I am thinking of getting a good compound bow and practicing with it. Although the gun is, I strongly believe, overall a superior weapon, the bow is a good alternative in some situations. For one thing, unlike a gun a bow is silent, or at least its much less noisy. Also, with all the gun phobia that's going around right now gun regulations are only going to become tighter and guns are only going to be harder to get and harder to legally carry and use. I want to get a good compound bow for a reasonable price. I would think, as a beginner I probably wouldn't want to really break the bank getting a super high quality compound bow.
Considering a compound bow
- Thread starter PhotonGuy
- Start date
Never been a fan of Compound bows. Nothing inherently wrong with them the just require to much "tackle". I shoot recurve at the moment but, hope to move into Mongolian Horn bow. I really like the thumb ring shooting style.
What do you want to use a bow for? Hunting?
- Thread Starter
- #4
I mostly intend to use the bow for self defense as an alternative to a gun in some situations. I also would like to use it for sport and target shooting. I've never considered hunting with a bow although I know some people really enjoy that. From what I've seen when I've looked at bows in sports shops, the compound bow looks shorter than most other types of bows such as recurve bows, so for that reason they look like they will be less awkward for storage and for handling and using.
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
I use to do archery in college and I use to bring my compound bow to the class. One day while walking across the campus I had this thought
I cannot bring a gun on campus because it is illegal but I can bring this compound bow, with arrows on the side, that is capable of pinning a guy to the library all the way across the quad on campus and it is no problem what-so-ever......some how that seemed wrong to me for some reason.
I would not use a compound bow for self defense...
I cannot bring a gun on campus because it is illegal but I can bring this compound bow, with arrows on the side, that is capable of pinning a guy to the library all the way across the quad on campus and it is no problem what-so-ever......some how that seemed wrong to me for some reason.
I would not use a compound bow for self defense...
EddieCyrax
Blue Belt
Bows like guns are a ranged weapon. What self-defence situation are you thinking where it would make sense in a court of law? It is a lethal weapon for sure, but explain to a judge that you had the time to put all the pieces together, calmly draw, take aim, and shoot; yet still were in fear of your life.
Not sure I can come up with one, and I own a compound bow (target shooting/hunting).
Not sure I can come up with one, and I own a compound bow (target shooting/hunting).
EddieCyrax
Blue Belt
Not sure how much you have researched compound bows, but most require a mechanical release to effectively shoot. This is related to their short/compact limb length. To effectively shoot the angle associated with the string at full draw would not let you utilize the method used with a recurve.
With this said, I have seen people shoot this way with a compound, but it is extremely tough on the fingers and greatly effects accuracy. (my opinion - obviously)
With this said, I have seen people shoot this way with a compound, but it is extremely tough on the fingers and greatly effects accuracy. (my opinion - obviously)
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
You can shoot fine (and be accurate) without one, but it can be tough on the fingers (as you said). back wen I was shooting I never used a mechanical release
- Thread Starter
- #10
I don't know much about bows but I would think a compound bow would be no less effective than any other bow in self defense. If not than I stand corrected. I do know a compound bow has more power than most other bows.
Of course, any kind of bow would not be as effective in self defense as a gun and I would prefer a gun over a bow any day if Im faced with a confrontation. But aside from a good assortment of guns, its always good to have some extra backup weapons other than firearms.
Of course, any kind of bow would not be as effective in self defense as a gun and I would prefer a gun over a bow any day if Im faced with a confrontation. But aside from a good assortment of guns, its always good to have some extra backup weapons other than firearms.
EddieCyrax
Blue Belt
No disrespect. Just saying the tight angle gives the shooter a smaller space for fingers and this is an additional factor to over come to shoot accurately in addition to all the other mechanics.
Hurts my fingers too much. Didn't mean to say it couldn't be done. Sorry if I offended.
Hurts my fingers too much. Didn't mean to say it couldn't be done. Sorry if I offended.
I have a compound bow. I enjoy it very much. For self defense, I don't see it useful unless you always have it in shoot ready mode.
punisher73
Senior Master
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2004
- Messages
- 3,959
- Reaction score
- 1,062
Only good when you want to rob from the rich and give to the poor (also a band of merry men helps).
Seriously, a bow is a bad idea for self-defense. And by "self-defense", I think what you really mean is protecting yourself/loved ones while at home or what some would call "home defense". If this is the case, I would MUCH rather have a good shotgun, no gun laws affecting them really and they are low under the radar. You can get multiple shots and if you are loading "buck shot" you can just point it in that general direction and still hit the bad guy. GREAT for a high stress situation. Also, teach the wife hot to "anchor" it on the wall to eliminate recoil and she has a much better weapon for protection too than a bow.
Although with the popularity of the show "Arrow", it does seem like a cool idea.
Seriously, a bow is a bad idea for self-defense. And by "self-defense", I think what you really mean is protecting yourself/loved ones while at home or what some would call "home defense". If this is the case, I would MUCH rather have a good shotgun, no gun laws affecting them really and they are low under the radar. You can get multiple shots and if you are loading "buck shot" you can just point it in that general direction and still hit the bad guy. GREAT for a high stress situation. Also, teach the wife hot to "anchor" it on the wall to eliminate recoil and she has a much better weapon for protection too than a bow.
Although with the popularity of the show "Arrow", it does seem like a cool idea.
Correct. A compound bow is no worse than any other bow for self defense. Mostly because ANY bow will suck for self defense.
Compound bows are not more powerful than other bows. They're easier to draw. Crossbows (which are also a terrible choice for self defense) are more powerful.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
No worries, no offense I was just saying I was crazy enough to do that without a release
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
rlobrecht
Brown Belt
Yeah but a Ballista...now there your talking self defense
Very useful against a raging horde.
Yeah but a Ballista...now there your talking self defense
He just shot at me...with a TREE!
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
That is still making me laugh :lol:
