Longbow Bow Hand

[TradBro]

Hello, I have been shooting a recurve for about a year and a half now. I shoot it with a loose grip on the bow, basically allowing string tension to seat the bow in my hand. This has worked well for me, however I've just acquired a new longbow. I want to take it on full time, but I would like some advice from other shooters on how they grip their longbows during the shot. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[McDave]

I'm mainly a recurve shooter too, so I cheat and buy longbows with contoured grips. I grip them the same way I grip my recurve. I understand that Hill type longbows need to be gripped with more authority. I think Arne shoots a Hill style longbow, and maybe he will offer his opinion about that.

What kind of longbow do you shoot?

[moebow]

I shoot all bows with the same grip regardless.  For me, it works well and I don't have to try to "adjust" anything.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=005763#000000

Just scroll down a little for pictures of a suggested grip that I find works for everything.

Arne

[alaninoz]

I find it depends on the bow. Two of my longbows work best with a one finger grip and the other fingers tucked into the palm of my hand. My other two longbows work best with a grip similar to the one Arne recommends.

Try various grips and find the one that works best for you and your bow.

[TradBro]

I just received my new Robertson Stykbow. It's the Primal Styk at 62" and 56# pull at 28". I believe its in locator grip. Beautiful bow, and I shot it well from the start. It just feels like when i pull it back without "gripping" the bow, that it's twisting the limbs a little. However it's shooting straight, so maybe it's just me being new to the feel of a longbow.

[TradBro]

Moebow, thank you for the descriptive pictures. One question, when you draw your bow with a straight line, and good back tension, are you letting the bow seat in your grip hand how it wants as you draw? My grip on the recurve and new longbow had the same look as your photos, except I've been tucking my ring and pinky fingers. Would you guys recommend not tucking on the longbow?

[moebow]

The bow will find it's own "place" as you draw.  It should press into the base of the thumb (Thenar eminence)and will be pressing into the end of the arm bone (radius).

Tucking or not tucking the little finger, ring finger and even the middle finger are personal choices and depends on YOUR hand size and shape.  I don't "tuck" but others do, you just need to experiment with that.

Arne

[TradBro]

Thank you all very much! I have a pretty good idea now. I don't know any other traditional shooters, as my buddies all hunt with the latest compounds on the market. I appreciate the help!