Traditional Q's

[fair-chase]

Anyone out there using a Saluki horn bow or fiber replica? I understand that the traditional horn bows are tempermental in various weather conditions. What exactly is the extent that the weather has on the bow, and can it be overcome to make a practical hunting application? If you own what do you think of it? Is there a design or accessory that you overlooked or wish you had ordered? Just looking for some feedback and info on them. Thanks.

http://www.salukibow.com/index.html

[ribka]

I have shot some horn bows and they are a bit tempermental

Try on STICKBOW.com A lot of saluki owners on there. Good guys too

[fair-chase]

Thanks ribka.

I'm not dead set on a horn bow, I could go with a composite. Just really liked the styles and details they had on their bows. If I ever get out of muzzle loading game and back into bow hunting I think I will go the traditional route. If the WDFW keeps putting the pinch on us muzzle loaders it will probably be sooner than later. By my calculations the muzzle loader season will be open in only 5 gmu's for 2 days in the middle of the week by the year 2015. 

[ribka]

Thanks ribka.

I'm not dead set on a horn bow, I could go with a composite. Just really liked the styles and details they had on their bows. If I ever get out of muzzle loading game and back into bow hunting I think I will go the traditional route. If the WDFW keeps putting the pinch on us muzzle loaders it will probably be sooner than later. By my calculations the muzzle loader season will be open in only 5 gmu's for 2 days in the middle of the week by the year 2015. 

Yeh that. I fluctuate between archery and ml too. Would prefer to bow hunt. Trad shooting is a lot of fun. It takes about 90% more practice time to become proficient.Any trad bow killed animal is a real trophy in my book. Some of the guys on here take some nice animals with trad equipment

Are you going to use a thumb ring to shoot?

I saw a demonstration in Mongolia in 1990's where guys were shooting off of horses with horn bows. Really neat to see

[Hornseeker]

In western Washington I would not go with a horn bow...the changes in and general high humidity could have some ill effects on that type of bow for sure!

A glass model of that bow would be fine. However, these bows are not designed to facilitate "accurate" shooting... There will be 50 guys that argue otherwise, but regardless, its true. The handle position and shortness of the bow make for a tough platform to be consistently accurate. For fun shooting and messing around, or for launching arrows across the sky onto hordes of enemy warriors...they are awesome!

This does not mean you couldn't become proficient with one and become an effective hunter with one, just that if you were to choose a 55-66 inch recurve or modern longbow you'd still get the challenge of stick and string, but would be able to master the accuracy much easier and have less chance of flinging an errant arrow at a critter...

Just my .02... By the way, I'd LOVE to have a Saluki to play with and just add to my stall... just hasn't happened yet!!

Good Luck, keep us posted on your thoughts and what you may buy!

[fair-chase]

I would like to thank you both for your input.

Hornseeker, I am now leaning towards the composite and not the actual horn bow. I love the idea of the horn bow but I just cannot justify it for hunting with it's tempermental nature. Even though I do not hunt anywhere near the rainy I5 combat hunting corridor but nonetheless I am worried about the effects the weather will have on one even on the east side.

As for inaccuracy and hunting, I really don't have an issue with limiting myself to 20 yard shots. If I cannot get that kind of accuracy out of a custom made $1000 bow that I have to wait a year to receive tell me now. If I was looking to punch a deer at 75 yards I would stick with my muzzle loader. I will be completly happy to practice to 30yrds and hunt to 20yrds.

Ribka, I have never used one but the thumb ring sounds like a blast to learn. With it being a minimal investment I will probably order one just to say I gave it a shot. Beyond that I really don't plan on using one on a permanent basis, but you never know. I'm just not buying into the hype that they can improve your shooting, just looking at it as a way to change things up and keep it interesting.

I will keep you guys updated but as of now I am torn between three different models. Once I narrow that down I am looking at a 10 to 12 month wait to get my hands on it. So it may be awhile before I have anything new or pics to share.

[Hornseeker]

  But I want pics now!!
So which one do you think?? Ibex?


Turk?


Scinthian?


To be honest, I didn't know they camein those lengths, I thought they were all sub 50 inch bows... The longer ones shouldn't be bad for finger pinch and a thumb ring woudn't  be necessary... and as far aas 20 yard bows... sure... heck year! You just aren't going to shoot tiny, consistent groups at 20 as easily as if you were using a more modern designed LB or RC... but I hear ya... it sounds like you have it squared away!

Yes, keep us posted!

[fair-chase]

You have good taste Hornseeker. The turk, the scinthian, and the damascas were in my top three. Oh, and I am planning on getting a shelf/rest on them. This pic does not show the integral  arrow rest.



Fiber Damascas

[fair-chase]

To be honest, I didn't know they camein those lengths, I thought they were all sub 50 inch bows... The longer ones shouldn't be bad for finger pinch and a thumb ring woudn't  be necessary

Yeah, I was going to go with a 52" model. I think the pics make them appear deceptivly short.
 
As far as detailing goes. I would like a slight variation of this one in a dark, dark, dark blue (nearly black) with amber orange scrolling.

[Hornseeker]

If you are considering the Turk, I would say go for it... just from looking at it, I can tell you it will be the easier bow to shoot.... But it does not have those classic horsebow lines.....

That bow you showed is beautiful....