Takedown Recurve Bow

Reasons That A Bow Might Be The Ideal Survival Weapon

The debate about the ideal survival weapon seems to always center on either a rifle, shotgun, or pistol, but perhaps something is being overlooked. While cartridge firearms are great at a number of things they do have their drawbacks. First, the survivalist needs to carry ammunition for their gun. While a couple hundred rounds of rimfire ammunition can fit into a pocket, a couple hundred rounds of another small caliber such as the 9mm will take up a lot of room. Then there is the problem that guns become dirty and need cleaned. They also break and need repairs (admittedly most guns would work for many years without maintenance without breaking down). Another problem in a survival situation is that shooting a gun makes a lot of noise that could attract unwanted attention in a survival situation. So what is the solution? Perhaps it is the humble bow and more specifically a recurve bow.

A person in a survival situation with a recurve bow and a dozen arrows and broadheads is in many ways in better shape than a survivalist with a gun. Ammunition won't be a problem as arrows can be reused unless they are lost, but in a survival situation you have plenty of time to look for them! A recurve bow will not need cleaning or other maintenance. A recurve bow is extremely unlikely to break. A recurve bow is quiet to shoot. A recurve bow is bulky but is very light compared to almost all guns.

Yes, bows do have their drawbacks in a survival situation. Their effective range is short when compared to a gun. A hundred yard shot at a deer with a bow is a waste of time in the hands of most people, yet even an average shot might hit a deer in the head with a .22 LR (an unsporting shot to be certain, but we are talking survival here not sport hunting). Another problem with a bow is carrying it. A fall could well break a bow and lead a person in a survival situation the unenviable task of making a bow or using their arrows as a spear. However, a recurve bow is much more durable than many might think.

While their may be no such thing as an ideal survival weapon, the bow should get some consideration. A bow coupled with a center fire handgun for defense purposes would certainly make a useful combination. For those who are preparing a survival kit of some sort a Takedown Recurve Bow is certainly worth a look as an item to have.