A bow and arrow is an excellent survival weapon that is useful for both self-defense and hunting. As a long-range weapon, it's an efficient tool that allows you to fire from a secure position, just like any firearm. But to make the best out of this weapon, you'll need a good-quality bow that's appropriate for your survival needs and skill level. It doesn't need to be expensive, but there are some things you have to consider when buying your first bow. (h/t to TheSurvivalistBlog.net)
Look for a trusted seller
Refrain from buying used bows online and avoid deals that sound too good to be true. There's a good reason why a person is selling his weapon, so it pays to be careful of who you're buying from. Visit a legitimate store and ask a trained associate for advice. If you're acquaintances with a bowhunter, take that person with you or ask him for store recommendations.
Get yourself fitted
Bow fitting is important to determine your draw length – the measurement of how far you can pull back a bow with ease. Be honest about your experience when you're getting fitted. Though there's nothing wrong with buying a bow above your skill level, you need to be able to use it right out of the box so you can better train with them.
During the fitting, a store associate will have you try several bows in the variety you want to make sure you can handle the bow's draw weight (the amount of force needed to pull a bow). If you're struggling to pull or doing so hurts, tell the associate. Your muscles will develop over time as you train. (Related: Prepare yourself for SHTF: Exercises you'll need for survival.)
If you're purchasing a bow online, bring a helper to do the measurements for you. He should measure your arm span in inches while you're standing with your arms stretched out to the sides and your palms facing forward. Do not stretch out your arms into an unnatural position, just hold them at their longest comfortable point away from your body.
Choose the right type of bow
The following are the four types of bows commonly used for hunting and contest shooting:
- Compound bow – has a complicated system of pulleys, cams and cables that allows you to hold heavy draw weights with little effort. This lets you hold your bow steadily and take more time to aim effectively.
- Recurve bow – has limbs that curve away from the archer. This allows more energy to be released into a shot compared to other straight-limbed bows, meaning it’s capable of a lot of power.
- Traditional or longbow – a long wooden pole with a string on both ends. Often used in target shooting and the most difficult to use of these four, this bow is for the masters.
- Crossbow – has a trigger release mechanism that allows for easy shooting. This bow does not require much practice.
Which bow will be right for you depends on your skill level and draw length, as well as your desired draw weight. Recurve bows work best for beginners. Meanwhile, longbows and traditional recurve bows are great choices if you want a bow that can be pulled back to nearly any distance. Compound bows are designed to be drawn back to a specific spot, at which point you can no longer pull it back.
If you're buying a compound bow, it's important to have your draw length measured. Select a bow that requires about 75 percent of your maximum draw length as anything above that can cause injury, fatigue or failure to release the arrow. Consider buying accessories like an arm guard, arrow rest and peep sight. These are optional, but they're excellent survival gears that can boost your firing efficiency. Remember these tips when buying your first bow and don't forget to purchase arrows.
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