Making a shortbow from rattan

35 inch shortbow made from rattan with 38 lbs draw weight.

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Shortbow

hort bows were used by Genghis Khan and his warriors. They were prized for their usability while riding horses since they didn’t limit movement.

Unlike longbows, these didn’t cause elbow strain or clunky maneuvering. For this reason (among many others), short bows have been found in Native American Tribes, Medieval battle sites, and so on.

These days, short bows are used for hunting, but not so much for battles. They’re not nearly as precise or impactful as modern weaponry, but their nostalgic feeling and seemingly silent arrow release make them a top choice for thousands of hunters.

It’s safe to say hunting with a short bow isn’t going out of style any time soon.

If you choose a shortbow, you should expect optimal portability, a lightweight design, and a quick firing rate.

Short bows have been popular for horseback riding, but they’re also a great choice for turning corners or chasing an animal you’re hunting.

Short bows are often three feet long, though some are slightly shorter, and others push up to five feet long.

The AliArchery Turkish Bow is a top-notch example of an efficient, affordable short bow. You can choose a variant for right-handed or left-handed archers.

This bow has between 25 to 50 pounds of force, which is more than enough for hunting small and medium-sized animals. The cow leather grip provides an ergonomic feeling while the fiberglass construction flexes without breaking.

Pros of a Shortbow

Short bows are much better for mobility and portability. Short bows offer optimal conditions for people turning sharp corners, running, or hunting from tight spaces. It’s nearly impossible to find the same conditions and perks when using a longbow.

You can fire arrows much quicker from a short bow. Since the draw force and draw length are much smaller than a longbow, you can fire a short bow faster without limiting its accuracy or force.

Short bows are the best choice for those riding horses. While hunting when riding a horse is rare these days, it’s not impossible. If you’re hunting quick prey, it’s crucial to have the fastest shooting and sprinting as possible. Horseback hunting is best with a short bow.

Cons of a Shortbow

Short bows aren’t always accurate. More draw force equates to better accuracy. Since many short bows aren’t designed with loads of force, they can’t be as precise as longbows or rifles.

They’re not the best choice for hunting large animals. A shortbow lacks the power and distance required to take down big prey. Even if you could strike the target, you might anger it instead of causing severe damage.

When to Choose a Short Bow

If you prefer quick firing, target practice, or you’re a beginner, short bows should be your first pick. They’re lightweight and fun to use, even if you’re not a professional. Most people who’ve excelled when using a longbow started with a shortbow.

They’re also much more affordable, which makes them a no-brainer if you’re testing the water.

Short bows are much more than beginner tools, though. The quick firing rate shouldn’t be overlooked, nor should the portability and capability to be used while riding a horse. These small perks make a significant difference for many archers.



Longbow vs Shortbow: What to Expect

Short bows are undoubtedly more popular. Any bow under 5’5” is considered a shortbow.

With this reasoning, almost every bow worldwide is a short bow, but there are many longbows on the market if you want something bigger. Longbows aren’t only known for their size and precision, though.

If you’ve never used a shortbow or longbow, now is a better time than ever. Bowhunting is an ever-growing sport, which is why it’s important to know the many differences between the two primary bows.

Below, we’ll cover what you should expect when using these two different types of bows.