Opinions at 58": BW PSR or Shrew ?

[Archie]

I draw about 30.5", and am thinking about options for short bows.  Just went to the Widow works last week and shot a 58" PSR and really liked it and shot it well.  But the more forward handle of the Shrew looks more comfortable and forgiving.  For comparison, I've shot a 58" Thunderchild and it was good to shoot, though I preferred the PSR to it.

I'm hoping that Ron will be at Kalamazoo this year (2013) with some Shrews to try out.  

Any opinions from TG'ers with experience shooting both the PSR and Shrew?

[BOWMARKS]

Can not help you out with the PSR but I do have a Shrew CH that I do like alot, only bow I have shot scince 2012 Kazoo.

You may want to contact Greg about Shrew bows at Kazoo this year.

[JamesKerr]

I don't have near that long of a draw but my vote would go for the widow. If you want a forward riser get one of their PCH takedowns.

[riverrat 2]

Man Archie,I never had luck with a short bow myself buddy. I have tried a bunch of them though. 52" Fedora Stalker,56"Shrew,56"and 58" ILF configurations in recurve,and longbow forms
58" Thunderchild,and a 58"Banshee. Of all those..my personal opinion is the Shrew was the best of both worlds. Performance/comfort. But,having said that,after about 20 shots with any of them...my string hand fingers were done. I shoot 3-under,and draw 28". For me,these days,a 60" bow is my shorty. rat'

[Archie]

As for finger pinch, it didn't even cross my mind at the Widow shop last week.  I always shot my compound with fingers, and it's mighty short, and I shot it around 72#, with about 35% let-off (it's about 25 years old).  Maybe that toughened me up to finger pinch -- I always had callouses on the outside of my fourth finger when I shot it.

I may just stick to these sweet-shooting longer bows that I've already got... and if for some reason I need a short bow, I could go to that old compound?  But you know how it is when you start looking at a new bow...

[kawika b]

With short bows it's more about finger pinch posing a problem for a good release than being a discomfort... some designs help minimize or alleviate said issue.

[Archie]

That makes sense, Kawika.  I haven't shot any short trad bows enough to expect or develop any consistency.

[Gary Sorensen]

I cannot comment on the BW PSR because I have not shot one.  But I have two Shrew Classic Hunters (58" and 60") that I love.  They both handle my 31.5" draw with no issue.  I shoot them as well as any of my longer bows and prefer the manuverability and light weight in the field.

[Gary Sorensen]

Correction:
As I walked away from my computer I realized that I had mis typed.  My two Shrews are actually 58" and 56" (not 60").

[amar911]

I'm with Gary on the Shrews. If you go with a Classic Hunter that has the shorter riser, I would recommend the 56" for your draw length. In the longer riser Super Shrew, you would want to go with the 60". I think you would be happiest getting the Classic Hunter. I don't have any problems with finger pinch on my Shrews, and if you can shoot a compound using your fingers, you won't have any problems with the Shrews either. Definitely go to K'zoo and look up Ron LaClair or Gregg Coffey so you can shoot their bows. I predict you will be a convert. Just remember that those short, light bows sometimes take a little time to feel right if you have been shooting a different style of bow, but keep at it and you will fall in love.

Allan

[kadbow]

I have shot both.  I have several Shrews and love them.  The grip on the PSR did not work for me and I sold it.  It comes down to personal prference so your best bet is to shoot them both.