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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Terry Green on November 04, 2022, 10:00:37 AM

Title: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Terry Green on November 04, 2022, 10:00:37 AM
Now that we have the survival head thread running, now lets do the bow and see what comes up....

Recurve, Longbow or Selfbow...

And if you like, what make and model.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Pat B on November 04, 2022, 10:11:56 AM
64" to 66" osage selfbow, 50#@ my 26" draw. If it breaks or is damaged I'll just make another with whatever wood is available to me. Don't need tip overlays, don't need handle wrap, don't need decorative limb backing. Just a good old selfbow. My arrows would come from hardwood shoots, either red osier, sourwood, viburnum or local cane, with found feathers for fletching and stone, bone or scrap metal points hafted with pitch glue and sinew wraps for points and fletching.  :thumbsup: If I run out of B55 I'l make cordage from hemp, nettle, flax, other natural cordage or rawhide.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: durp on November 04, 2022, 10:43:32 AM
Duel shelf Glass longbow...no stringer needed and I ain't worried about it breaking  :campfire:
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: GCook on November 04, 2022, 11:03:44 AM
Longbow.  My 58" two piece Primal Tech has proven durable and reliable. 
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on November 04, 2022, 11:36:19 AM
Yellowstone Longbow 64"[email protected]
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: smokin joe on November 04, 2022, 11:41:01 AM
As long as I have an extra string, my one bow would be my 60-inch Centaur Triple Carbon Elite. It is fast and accurate.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: woodchucker on November 04, 2022, 12:05:17 PM
Bear Grizzly :thumbsup:

How many other bows around are 40,50,60 years old, and still shooting??  :dunno:
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: woodchucker on November 04, 2022, 12:09:42 PM
durp makes a good point!! :readit:

I still have my old glass Ben Pearson longbow....
I think I got it when I was 8-9 years old??
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Mark R on November 04, 2022, 12:54:39 PM
My 55# recurve I made. Durability is good but I want the bow I shoot the best. I have a couple all glass Bows, pretty much more durable than anything else, but if I need to kill to survive I want the best I can shoot with.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: D. Key on November 04, 2022, 01:07:14 PM
My 64" and 50# @ 28" Massie Longhorn.  Beautiful and totally functional.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Terry Green on November 04, 2022, 01:16:10 PM
Durability is good but I want the bow I shoot the best.

Yes, but my choice covers both durability and shoot-ability.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: KentuckyWolf on November 04, 2022, 01:16:29 PM
A two piece longbow. Durable, simple, easy to use, easy to transport.
No limb bolts, no limb twist, no limb alignment to worry about.

If it ever broke….just make a selfbow.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: black velvet on November 04, 2022, 01:17:59 PM
Anyone that I own now. They are all dependable.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: McDave on November 04, 2022, 01:31:43 PM
My Robertson Wolfer.  It is a 58”, 50# two-piece recurve with a bolted connection.  Very packable, no loose parts to lose.  Normally I would shy away from a recurve for a survival bow, but the recurves are very moderate and the limbs are unlikely to twist.  Similar to many r/d longbows that are on the borderline of being recurves, this recurve is on the borderline of being a r/d longbow.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: woodchucker on November 04, 2022, 01:45:13 PM
This got me thinking.... :nono:

The Apocalypse has come.... You have only ONE bow, to last you for the rest of your days. :readit:

We're talking about a "forever" bow. Many would want a durable "bomb proof" bow... :thumbsup:
Many others, would want the bow they shoot the best!! The "never miss" bow.... :archer2:

Choose what's best for you!!! Odds are, you're only gonna last a year or two anyway!! :scared:

Great thread, Terry!!! Just put another pot on.... :coffee:
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Pine on November 04, 2022, 02:06:37 PM
My 45# Bear K Mag I have had sense the early 1970s.  :archer:
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on November 04, 2022, 04:23:03 PM
I'm going with my Northern Mist Skanee, it's been my bow of choice for the past 3 years.


Jason
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: David McLendon on November 04, 2022, 04:36:26 PM
For survival, MOAB
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: George Tsoukalas on November 04, 2022, 05:24:05 PM
I'll go with  a 66" black locust self bow because that is the  wood I learned on and was a favored wood of the Native Americans here where I live. Jawge
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: PrimitivePete on November 04, 2022, 06:36:04 PM
Osage Self Bow made by Bobcat Barnes, looks innocent, shoots damn happy. I don't shoot anything better.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Brokearcher on November 04, 2022, 06:37:02 PM
Without a doubt my 62” Talltines, 59@29 and puts a heavy arrow right where I’m looking. I’ve taken it through high temps in Arizona to cold temps in Colorado and never doubted it would work when I needed it to.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: JR Chambers on November 04, 2022, 07:28:29 PM
Schafer Silvertip
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Sam McMichael on November 04, 2022, 10:10:29 PM
My 68" yew Northern Mist Shelton. Really good bow.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Kelly on November 05, 2022, 12:05:56 AM
Definitely a longbow!
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: degabe on November 05, 2022, 10:55:25 AM
My favorite would be my 68" hickory longbow, but for endurance I would have to go with a fiberglass longbow.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Squirrel Hunter on November 05, 2022, 05:32:14 PM
Homemade glass laminated one piece reverse handle longbow; 66” and 55lb. If I’m picking every little detail, probably elm limbs and any heavy hardwood for the handle. Something like this.  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Wudstix on November 06, 2022, 12:06:54 AM
Recurve, I'd go with my Big River.  Longbow, I'd got with 60" MOAB or 60" Big River 21st Century clone.  If pushed hard, MOAB would probably get the nod for just one bow.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: tzolk on November 07, 2022, 10:53:29 PM
Recurve, probably my Toelke SSLR because there’s no twisting those limb tips! It is a sturdy bow! Longbow, probably a 66”-68” straight or slightly r/d limb bow like the Super D or Dwyer Original etc. ie nothing with fragile tips.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Roger Norris on November 09, 2022, 09:48:40 AM
Probably me Northern Mist Ramer.... [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: ESP on November 09, 2022, 09:56:11 AM
 Hoyt satori.  They are about as bomb proof as you can get. Especially with a over 31” draw. They are functional and accurate.  But I don’t like the looks. 
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: MnFn on November 09, 2022, 10:33:51 AM
That would be a tough choice.  After twenty five years of actively pursuing “the bow”, I have small stable of bows I really like. Three are longbows, Stickflinger, Liberty English, Black Widow PLX.  Only problem with them is they are all under 50#.  For me, I’d want a 50# bow for an all purpose bow. (Still have moose hunting on my mind and I am required to use at least 50#).

And right now, that leaves me with my only recurve on the list. A Black Widow PSA-X 50#@28”.  And it is built like a tank.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: KentuckyWolf on November 09, 2022, 10:23:32 PM
That would be a tough choice.  After twenty five years of actively pursuing “the bow”, I have small stable of bows I really like. Three are longbows, Stickflinger, Liberty English, Black Widow PLX.  Only problem with them is they are all under 50#.  For me, I’d want a 50# bow for an all purpose bow. (Still have moose hunting on my mind and I am required to use at least 50#).

And right now, that leaves me with my only recurve on the list. A Black Widow PSA-X 50#@28”.  And it is built like a tank.

Love my PSA….will second that its a tough “tank”. However, get a loose limb bolt or lose one..in a survival situation would be problematic.
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Duker on November 10, 2022, 11:03:45 AM
I'd have to go with my THUNDER STICK MAG , 56"/50# ,  made in2005  :archer2:
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: RIVERWOLF on November 11, 2022, 12:03:33 PM
BIG surprise... Either of my Montana Longbows  :biglaugh:

Durable , simple,lethal design and the glass should keep them functional for a L-O-N-G time !

If not a modern (glass) Mild R/D or straight Longbow...I would be in search of some good straight Osage ..then Hickory in that order ;)   

I really believe straight or very mild R/D longbows are as tough a bow as can be had of wood or wood glass combo ....If we are talking that option...if its a whats on hand/natural thing....in these parts (luck me;) we have excellent access to osage and hickory .    Fun thread !
Title: Re: Only ONE survival BOW
Post by: Terry Green on July 02, 2023, 11:12:46 AM
My #1 choice would be  a 1 piece R/D longbow, such as the no longer made Jim Reynolds Thunderstick MOAB, preferably around 60 inches. Great width to depth limbs for durability with great performance also.  One piece for the sake of not having a failure with a take down.  However, the same bow in a two piece would be my 2nd choice.

No stringer, no bolts, no tools. Just something else to screw up and keep up with when there is no need for any of that in a survival scenario....
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Orion on July 02, 2023, 08:00:14 PM
Again.  A lot of good choices out there, but this one's easy  My Sunset hill longbow. 
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: matt steed on July 02, 2023, 08:46:18 PM
One piece longbow.

Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: rastaman on July 03, 2023, 11:48:57 AM
My Cari-Bow Peregrine
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: David Mitchell on July 03, 2023, 12:01:53 PM
One piece ASL style longbow--no limb twist issues, no stringer needed.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: blacktailbob on July 03, 2023, 12:21:04 PM
C'mon now, we want to see some photos of your favorite sticks.

Mine is a Blacktail Sitka that I've dropped on the concrete patio more than once.  :knothead: Broken nocks, too loose of a grip and... :scared: It can take a beating.
I do hold it tighter nowadays. Are spare limbs allowed? I have a set.


Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: 2fletch on July 03, 2023, 12:46:44 PM
I'd have to go with one of my Hummingbird, or Black Widow bows. They are built solid, and shoot great.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Wudstix on July 03, 2023, 02:06:10 PM
The bow that has proven itself and stood the test.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: mjh on July 03, 2023, 10:15:41 PM
  Likely a longbow/selfbow. Some glass and laminations might be nice for durability.   Not too heavy.  40-45lbs??   Would want to be able to find materials I could make a string from and be able to use.  Oh I do have a couple of self bows that might fit the bill.  Sure my current bows would work for a while.    Arrows and strings I'd be more concerned about.  Points could be fashioned with some basic tools.  Pitch glue's not too hard to make if you have the time. 
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: PrimitivePete on July 04, 2023, 12:24:08 PM
I'll go off the trail here a bit, I'd use my Hoyt Satori ILF riser, and for limbs I would use Nika C2 ILF limbs. Those limbs are made to take serious abuse and if the bow fails I could use the limbs as clubs.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: M60gunner on July 04, 2023, 01:50:54 PM
Right now, my Rambo Warf with the Chi Com glass and carbon limbs I just bought. No wood, no laminations, springy rest. Only weak thing I see is the BCYX string. I haven’t been nice to these limbs, lighter than recommended arrows, shorter risers, left in back of car in 100* heat for a few hours. Still shoot great and not as noisy as I would have expected from the limbs.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Phillip Fields on July 04, 2023, 01:56:59 PM
My 64" Osage and Cocobolo, Black Widow PLX, 44@28. I would choose one of my Massie Longhorns, but they are all heavier than I shoot these days.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Joe2Crow on July 04, 2023, 04:40:35 PM
For a true survival bow, it’d be hard to beat one of the old Pearson fiberglass td bows like the model 304. No tools or stringer necessary and practically indestructible. And really not giving up much in the performance.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: cacciatore on July 05, 2023, 03:13:32 AM
For survival a 2 piece longbow is probably the most dependable bow to have.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Bullchaser1 on July 05, 2023, 08:17:09 AM
My 60” psa black widow. It actually went through a house fire about 10 years ago, burned the string off it. Cleaned it up and strung it no issues. Killed a ton of critters with it. Damn tough bows
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Wudstix on July 05, 2023, 11:27:16 AM
Really, any of my current longbows, force me to stay in shape/condition.  I'd need to be fit for survival!!!
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Hud on July 06, 2023, 04:57:14 AM
American Semi-Longbow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: pdk25 on July 06, 2023, 06:01:15 PM
Not the best shooter out there, but if I had to rely on a bow no matter the weather conditions ,nearly indestructible, could be left strung, etc…, it would be an all fiberglass bow.  My favorites model being the Paul Bunyan 100. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Gdpolk on July 06, 2023, 10:06:35 PM
I'm taking my Sarrells Sierra 2-piece longbow for ease of portability and utter reliability.  When a Sierra longbow is in my hands, things hit the ground and that's what I want for survival.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Terry Green on July 07, 2023, 09:27:00 AM
Pat, I have to go with you there.... for survival I think you have the best option.
  :thumbsup:

I didn't even know they made fiberglass bows that heavy.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: toddster on July 07, 2023, 11:36:24 AM
Terry, you are so mean making us make these tough choices  :bigsmyl:  No matter the bow, in this situation for me, it would have to be 50-55#, to be able to handle anything that it may have to encounter.  Apocalypses means all those critters in zoo's are out and worst enemy will have armor on.

My second choice for a "survival" bow, would be one on the rack now of course, Northern Mist American 66" long, 55@28".
This bow is built bomb tough by Steve, being an ASL it is a little finicky with arrows (love heavy) but can shoot wide span (see bottom).  It is very shootable in my hands.  It is a one piece, but a 2 piece would be ideal in situation, for concealability and hiking.  Spare String on bow, with spare in pack, set up ready to go.

My First choice, would be what Pat said, a solid fiberglass longbow, 50-55#.  Years ago, I had an old one from Ben Pearson, that was 55#, 2 piece, and that bow was actually bomb proof, shot accurately within 18 yards for me, weather would not be an issue.

Arrows are the biggest challenge I see.  So a bow that can handle a wide variety of arrow spine and material would be crucial.  There would be plenty of material still around, but having the ability to get it tuned effectively would be the challenge.  Why I see a wide span of handling shaft spine critical.  Making our own shafts from dogwood now it easy and fun, but in this situation, our very lives depend on it.  Plus, we all know that we will need to be able to replenish our ammunition supply, sooner or later.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: John3 on July 24, 2023, 09:30:43 PM
A quality 60" recurve... Dacron string 40-50#.  Super Kodiak or TimberHawk Strike will do fine..
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: MnFn on July 24, 2023, 09:56:13 PM
When woodchucker mentioned “bomb proof” that finished the discussion for me.
It would have to be my Black Widow PLX.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: Eecho on July 24, 2023, 11:16:20 PM
Tough call…..Bear Black Panther 45@28….it’s been everywhere and done about it all but still kickin.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: socalmonster09 on July 25, 2023, 09:59:49 AM
My new to me. Holm River Runner Static. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: woodchucker on July 25, 2023, 10:23:26 AM
Ok, I'm old... :readit:

As I said a couple years ago (Thanks!!! To whoever brought this back up!!)
My old Ben Pearson solid glass longbow... Been camo painted Idk how many times??
60 inches, 40 pounds, absolutely bomb proof!!!! Like I said before.....

I'm old.... It even doubles as a walking stick!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: woodchucker on July 25, 2023, 10:37:35 AM
Or a club??!!  :dunno:
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: mangonboat on July 26, 2023, 11:02:32 AM
A solid fiberglass longbow is close to indestructible, reasonable weight to carry and can do multiple other things: a fishing pole, walking stick, probe, spring for a spring trap, tent pole, spear, and in a pinch one could string it with small gauge stainless cable and use it as a bow saw.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: MnFn on July 26, 2023, 11:27:50 AM
Not even a year has past since I posted on this topic. I originally selected a Black Widow recurve. Now that bow is gone replaced by a Black Widow PLX. Still built like tank, but no need for a stringer, and hits hard.
Title: Re: Only ONE Survival BOW
Post by: F. Dobbs on July 26, 2023, 06:54:00 PM
Why are so many people choosing recurvs for a survival bow?.