Mass and length obviously will always add stability. That's why target bows have long stabilizers and weigh much more than most hunting bows. Many of the compound bows that are used in target shooting take that to the extreme. So do benchrest rifles and sniper rifles. There is no doubt that with bow designs and construction being similar, the longer, heavier bow will be more stable and tend to shoot more accurately for most people. That is why there is now a Model-T Shrew for those who prefer longer length and more mass. Ron LaClair has been shooting one over the last year both in tournaments and in the hunting fields and has done very well with it.
I find I spend a lot of money on shorter, light-weight, custom rifles for hunting because they are easier to pack for travel, weigh less for baggage and when carrying in the field, and are much easier to shoot from stands, blinds and other tight spots. The shorter, lighter bows -- from the smaller Shrews to other similar bows -- work like my expensive, light-weight, custom rifles. The Shrews are great for travel, and actual hunting conditions that I encounter on most of my game chasing adventures. Joe Van is correct about the stability of short, light bows, but that just means that the archer will have to engage in the same tradeoffs that the bow designer does. I actually shoot my 56" Shrews and my 56" Morrison ILF longbow about as well as my bows that are a full foot longer, and better than many of my longer bows. And it is much easier for me to hunt with a shorter, lighter bow. That said, I have dozens of bows that are 60 inches or longer and I would not hesitate to go hunting with any of them. I have a 64" ACS and it is a great bow. I don't have any Widows, but I have shot many of them and think they are good bows although much heavier than I prefer. I don't think there has been anyone who has shot my Shrews (especially the latest of them) who has not thought they were incredible and wanted to have one; however, I have heard some people who have voiced opinions similar to those by Joe Van. I admit that it took a little adjustment when I first started shooting Shrews. I had to improve my shooting form before I became as accurate with them as with my longer, heavier bows.
Like Joe Van says, it is nice to try any bow before you buy one. It would be best if you could try a bow for an extended period before you write it off. Sometimes my boots don't feel all that good in the store when I try them on, but after a break-in period they can become my most comfortable. The same thing has happened to me with bows. The Shrews are wonderful bows, but there are many other bows out there that are great too and may fit a particular person's needs or preferences better.
Allan
Topic: shrew bows (Read 462 times)
