Longbow vs. Recurve Accuracy

[Carolina_Bowhunter]

So, I've read in a few places that people tend to shoot recurves better than longbows.  Is this a fact, or does it just depend on what you're used to and what you practice with?  

Thanks,

[northener]

You will get mixed responses, really depends on the shooters likes and dislikes.

For me I like the grip better on a curve, so I am more accurate with it.  That being said if I were to devote as much shooting time to a traditional style longbow as I have to my recurves, I know my accuracy would vastly improve.

[abbatoys]

I have had 1 recurve out of a couple dozen that I was absolutely impressed with my accuracy. Also 1 longbow out of a dozen or so that I feel the same. I think the accuracy comes with the bow you are most comfortable with and shoot the most.

[30coupe]

Each has its strengths and weaknesses. I don't think one style of bow is necessarily more accurate than another.

If you tend to torque the string, a longbow will generally be more forgiving.

At one point in time, one could say recurves offered more grip options, but that really isn't the case anymore.

Before it delaminated, I was most accurate with my Kanati. Now, I can't see much difference between my Bama r/d longbow and my Orion recurve. For me, if the grip fits my hand, the bow will be accurate, the shape of the limbs make little difference.

I think the one you shoot the most will be the most accurate, all things being equal.

[MnFn]

I had a long bow that at times I could be very accurate with.  I had trouble repeating my grip so I was inconsistant from shot to shot.  I don't if I could have mastered it or not- maybe if I had stuck with it soley.

My recurves are easy to grip the same repeatedly.  I think that is why I  shoot  'curves better, and have confidence with it.

[Bjorn]

I am equally accurate with either!  

[indianalongbowshooter]

it makes no difference to me on which I shoot or type of grip usually if I shoot it enough I can hit what I want.. have only had maybe 2 bows out of a couple hundred that I actually couldn't hit with..all bows are accurate.

[Blackhawk]

There are a number of factors that figure into this, however, the recurve ends up on top.  There will be the "special" longbow shooter who will outscore the recurve, but most likely that shooter would have won shooting either.  

Note: the above is stated with no scientific fact to back it up and is strictly the opinion of a below average recurve/longbow shooter.

...and of course there are those like Bjorn that can shoot anything well.

[Orion]

Not a big difference, but if you track the scores of most of the big shoots, you'll notice that the highest scores are usually shot with recurves.  

I shoot mine about equally well, but prefer the longbow for hunting.

[BWallace10327]

I think heavier risers are easier to shoot groups with, but a good recurve or longbow can place 1 arrow in and through the heart/lungs of a game animal.

[Sam McMichael]

No doubt, there may be aspects of a shooter's form that lends itself to one style or another, which is what I believe makes the difference.

[Burnsie]

Howard Hill was pretty good with a longbow?

I think it all depends on who is holding the bow, and what he prefers!

Bisch

[Harmless]

I'm just as bad with either one!

[highlow]

I am equally Inaccurate with either.  

[Stumpkiller]

It certainly depends on the individual.  And also which recurve and which longbow.  With many it's just a choice of which limbs to bolt on today.  There is no appreciable difference.

I shoot any of my recurves better (more consistantly) over a mix of ranges than I did a Hill-style recurve,  The grip killed me in poundages that allowed what I considered a proper arrow trajectory.

But I know there are guys here who can walk all over me with theirs.

For myself, when I shot target style with target bows, I could shoot targets better with a longer recurve and their heavier and shorter copies.  Some modern methods are mostly a higher anchor non bow sight version of pure target form. The problem I had was that deer, rabbits and pheasants were not as obliging as a target and my target form failed me.  The successful game shots that I commonly take with a Hill style longbow and Hill style form are for the most part impossible with that target form.  Target scores may prove that an individual can shoot, but they do not prove that the same individual can shoot at varied animals, with varied timing, with varied movement,  and in varied shooting positions.  I am always tempted to get a good target bow, I get a kick out of shooting olympic style at targets, especially at longer ranges, but I already shoot way more arrows every week than I should.   For those that shoot with a straighter more static shooting style, I think they will almost always shoot a bow better that has a deeper grip and deeper sight window.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Long bow or recurve limb design has no effect on accuracy. I think you hear better reports on recurves associated with accuracy because of the grip shape is typically more repeatable.

I can shoot a long bow just as well as a recurve if i have a good locater grip with a flat spot to settle my thumb pad into the same every time.

The long bows with rounded grips are tougher for me to keep the pressure point in the same spot on the grip every shot, unless I shoot with an open hand.

Well seasoned archers can shoot both very accurately with no problems at all, but most everyone has a preference..... in any case a repeatable grip location is a key factor.

[joe munno]

to me I think if you have rock solid form and concentration any bow you shoot will work you will always shoot the one bow you like and the one that fits just right the best

[Thumper Dunker]

I shoot both. Just have to remember how the one bow shoots.  All bows shoot strait.