Longbows - Who makes a good one?

[1911Man]

I am interested in getting a longbow. I would probably shoot modern fiberglass arrows with it. It doesn't have to be 100% period correct for the renaissance, but close to traditional would be nice.

Does anybody here have a recommendation? Horror story?

The ones at Gander Mtn. don't thrill me. If that's what I've got to choose from then, so be it. But I think I can do better.

EDIT: I've seen SeekHer's list, but I want opinions. Anecdotes are welcome as well.

[308Mike]

Bear Archery has been around a LONG time. I had a couple of their traditional bows, before compound bows were invented. I actually got quite good and was routinely hitting soda cans from across the street and into the neighbor's ice-plant bank (backstop). This was before I took up rifle shooting.

Bear's traditional bows are here:

Often rated a top buyer's choice for quality and bowyer craftsmanship, the traditional line-up from Bear® Archery continues to satisfy those recurve and longbow enthusiasts looking for a time-tested quality hunter. These are the same handcrafted bows that Fred Bear designed and tested all over the world, including a legendary TakeDown. Special edition bows include the Montana Long Bow Supreme, Super Kodiak Supreme, and the Kodiak Magnum Supreme. Exotic Rosewoods and Zebra woods have been used to create stunning bows that are both superior in the field and almost certainly to become tomorrow's collectables.

[First Shirt]

I've got a Robertson Stykbow "Purist" that I really like, but if you want custom, there's a long wait. He does have some bows for sale on his website.

Saxon Archery makes a nice reflex/deflex longbow, but unless you have small hands, you might find the grip too small to suit you.

Howard Hill Archery has semi-custom longbows, and delivery usually takes about six weeks unless they have what you want in stock.

[Highspeed]

One of my best buddies in the UK is an amateur bowyer. He doesn't advertise his bows for sale purely because he doesn't want to turn a hobby into a job. If he likes you, he'll make you a traditional English yew longbow.

Would you like me to have a word with him when I'm back in the UK next week ?

[Fivetoes]

Zipper was in my area before Mr. Thompson sold out. I have no idea how good they are now but what I handled were pretty classy.

http://www.zipperbows.com/

[Tanner68]

I shoot a Bear Montana longbow. You won't find many others at the same price point. It can be had for under $300.

[Rumpshot]

Another place to look would be 3 Rivers Archery.

[SeekHer]

2nd 3 Rivers--they are a true traditional house with a couple of excellent makers...

I collect & shoot medieval style crossbows and the eastern style recurve bows (horse) not the Japanese style, although I did have a couple of them that I shot very poorly...

I had a few older recurve Bear bows, a Magnum and a Kodiak and they aren't bad for a modern style of bow--fancy cut-outs, risers, multi woods etc...

I’ve handled a few bows by Dwyer Longbows that were really sweet drawing and I’ve loved one of my friend’s longbows that was the handwork of Pacific Yew and Faireworks makes some nice pieces as well…

I’ve literally drooled over some recurves and longbows made by Acadian Bow Works—amazing wood work--and on a tree stand I used a borrowed takedown by Schafer that was a little too short for me but very nicely made…

Although I had, in past, hunted with recurves now, I use a compound bow for hunting and a wood bow for fun…

[HTRN]

Like others have said, 3 Rivers makes some really, REALLY nice bows, but they will put a hurt on your wallet.

Personally, I've been wanting to buy a PSE Laminate takedown for almost 10 years, but haven't found a way to justify spending $300 on one, when they're are 3 other bows in the house that I haven't shot in years..


HTRN

[Rumpshot]

that I haven't shot in years..


HTRN

Why not. It is great fun and light exercise.