Short bows and long draws

[Safari Scott]

Hi all,

I've recently been getting out in the bush a bit more and I was thinking it might be nice to do a bit of hiking with the bow. I'd like something short I can put in a scabbard but I pull over 30.5 so I'm a bit worried about pinching etc, are there any good bows out there around 56 or that are made for this? Big jims thunderchild comes to mind, and I understand he is a man mountain so probably he knows how to build that sort o thing. What do you all think?

[jcp161]

I picked up a Hoots Lil Hoots recurve here on a trade. It is 45# @ 28" and only 52" long. I never would have bought one on my own and I had never heard of it before. It has quickly become a favorite.

I pull almost 30". There is no stacking or pinch and the bow is smooth and fast. I think he makes a longer version but I'm not sure. Very well made with a nice hunting finish. It would be a good choice for what you describe. Or for anything for that matter.

Just my opinion. When not strung, it also fits perfectly in a Shrew back quiver with the bow slot if you can find one. Good luck in your search.

[halfseminole]

I pull 34"-36" depending on how excited I get while shooting.  I'd love a shorter bow for the same reason but I'm afraid I'm gonna have to get a horse bow or some such to accommodate it.  Having arms well longer than my height (and I'm 6' 4") has seriously messed me up on bow selection.

[Crooked Stic]

It will depend on how the bow is designed. The finger pinch can be controlled to a point with tip wedges that keeps them stiff giving better string angle without pinch.

[Crooked Stic]

It will depend on how the bow is designed. The finger pinch can be controlled to a point with tip wedges that keeps them stiff giving better string angle without pinch.

[old_goat2]

Bob Lee Dark Horseman, I don't know if it comes in more than one length or not, but they had a shorty in RMSG and it never stacked up all the way to my draw length which is as long as yours.

[gringol]

Big jims tc should work for you.  It's almost all working limb.

[moebow]

I'd offer this thought.  Look at or have someone look at the angle the string makes with the limb tip as you approach or reach full draw.  If that string angle is near or approaching 90 degrees, you are reaching the geometrical limits of the bow's design.  As that angle approaches 90* you are getting to an area where you are trying to "stretch" the limbs rather than bend the limbs.  Recurves are more receptive to longer draws because the string to limb angle stays low longer than with a straight ended bow.

Finger pinch due to string angle can mostly be accommodated (by many) but the angle of the string at the limb tips is a mechanical limitation.

Arne

[amar911]

56" Shrew Classic Hunter
56" Java Man Elkheart or Inferno
56" Big Jim Thunderchild

All are outstanding longbows that would work well for you. My favorite is the Shrew Classic Hunter built by Gregg Coffey. I don't own his Java Man bows -- yet. But, knowing Gregg well, I am positive the Java Man bows will shoot similarly to the Shrews. I do have a TC and like it quite a bit.

Allan

[LongStick64]

I traded for a Big Jim TC and I cant stop shooting it, I can't think of another bow that has me possessed like the TC.

[Yellow Dog]

I draw 30". What Allan says, contact Gregg Coffey. He'll do you right for sure.

                     

[JamesKerr]

Big Jim's Thunderchild. If I am not mistaken he shoots a 54" or 56" bow with a 30+ inch draw.

[hunthold]

Originally posted by amar911:
56" Shrew Classic Hunter
56" Java Man Elkheart or Inferno
56" Big Jim Thunderchild

All are outstanding longbows that would work well for you. My favorite is the Shrew Classic Hunter built by Gregg Coffey. I don't own his Java Man bows -- yet. But, knowing Gregg well, I am positive the Java Man bows will shoot similarly to the Shrews. I do have a TC and like it quite a bit.

Allan

No doubt!!

[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by amar911:
56" Shrew Classic Hunter
56" Java Man Elkheart or Inferno
56" Big Jim Thunderchild

All are outstanding longbows that would work well for you. My favorite is the Shrew Classic Hunter built by Gregg Coffey. I don't own his Java Man bows -- yet. But, knowing Gregg well, I am positive the Java Man bows will shoot similarly to the Shrews. I do have a TC and like it quite a bit.

Allan

What he said!!!

[Pheonixarcher]

Another vote for Java man. Gregg builds excellent bows! I'm on his list. I've also heard nothing but good about big Jim. Also if you like belly mounted take downs, you might check out Hill Country's Bobcat. I believe the 56"er will draw past 30".

[Fanto]

if you want a really short bow perhaps a korean static tip recurve. they are so so small and so so fast!

[Bow man]

Our 56" recurve will work as well

[BigJim]

I used to have a 30.5" draw lenght and shot the 56" TC for a while. Never a finger pinch issue. I have gravitated to the 58" I guess for no good reason.
After attending Rod Jenkins clinic, I now have a 32" draw lenght and have no issues with the 58" TC.
Thanks, bigjim