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Recurve vs Long Bow Accuracy

Mschmeiske

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Sep 4, 2017
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I was sitting here thinking, is there any difference in accuracy from a recurve to a long bow? Or is it all in the shooter?
 

tyson12590

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Jul 10, 2019
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tyson12590@yahoo.com
While accuracy is dependent on the person, there are many characteristics that make a bow more forgiving and may increase an individuals accuracy. The thing is that every person's body and shooting style is so different that what bow is best for them is very subjective. Having said that, the characteristics that make a bow more forgiving are usually agreed upon. (longer bow, less reflex, ect). Keep in mind that having a forgiving bow is usually a trade off with other features such as manuverability, speed ect.
 

kbetts

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Oct 13, 2015
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I prefer a longbow but shoot a recurve better.…..except last night…..lol.
Personally, more mass in the bow makes it easier to be consistent. My longbows typically have a side quiver just for that reason.

That being said, I’ve owned three different Black Widow recurves and sold them because they were so consistent I found them boring to shoot. That was early in my trad quest and completely stupid. Now I want to sell everything for another PSA or PCH.
 

Heydeerman

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SH Member
Dec 20, 2015
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Muskingum County, Ohio
Shooter, but the bow does factor in the equation. A guy who is comfortable with his longbow might struggle with a Recurve. Kind of like when you own a Tundra and your buddy throws you the keys to his Silverado and you get in and the controls to everything are slightly different. They are all there and they all work but not what you are used to.
 

Missouri Bowhunter

New Member
Apr 26, 2021
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I shoot both and go back and forth. I don’t see an accuracy difference but it seems the longbow is more fluid for me. Faster to shoot. The recurve since it’s a bit faster then any of my longbows seems to be easier to shoot past 30 yards. Practice only. It shoots a bit flatter.
 

gumby

Well-Known Member
Dec 15, 2018
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the center shot in a recurve should make some difference, if nothing else arrow flight.