SHTF weapons: Bow vs gun | Homestead Security | Forums

I am not a bow hunter, but have several friends who are. The arrows I have seen that they used on big game or missed with are generally not reusable. A half dozen arrows with broad heads can be very expensive. I also know that successful bow hunters practice all the time to stay proficient.

Don’t get me wrong, I think it has its place. I hope someday to have the time to commit to the discipline it takes to be successful. I have been told it’s a whole different high.

As afar SHTF weapons go the bow has a place. As mentioned earlier it is great for hunting without drawing attention to yourself. The arrows are reusable if they can be found after firing and you can get over the sticker shock of the initial purchase. But they are not to be considered a main weapon system. It will help you save ammo for when it is really needed but like others have said, it takes alot of practice to become and maintain efficiency and time is something most people don't have these days.

I have a antique recurve bow that I can not find a string for. The string that is on it is frayed and not safe to use. (It was like that when I bought it 20 years ago.) The arrows that I have are good medium weight hunting arrows that are weight appropriate for deer and hog but I would not attempt anything larger.

I do believe that they have a small place in a SHTF situation where they can be exploited for their advantages, but I also believe that it is a narrow one.