Well after a couple of weeks searching, I found a couple of longbows that I really liked(and that came highly recommended). One of those being a John Schulz, 68" Trophy Hunter, 59# @ 27". At my draw length probably around 62#ish.
What a beauty!!! Thank you Steve P! I am already in love with this bow.
I can tell the straight grip is going to take some "growing into" but I am already seeing improvements. After unpacking the bow (great job on packaging as well Steve), I strung it up and crimped a nock on and headed out the back door. I had also pre-ordered a dozen shafts from Twig Archery. John Christianer is awesome, took his time to help me choose the shafts he felt would perform in this bow and they seem perfect.
So I left the first arrow fly and hit the target! Good sign!
I fired another 5 and had not too bad a group at 15 or so paces. Retrieved those and settled in to shoot another group and this one put all six into about 4 inches (With one stragler). I'm smiling now! So I stopped long enough to call another friend that helped me choose my first longbow and folks, I swear Buddy Bell is happier than I am, if that is possible. Here are pics of that second group:
So Buddy and I discuss brace height and nock position, I make a few minor adjustments and head back to the target. Third group was even better.
I apologize for the picture quality. Had to use my phone....was too busy shooting to go grab another camera.
So, I have a lot of work....scratch that....I have a lot of FUN to do, but to go straight from a recurve to a longbow I am feeling very confident and very happy with my bow selection! To everyone that provided advice when I asked I say "Thank you all again!" Buddy, thanks again for all the emails, phone calls and for choosing to "Not be an expert" but explain pros and cons and listen to my endless questions! Steve P, thanks for a great longbow! I have no doubt that by the time September rolls around the critters will need to be wary of this bow!