Who makes a decent, good longbow in the 40 to 50 pound range to start out with. I'd like to stay in the $400.00 and under price range for a dependable used bow.

Thanks

You can get some nice used custom ones in the classifieds in that $ range.Mohawk,Mahaska,to name a couple.My mind is a blank about others,but keep your eyes open.You`ll find a nice one.

Id go up another 100.00 bucks and get a JK Traditions.

if yer a newb to trad, i'd suggest 40# at your draw  length, not the weight written on the bow.  

even if yer a muscular person, you need to develop 'bow muscles' and you'll shake/tremor for awhile with 40# holding weight 'til you get in decent condition.  while that's happening, you don't want to have to fight being initially overbowed - all of that will create havoc with learning basic form.  read that again, please.  

don't spend a lotta bucks on that bow, but do find one of the correct weight at your draw length - figuring out your draw length will also take some time and that too will more than likely change.  

so, i recommend a used r/d longbow or a pacific rim cheap new r/d longbow.  get as long a bow length as you can, too.  this is a learning bow and one you will come back to for form work - or when you're hurting ... it happens.

remember: the arrow is far more important than the bow, and any decent bow will be better than you are right now.

As bushytail said, start right here in the classifieds! A good friend of mine got a superb Belcher Longhorn for 475$. New price adds at least 250-300$..

I see that in the classifieds now, there are a couple of Shrew Longbows for sale, some Kanati's, a Black Widow, Dwyer Endavour and a Fox Longbow.
All of these have a good reputation and are in your price range. And that is only on page 1 of the classifieds!

Good luck  
Oh, and listen to Rob, he has good advice  

If you want new a Bear Montana is under $350. You don't say wether you are looking for a Hill style, or slight R/D, or radical R/D. Nor do you mention a length. To the names already mentioned I would add Northern Mist, Hill, Abbot. It will depend on what you like and want.

I know a fella here in ohio that makes a great longbow for between 350-550. They are high quality shooters and there are several others on this site that are more than willing to back that up. I can send you pics if you like and his info. Pm me and let me know if you would like so.

I bought a new Kohannah Fury at the Kzoo expo a couple weeks ago.  It's a pretty nice bow for the $.......... new for $500

I shot a Savannah earlier today and enjoyed it very much.  Its the first longbow I shot in 20 years.  Actually, two, a 45# and a 50# model.  Length of 62" seemed like a comfortable length for me.  I'm not sure what the Hill, slight R/D and radical R/D are.  I assume they are to shooting style.  I'm limited to recurve experience only (also previously, that thing with the wheels and cables).

hill reflex, mild r/d and aggressive r/d are all completely different types of longbow designs that basically reference limb and riser design.  

stay with a lighter weight longbow for now.

get an r/d longbow - lighter holding weights will give you faster arrows than with a reflex only longbow, meaning you can use heavier more stable arrows for learning.

i know how it feels to be introduced to such a fun thing as trad archery and trad bowhunting.  yer dazzled by all the cool bows, arrows and tackle.  

having been there once, it's in yer best interests to resist the urge to get ahead of yourself on the learning curve.  

learn how to shoot first, better and more tailored gear comes later.  and yep, you will be looking at changes in draw length, arrows and holding weights, to name a few ...

400 and under is tuff.  You could find a Kanati longbow on the classifides for this price used. I have purchased several from other sites classifides and they have all been perfect condition and aroud $325 is a good cost for a nice used one.

Check these links.

http://www.maddogarchery.com/

http://www.siegeworkcreations.com/longbows.htm

Go to the "sponsor's classified" section and check out the "Holm Made Osprey" bows...,.excellent bows and very close to what your looking to spend.  

my suggestion is the same as others ''classifieds'' there are alot of very good bows on there,so stop reading this and start shopping.lol

If you are looking for a 1 piece longbow check ouy Dwyer longbows.

I have owned one of there bows and for the money i would think they are hard to beat.

Absolutely buy a used bow from the classifieds.  In fact buy several used bows before buying a new one.  Firefly, Dwyer or Thundersticks would be my own personal choice in longbows and most are priced right.  I also agree in that no more than 40lbs. to start.  (Imagine my shooting when I first started trad on a 63lb. longbow!  It wasn't pretty!)

Check out RMSG.  They carry the Spirit Longbow and they can be had for around $400.

I got a 50lb Mohawk for sale 64" 325.00 perfect