If you're talking 47" total length, which you'd really need like 20" limbs cause the limbs lay on the limb pad area if the riser for 3" or so, I think you could get away with that. I don't think release is necessary. If you're talking 41" total length, I think you might be pushing it. Search for one of tenbrooks one piece 43" recurves. IIRC Jess Stuart has done some really short takedowns also.