Loading a traditional longbow... help?

Andrew JT Stubb · October 22, 2010, 11:20:00 AM

How do you shoot with them?
I'm new to archery in general, having only shot target re-curves occasionally, and am looking to get my first bow soon. I've read a lot and have gotten a lot of information from this site, but one thing I really want to know is: How do you load an arrow on a traditional longbow? Does it load on your knuckle, or do they have rests and strike-plates like re-curves? I'm sure some modern hybrids do of course, and I know that custom bows can be made with the pistol-grip handle... but in traditional, old style longbows, how do you load? Thanks for any info!

Tim Fishell · October 22, 2010, 11:31:00 AM

The old style English Longbows were shot off your knuckle. Most of the modern bows built for the last 60-70 years have arrow shelves with strike plates that you shoot off.

lpcjon2 · October 22, 2010, 11:55:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Tim Fishell:
The old style English Longbows were shot off your knuckle. Most of the modern bows built for the last 60-70 years have arrow shelves with strike plates that you shoot off.

BINGO!!
But I would say that if you are starting off with a longbow you should get a cheaper model with a rest and let the knuckles be for later.I first shot a traditional style without the rest and was frustrated that I had no consistency with my shooting.

Get a inexpensive LB with rest and work on your form to start out.JMHO

Zradix · October 22, 2010, 12:10:00 PM

The great thing about trad archery these days is there are many great bowyers out there making many different types of bows.

Bottom line...you can buy the type of bow you want.
Whether it is a bow with or without a shelf.
I've never shot an adult bow without a shelf.

I'm sure some here can shoot a non-shelf bow well.
I am pretty sure though that shooting a bow with a shelf will be easier to start with.

Mostly because you will have a consistent place for the arrow to rest.

And shelf type bows generally ( not all ) are closer to center cut and will be more forgiving of arrow spine ( stiffness of the arrow ).

I have seen where some have lashed a small piece of wood or antler to the side of a non shelf bow just to make a shelf.

Welcome to trad archery and the Gang!

luvnlongbow · October 22, 2010, 01:25:00 PM

You can indeed find Longbows that are made to shoot off your hand. However as stated, if you are just starting out then you might be better served by a longbow with a shelf. A bow that comes to mind is Bear's Montana. Inexpensive and good quality from all reports. Welcome to Traditional Archery. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

straitera · October 22, 2010, 03:26:00 PM

Dangerous ground Andrew!! Once you find longbow magic you can't quit. Welcome. My older style Hills all have shelf/rests. Can't see why not.

Jerry Jeffer · October 22, 2010, 05:13:00 PM

something like this.

Rooselk · October 22, 2010, 07:16:00 PM

And like this:

Andrew JT Stubb · October 23, 2010, 03:34:00 AM

Thank you so much for the replies! That cleared up a lot! I asked because I would love to collect and have a multitude of bow styles to shoot, so that I can feel them all.

The Old English style longbow really appeals to me, but my first bow will probably be a re-curve, and maybe a hybrid longbow in the future. But thank you all.

Thanks for the welcome!

Mudd · October 23, 2010, 06:01:00 AM

Shooting off your knuckle will require that you match your arrows as close as possible to the right spine weight.

There's a plethora of information out there to be read on archery in all of it's forms. If you haven't had the chance to read some of it, you are in for a treat.

Be forewarned... it can lead one to thinking that they too can make something as simple as a bow that will fling an arrow...lol

I doubt there is a greater thrill than taking your intended game with a bow made with your own two hands, with an arrow of your own making (yuck)...lol fletched with wild turkey feathers from a bird you killed, launched off of a Flemish twist string also made with your hand.

I'm sorry for the short detour but just thinking about archery leads me not only to wanting to be in the woods today but brings back such sweet memories. Some(like the one above are mine) but others have also written about it with much detail and love. It literally begs to be read, enjoyed and shared by joining in making all aspects of it a part of your journey as well. If it's your desire to feel the archer in your soul.

God bless,Mudd