[Archers] Period bow category

[James Kriebel]

I like the way they noted the difference between bows with site windows, and
bows with arrow shelves.  Arrow shelves (built up or cut out) seem to be
period, but I have never seen anyone even make an attempt to document a site
window (the modern style large center cut window large enough not to obscure
the target) typical of a modern flat limb bow.

I don't like the one line that "Modern laminated longbows are considered a
period style bow." Does that mean flat limbed longbows with site windows, or
does that mean laminated English Longbow with only an arrow shelf?  Leaves
open the interpretation pretty wide.  It also doesn't say anything about
construction material, so a fiberglass youth bow (essentially single piece
core longbow with built up rest) would classify, and so would a Magyar which
is just a fiberglass bow with a fancy covering would classify as well.

Personally I like the intent behind the proposed Period Handbow division, a
place for the much more period bows to compete against each other.  With
only a little leeway for material substitution on a safety basis (not
performance basis).  Ok, so the wording of the rules for it still needs some
work, but that was the point of this discussion.

Jonathas

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ted Shertzer" <scherz at erols.com>
To: <archers at atlantia.sca.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 7:44 PM
Subject: [Archers] Period bow category


>
>
>To help in wording:
>
>The following are the period/bow definitions used in another kingdom (An
Tir). As a side note: I especially like the part that crossbows can not
compete with recurves and longbows in any competition. They also have
regulations on the arrows being used for period categories.
>
>Definitions of Bow Types:
>
>A recurve shall be defined as any bow with recurved limb ends and a cutout
sight window.  Included in this category shall be those bows with only
slightly recurved limb ends and cutout sight windows, where the string does
not touch the recurved portion of the limb end, or only slightly touches it.
Also included shall be bows modeled on the Asian style recurves, i.e.,
Magyar, Hun, Chinese, Turkish or Korean, characterized by having static
recurve limb tips, or Siyahs, but no cutout sight window.
>
>A longbow shall be defined as any bow with straight limbs, or slightly
recurved limb ends, and no cutout sight window, where the bowstring does not
touch the limb ends, or only slightly touches the limb ends.  Modern
longbows having an arrow shelf built into the bow are, by definition,
longbows.
>
>A period style bow is, by definition, a bow that conforms in spirit and/or
actuality to bows common during the time period covered by the SCA.  Modern
laminated longbows are considered a period style bow.  Modern recurves, with
full or partial cutout sight windows, are not considered a period style bow.
A bow with recurved limb ends or static limb tips, such as Siyahs on Asiatic
bows, but with no cutout sight window, are considered period style bows.  A
crossbow having a solid wooden stock or body in the shape of pre-1650
crossbows is considered a period style bow.  It may not have a rifle style
butt. It may not have sights, either front or rear.   A crossbow having a
plastic or modern composite material stock or body, with cut outs through
the stock or body, is not considered a period style bow.
>
>DIVISIONS:
>
>            Open Class: Longbows and recurves are allowed, no poundage
limits.
>
>            Longbow Class:  (two divisions)
>
>a.       Longbow 1 - Only longbows of 45 lbs. or heavier weight are
allowed.  No sights or limb marks may be used.  Longbows may be of any type
material approved for use in the SCA.  No string walking allowed.
>
>b.      Longbow 2 - Only longbows of 44 lbs. or less weight are allowed.
No sights or limb marks may be used.  Longbows may be of any type material
approved for use in the SCA.   No string walking allowed.
>
>Crossbow Class:
>
>No poundage limitations, except as dictated by safety concerns.  A simple
fixed rear sight is allowed.  No front sight is allowed.  No adjustable or
optical sights allowed.  Crossbows may be shot from any position consistent
with safety standards.  No artificial supports may be used.
>
>Crossbows may not compete with longbows or recurves in competitions.
>
>            Period Class:  (two divisions)
>
>The main intent of the Period Class is to encourage the use and
construction of gear with a more period appearance in our Kingdom archery.
Period style longbows and recurves may be shot in the Open division as well.
>
>a.       Period recurve and longbow - Period style recurves and longbows of
any material are allowed.  Modern style recurves or longbows with full or
partial center cut sight windows are not allowed.  The bow must have the
appearance of a period style bow.  There is no weight limits, either maximum
or minimum.  No limb marks or sighting aids may be used.  Non period arrow
rests are not allowed.  Archers may use any period style release appropriate
for their bow, but are not required to do so.  For example, an archer may
use a glove or tab instead of a thumb ring while shooting an Asian style
bow.   Modern string materials are allowed, as well as period materials.
>
>b.      Period Crossbow  - Only period style crossbows may compete in this
division.  Crossbows may compete only in the crossbow divisions.  The
crossbow may be shot from any position, but only the hands, not on a stand
or sandbag, etc.,  may hold the crossbow.  Slings are not allowed for
shooting, but may be used to carry the crossbow.
>
>Arrows and Bolts for the Period Divisions:
>
>a.       For handbows in the period division, all arrows must be of wood,
cane or bamboo.  Fletching must be of feathers.  Points may be of any style
except broadheads or those points that cause uncommon damage to the target
face.   Nocks must be self, reinforced or built up (no plastic nocks).
Reinforcing or build up materials may include horn, bone, ivory, leather,
hardwood or other natural materials used in period.
>
>b.      For crossbows, bolts may use either period style bolts or cut down
wood arrow shafts.  Points may be of any style except broadheads or those
points that cause uncommon damage to the target face.   Fletching may be
with feathers, parchment or other period materials.  There may be from two
to four fletches.  Nocks shall be self or reinforced (no plastic nocks).
Metal may be used for reinforcement.
>
>



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