achigan -
Perhaps I can shed some light on the forward handle bow question that you asked. Basically, there are three distinct advantages to the forward handle.
1) The first is with the forward handle, the limbs are actually in the palm of your hand. This reduces the possibility (probability) of the archer torquing or twisting the handle when the bow is drawn. Conversely, with the handle on the belly of the bow, the limbs are about 2" + or - farther from the palm of your hand. This increases the probability of twisting the bow handle as you increase the grip pressure. Think of it this way, as you tighten your grip on anything, you actually are closing your fingers around it. With a bow handle, this almost always causes you to twist the handle as you tighten your grip. Even the slightest movement in this regard will cause the bow to have an adverse reaction and the shot or arrow to go astray. Therefore, a forward handle bow is inherently more accurate.
2) The actual location of the handle being on the back side of the limbs gives the bow a slight overdraw effect. This is much like Black Widow recurves where their limbs are attached to the belly side of the riser; or even any style bow that place the grip area in front of the limbs. They just seem to come on target easier and quicker.
3) Less feel in the grip when the arrow is released i.e., no hand shock.
My Berry Taipan. 66" 51# @ 28"
This is my forward handle Massie that I've had since April 1992. 64" 54# @ 26". Named "Sweet Sue