Check out the classifieds a lot of great bows there.  Can't go wrong with Northern Mist.

Great Thread here.  I am in exactly the same boat except I'm not in Portugal...  

I'm looking for a short r/d longbow (takedown would be fine) that is fast, smooth, and quiet.

If you're gonna buy new and want to try a LB, you can't go wrong with the Montana. I traded for a used one a while back, it's 60#. I love it. Mine is the older style, the newer ones have a reshaped grip and slimmer tips. I have handled the newer one and I do like the grip better, but it wouldn't be no biggie to reshape the handle on mine. The newer limb tips do look way better too. Buy a quality string for it though, the factory string is not so good. Good luck

Paul, that was the idea. When I started with trad, I bought a low cost Samick Stingray and then, when I knew what I wanted I went to a BW.

I know nothing about longbows or different types so I was leaned to start low price but with something that has the performance or shootability of a nicer one. The Montana seems to fill that requisite but I wanted to hear some opinions of more experienced guys.

Bringing a bow from the states is expensive, and no doubt that will be the destiny when I find what I want. For now, I'm looking for a low cost good starter.

Well I'm not that experienced of a shooter, but I know a good value when I see one. If you're having trouble finding a private party shipping you the bow, you're going to have to buy it from a major company. How do you like that stingray? I've always been interested in that bow. It reminds me of a BW PTF, which I've always wanted.

2nd on the Bama Hunter custom made at $389 excellant D-style longbow!

The stingray turned out to be very short for me. It uses Dacron strings and it vibrates a little. On the other hand, the only comparison I have is my BW witch is what it is... So, not sure it's a fair fight!

But it is a very fast bow and accurate. I have it for sale for a while now but there are not that many trad shooters in Portugal!

abott longbows!

I killed my first trad deer with a Montana longbow. It is a fine shooting bow! I still have mine and shoot it right along with my customs.

I agree, the classifieds would be the best place to start.  Modest pricing on some excellent bows can be had...

If you are set on new, I'd offer the Thunderstick MOAB, 60" at your draw weight... Modest pricing for a great longbow!

$495 for a base model dwyer.  A lot of "custom" for the price.  Also New Wood longbows are worth looking into.  
Great shooting qualities, and the bowyer Chris is great to work with.

I second Don Dow. Last I checked he is back making bows on a limited basis and he has Rich Emory making his bows now. They are real solid bows and very reasonable. His website says he has a lefty in stock right now!
Joe

QuoteOriginally posted by Igor:
I just picked up one on the classifieds that is in excellent condition...for less than $350 delv.

66" 49@28 Big River Longbow...

There are some good deals for the discriminating buyer....


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glenn

New or used Johns Bows are the best out there in my opinion, thats if you like quiet bows with no hand shock......    

the viper deluxe from internature got a good reputation from what i can read  , and you can find it in europe .

PM sent.

Pick a 3 pc or even 2 PC out of classifieds and shipping will be alot less.  Usually quite a few LH's in there too.

Look at the 7 Lakes Longbows, the deal of this century.  They build both a deflex/reflex model and a Hill Style.

I ve shot and traded lots of longbows.  Many of the ones mentioned are good deals...IF looking for a new bow, built to your specs...I would recommend Chad at Lost Creek longbows.  Smooth, fast and excellent performing longbows, and not bad on the wallet either!

After poking around I'm discovering I have about $400 to get back into the game.  That has to include the bow, sting, and complete arrows.  I'll eventually build my own arrows as I'm quite a "tweaker".  Plus I am REALLY interested in getting into the carbon arena.

Crooked stik bows by Mike Miller, Herwaybows by Kevin Brown, both great custommade bows at a very affordable price.