Recurve bows, with their historic roots stretching back centuries, have been the stalwart defenders of lands, castles, forts, and the people who dwelt within. Countless civilizations have wielded these ancient tools of war and survival, each adding its unique spin on its construction and use.
In the modern era, the humble recurve bow has found a new home – the sport of archery. Keen archers, passionate about tradition and history, often gravitate towards the recurve bow, appreciating its connection to the past. They prefer its simplicity and challenge over newer, technologically advanced designs.
Remember, a recurve bow demands a higher degree of skill and precision than most of its modern counterparts.
It’s akin to choosing to drive a manual car over an automatic – it requires more from you, but the rewards, in terms of satisfaction and skill development, are significant.
Presenting Our Classic Bow Recommendations
A vintage recurve bow is a true embodiment of classic charm and time-tested functionality. It’s not just a bow; it’s a nod to the rich tradition of archery, a tribute to the pure, unadulterated art of releasing arrows from a bow that is as timeless as the sport.
Unlike the modern, technology-laden bows, wielding a vintage recurve bow is all about harnessing your innate power. There’s no room for fancy pulley systems to create greater tension and turbocharge the arrow’s speed. It’s just you, your bow, and your ability to focus, aim, and let the arrow fly.
In many ways, this levels the playing field.
The question isn’t “Who has the best equipment?” but rather, “Who is the best archer?”
This undeniably adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge to both friendly banter and serious competition.
1. IRQ Traditional Bow Hunting Handmade Archery Recurve
The IRQ Traditional Bow Hunting Handmade Archery Recurve Bow sports a unique Mongolian style, making it a standout choice for hunting.
This recurves´ eye-catching design includes a patterned leather print on the limbs and a riser featuring an alternating wrapped pattern, giving it a distinctive aesthetic appeal.
The handmade limb merges wood and fiberglass, making it robust enough to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.
This combination of materials ensures the bow’s durability, even in severe weather conditions.
PROS:
- Mongolian bow appearance, leather print design
- Sturdily built with wood and fiberglass for strength
- Length: 53.5-inches; String length 50-inches
- Draw weight models from 30 to 50lbs in 5lbs increments
- Works with hunting or target shooting
- Handmade with care
- Includes a black finger tab
- Designed to be fired by left-handed and right-handed shooters
- Minimized vibration post-release
CONS:
- Mongolian design won’t be to everyone’s taste
- Being handmade, no one bow will identically match the next
- Requires the removal of the shipping string and the installation of the firing string before use
- Requires removal of the firing string after each bow shooting session to ensure the longevity of the bow
The bow measures a comfortable 53.5 inches long, with a string length of 50 inches. The draw weight is customizable and can be selected from 3 lbs to 50 lbs in increments of five pounds.
To prevent injuries and ensure a steady hand before releasing the bow, a finger tab is also provided.
2. IRQ Archery Hunting Bows Wooden Bows with Arrows Traditional Recurve Bow
The IRQ Archery Hunting Bow, a classic Mongolian horse bow, captures the essence of an archer’s traditional spirit.
Handcrafted with a blend of sturdy wood high-strength resin and adorned with a strategic placement of brown cow leather, this bow resonates with a distinct vintage charm.
Pros:
- Stylish Mongolian horse bow design
- 54-inch bow length, 32-inch draw length
- Wide 30-65lbs draw weight range
- It comes with six 32-inch wooden arrows
- Suitable for all skill levels and purposes
Cons:
- The color is not everybody’s taste
The bow measures 54 inches long (with the bowstring attached), and the draw length is 32 inches. The draw weight varies with the model and can be chosen from 30 lbs to 65 lbs, increasing in 5lb increments. To delve deeper into the nuances of bow weights, check out our detailed guide on fletching glue.
Most archery sets cap the draw weight at 50 lbs, but this model’s upper limit of 65 lbs is a pleasant surprise.
This feature will be a hit with stronger archers looking to shoot their arrows faster and cover greater distances.
This archery set comes complete with five 32-inch wooden arrows. The arrows are adorned with 5-inch fletches, sporting an eye-catching brown feather pattern.
The silver broadhead tops, weighing 100 grain, add the finishing touch to the arrows.
3. Buffalo Hunting Bow Handmade Recurve Horsebow Longbow for Adults
The Buffalo Hunting Bow set enjoys distinct coloring with sections in patterned red, cream, white, and a darker riser in the center. The red Cobra cover resembles snakeskin. The style of this bow is unique and stands out from a crowded field of similar-looking alternatives.
The bow is handmade from wood and fiberglass and made exclusively for adults. Being handmade, there is a degree of chromatism between each product, but it’s minor.
PROS:
- Attractive red cobra cover
- Wood and fiberglass construction
- Handmade
- Two paper targets and one arrow rest for a recurve bow provided
CONS:
- It might be difficult to find suitable arrows to match
- The description is a bit misleading – there are NO arrows included!
It has a draw length of 75cm. The draw length is between 30lbs and 65lbs depending on the bow model selected. The product goes up by a 5lb draw weight differential between models. The design of the product makes it useable for people who are left-handed or right-handed.
The package includes a bonus recurve arrow rest and two paper targets to put up and use for target practice. The bow itself is useful both for target practice and bow hunting in the wild.
4. Southland Archery Supply SAS Traditional Wood Hunting Bow
As an avid archer who has spent countless hours in pursuit of that perfect shot, I can confidently say that the Southland Archery Supply Maverick Traditional Wood Hunting Bow is a true masterpiece that brings the timeless art of archery to a whole new level.
This bow isn’t just a tool; it’s an experience, and I’m here to share my firsthand encounter with this remarkable piece of craftsmanship.
Let’s start with the heart of this bow – the riser. Crafted from the rich and exotic Makore Wood, this riser is a sight to behold.
Pros
- Superior Craftsmanship: The use of exotic Makore Wood, Zebra, and Chulgam in the riser and high-strength fiberglass in the limbs showcases exceptional craftsmanship that’s both visually stunning and performance-enhancing.
- Balanced Performance: The 60-inch length strikes a perfect balance between maneuverability and power, making it suitable for a wide range of archery activities, from hunting to target shooting.
- Consistent Accuracy: Thanks to its well-designed limbs and riser, the Maverick consistently delivers accuracy and tight groupings, ensuring that your shots hit their mark consistently.
- Unique Aesthetic: Its unique blend of rare woods not only contributes to its performance but also makes it a standout piece of art among bows. It’s a conversation starter at the range.
Cons
- Price Point: The craftsmanship and materials used in the Maverick come at a premium, making it a bit pricey compared to entry-level bows. However, you’re paying for quality and uniqueness.
- Weight: While the Makore Wood and fiberglass provide strength and durability, they also contribute to the bow’s weight. It may feel slightly heavier during extended use, which could be a factor for some archers.
- Not Ideal for Beginners: This bow is better suited for experienced archers who can fully appreciate its performance and craftsmanship. Beginners might find it a bit challenging to handle.
- Limited Availability: Due to the use of rare woods and the handcrafted nature of the bow, it may not be readily available in all markets, which can limit accessibility for some potential buyers.
Its intricate blend of Makore Wood, Zebra, and Chulgam not only gives it a distinctive appearance but also contributes to its exceptional performance.
When you grip this bow, you’ll immediately notice its slender shape and the comfortable feel in your hand. It’s as if it was custom-made just for you.
The attention to detail in the riser’s construction is nothing short of extraordinary. The Southland Archery Supply Maverick Traditional Wood Hunting Bow boasts a length of 60 inches, a sweet spot for versatility.
This length strikes the perfect balance between maneuverability and power, making it an ideal choice for various hunting and target shooting scenarios.
5. SAS Pioneer Traditional Wood Long Bow
The SAS Pioneer Traditional Wood Long Bow is an appealing product that harks back to simpler times.
Its brown appearance from the combination of maple wood combined with fiberglass on the limb and both Cassia Siamea and Makore wood for the riser work perfectly together. The bow is intended only for right-handed archers.
PROS:
- Interesting mix of maple wood, fiberglass, Cassia Siamea and Makore wood
- Simple unfussy brown bow appearance
- 68-inch bow for taller, stronger archers
- Draw weight fixed between 25 to 30lbs
- Bow grip suitable for smaller or larger hands
CONS:
- Right-handed archers only
- Bow may be too long for some people to handle, particularly women
- No finger guard
The draw weight is selected by a model with the option from 35lbs to 55lbs. The longer 68-inch bow length is significantly larger than other alternatives to deliver greater power. The added length brings improved balance and stability while firing.
Another great longbow is the oryx 68 longbow from PSE
Popular “Regular” Recurve Bows
Each bow has the design elements that set it apart from other choices in the above collection. Some models stick to tried and true brown wooden designs, whereas others opt for a busier Mongolian bow appearance.
The occasional product also includes arrows sporting a similar design to the bow limb. Not every bow offers the same draw weight either.
Everyday Recurve Bows
Yes, vintage bows are awesome and fun to shoot! Hunters around the world have been using this popular recurves a lot. If you want an excellent takedown recurve bow, read our article about the Best Takedown Recurve Bows.
Some products have models with different draw weights, but in other cases, customers are provided a single model with limited draw weight. If you’re on the hunt for vintage recurve bows for sale, you’ll find plenty of options in this diverse collection.
