Flat-bow/American longbow grip styles

[shooter123]

Does the style of bow grip make a difference to shooting? I'm looking at 68 inch bows to complement my homemade bow, but have noticed there is a big selection on grip styles. Some even have re-curve pistol grips.

Here are the bows I'm looking at, hopefully the link sorts them all merlinarchery.co.uk/bows/traditional-bows/flatbows.html?att_traditional_bow_length295&product_list_dir=asc&product_list_limit30&product_list_order=price]https://www.merlinarchery.co.uk/bows/traditional-bows/flatbows.html?att_traditional_bow_length=295&product_listdir=asc&product_list_limit=30product_list_order=price

Is there a grip shape preference for these types of bow?

[Nasr]

are you trying to start a war in here? Dont you know those types of bows arent allowed on here 

[shooter123]

are you trying to start a war in here? Dont you know those types of bows arent allowed on here 

Are they not? Oh dear, well sorry then. Thing is I can't find offhand style longbows for online anywhere apart from expensive English longbows.

[scp]

IMHO we can talk about fiberglass bows, their designs and performances. I have several old fiberglass recurves and compound bows to study them in comparison with wooden bows I make.  But we are not expected to talk about how to make them here. As for the handle designs, almost any commercial flatbow will be acceptable, as most of them can be made in wood by hand. I personally think center-shot pistol grips are not quite "primitive" enough.

[shooter123]

I'm not sure its cut past center, but I could be wrong. merlinarchery.co.uk/oakridge-boga-flatbow.html]https://www.merlinarchery.co.uk/oakridge-boga-flatbow.html

I like the look of that bow, but not sure how a pistol grip would feel.

[Hawkdancer]

You are the one shooting the bow - fit the grip to your comfort and accuracy.  If you are trying to more or less replicate a bow style, follow that design and make it comfortable to shoot.  I am pretty sure most bows were made to fit the archer to some extent.  If it is wood, it is good - as long as it is made and tillered correctly!  I am by no measure an expert bowyer!   Otherwise, no comment!
Hawkdancer

[shooter123]

You are the one shooting the bow - fit the grip to your comfort and accuracy.  If you are trying to more or less replicate a bow style, follow that design and make it comfortable to shoot.  I am pretty sure most bows were made to fit the archer to some extent.  If it is wood, it is good - as long as it is made and tillered correctly!  I am by no measure an expert bowyer!   Otherwise, no comment!
Hawkdancer

This is for a bow I'm buying rather than making, also I can't try any out before ordering due to covid lockdown.

[HH~]

Center or close to center shot grips are plenty primitive. Primitive as fire or the spear. Make of buy what shoots the best young fella.

Same few guys that'll gang bang ya here if you dont fall into their way of thinking. Look at Whip Ended thread you'll see the trend!

Look at title of thread AMERICAN LONGbow Grip Style. Does not surprise me to figure the Old World will not consider that Primitive enough for them at all.

Shawn~

[PaSteve]

If you're new to archery a pistol grip imo would probably allow for more consistent hand placement. Good luck on your selection.

[Pat B]

First off the link you posted is against our rules so I have disabled it.
 Handle style is mostly a personal preference. I use a bulbous handle for most of the bows I build no matter the style of the bow. Some bows, like the Howard Hill style have a specific style of handle but you can still build a HH style bow with any style of handle.

[Yooper Bowyer]

IMO the handle shape is totally your choice, I don't find it makes a huge difference, you'll get used to it like you do to new shoes.
Center shot is generally more accurate for beginners.

BTW,
I just realized Shawn's username is the same as the Archery Legend's initials. Clever

[mmattockx]

Does the style of bow grip make a difference to shooting?

It is mostly personal preference, but I would say the pistol grip style is more conducive to the higher wrist position while the Hill style straight handle is more suited to the lower wrist position. As noted, a pistol grip will locate your hand more consistently which helps with developing a consistent shot cycle and accuracy.


Mark