serious compound shooter. I own 3 top of the line Hoyts. If your talking an armageddon kind of scenario, a recurve or long bow would be my choice.But, Ill shoot the compounds until they fail and parts cant be had.

deMolay · Intermediate Crude Joined: Sep 04, 2005 Posts: 907

I have a 50 year old Browning recurve, still takes deer no problem. One item to note arrows do not kill by force like a gun. They kill by bleeding out the victim. All you really need is a 40/50 lb bow. And hone up on stalking skills.

roccman

I shoot both a compound and long bow.

I prefer the simplicity and weight of the long bow.
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DavidFolks

It all depends on the use you're putting the bow to, and what you think the future holds.

If you think there will always be composites available, and the specialized manufacturing and distribution requirements to supply replacement parts, the compound bow is a good choice. Faster, flatter trajectory, easier to hold at draw and aim, more powerful strike.

If you believe that PPO there will be a lack of composites and spare parts, and you are relying on the bow to put food on the table, use a recurve.

Not only that, but take a course of instruction on how to build your own bow, with hand tools and natural materials. Then make a few, and shoot with them. Getting the knowledge and experience before you need it is cheap.

$0.02.
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Ronin

I've just bought a compound bow and I was wondering what household substitutes there are for cable wax that the manual mentions. I intend to buy some wax but could I test fire it out of the box without waxing initially?

I think it will be sufficient in a hairy situation, it looks deadly.

Also is there a difference between a long bow and a recurve bow, my understanding is a recurve's limbs slope away at the tips where as a long bow is the traditional u shape.

masterless
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joelcolorado · Intermediate Crude Joined: May 25, 2008 Posts: 683

I use both kinds but think for post peak oil, a cross bow might be best. Easy to use, easy to learn and easy to hit the target every time.

Bella · Tar Sands Joined: May 25, 2008 Posts: 26

Ludi

Why not both?

I believe in redundancy, personally. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. The recurve bow has the advantage you can learn to make your own.
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PrairieMule

I still shoot my Darton compound bow I got for Christmas 1984. It's much heavier than today's compound bows. In almost 24 years of use I have only replaced the strings twice.

BTW-can anyone here tell me if you can shoot aluminum or carbon shafts with a recurve? I have been eyeing a Fred Bear recurve down at BassPro, but the clerk told me I had to use wooden shafts. Seems "Old School" for me.
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vtsnowedin · Intermediate Crude Joined: Jul 11, 2008 Posts: 633

jbrovont · Intermediate Crude Joined: Jun 16, 2006 Posts: 701

A good recurve cross bow would probably be good. No cams to worry about, good accuracy and power.

I like shooting a compound regular bow, but again, I see cams as a liability. IMO, learn to shoot and maintain a recurve. Learn to fletch, and you should be good.

hermit · Heavy Crude Joined: May 13, 2008 Posts: 184