[Regia-NA] viking bows

[Wulfhere se Treowryhta]

Hi Sleepy;

    Exactly what a 9th-10th century bow is can be a subject of 
tremendous debate. There are actually  bows that date from earlier 
periods and later. What you have to deduce from these examples are that 
there are so few changes in european bow design from the 4th to 12th 
century that you just need to focus on the basics. One piece of wood, 
between 60 and 72 inches long with a working handle. If you want to buy 
one I recommend;

http://www.woodbows.com/

   How big are you? If you've shot a compound bow, you will be surprised 
by how hard it seems to pull a low weight longbow. That's because a 
long bow is hardest to pull at full draw which is the weakest position. 
A compound maxes out early in the draw and get's easier just at your 
anchor point, when your ready to release. Stick to a #35-#40 for 
starters. Small guys can shoot high weight bows (I'm small and shoot a 
#65 and a #70) but it took time to get there. Be sure to use a shooting 
glove on your hand and a bracer on your bow arm. Also, make sure you 
get wooden arrows!! Aluminum, glass and graphite are made to resist 
bending for high power center shot bows. A longbow arrow NEEDS to bend 
around the handle to shoot straight. For arrows, try;

http://www.threeriversarchery.com/

   If you've never shot before, try to get the advice of an experienced 
shooter before you go to far. Bad habits are very hard to correct. Do a 
google search for "Maere Heath" and "Mary Rose".

   Forget making a bow. It's not as easy as you'd think.


On Friday, October 24, 2003, at 12:09 PM, BASENJIS2FOR2@aol.com wrote:

> do any of youll know of a place or a web site to buy Viking 9th to 
> 10th century bows or how to make a bow
> thanks micah aka the sleepy one
>
> spell check dose not know how to spell my name and i spell my name 
> right lol
>