Field Guide / Archery Gear & Setup
Longbow
Also called: English longbow, American longbow
A long, narrow, simple bow with limbs that bend in one smooth curve, a classic for traditional hunters.
- Type
- Bows
- Typical hunting draw weight
- About 40 to 60 pounds
- Let-off
- None
- Arrow speed
- Roughly 150 to 190 feet per second
- Used for
- Deer & big game, Small game, Target practice
Safety: Never dry-fire a bow or crossbow (release the string without an arrow). It can break the limbs, string, or cams and injure you.
What it is good for
- Traditional hunting where simplicity and tradition matter.
- Quiet shots at close range.
- Hunters who enjoy shooting by feel.
Where it falls short
- Long length can be awkward in blinds and brush.
- Slower and less forgiving than modern bows.
- Takes a lot of practice to shoot accurately.
Tips
- Start with a light draw weight and learn good form.
- Choose a length that fits your draw length and hunting style.
Works well with
- Recurve Bow: a shorter traditional bow with curved limb tips.
- Wood Arrow: a traditional match.
Field notes
Longbows are simple by design. Many are made of wood or laminated wood and fiberglass, and the shooter aims with no sight at all.
Related guides
Numbers here are typical, not guarantees. Have a pro shop set up and tune your bow or crossbow, follow the maker's manual, and never dry-fire a bow. Legal equipment, draw weights, crossbow seasons, and broadhead rules differ by state and area; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations. Not sure what to buy? Try our bow and crossbow wizard.