Short longbow??

[Bvas]

The BIL fixed me up with some more free 3/4 plywood. So of course I'm contemplating my next form. I'm thinking a 52" D/R would be great for blinds and thick cover stalking. The form could also double nicely for lightweight kids bows.

What characteristics have you found make a short bow more "user friendly"??

I'm thinking a shorter riser to maintain more working limb. And tip wedges to help keep string angle.

Any other suggestions?

[kennym]

I'm thinking some recurves on the end would help....  

Wedges for sure, maybe a forward handle, I would look at all the short longbows and reviews to snoop out what works...

[kennym]

A quick search on powwow, showed most liked are Thunderchild and Elkheart.  Both forward handle, no idea on wedges. 54" was the shortest mentioned, but if you have a 26 or 27" draw, you might do 52",,only one way to find out!!  :D

[kennym]

Actually I shrank a D/R pattern for a kids D/R to 50" but only built one off it. Can't remember but think about 25" was all it would do before string angle got too much.

Think I gave it to David Flanrey(the form)

[Bvas]

I have a 28.5-29 draw, so I'm trying to figure out how to push the envelope.
I know the forward handle would help with the draw length, and may end up going that route. But, my belief is that the forward handle increase brace height and essentially shortens the power stroke and reduces speed/power.
Guess I just want the same as most.....EVERYTHING      

[kennym]

[KenH]

Bvas -- you can have "everything" but not in a straight bow, and not in wood-glass.  A friend on the Asian trad forum has been making replicas of Scythian "radical recurves" which are well under 50" and will easily sustain 29", 30" even 31" draws.  These bows are made the old fashioned way -- wood, horn, sinew, natural glues, etc  Works of at as well as superbly functional. Not cheap, that's for sure.  Google JWB Bows