The earliest definite remains of bow and arrow from Europe are possible fragments from Germany found at Mannheim-Vogelstang dated 17,500–18,000 years ago, and at Stellmoor dated 11,000 years ago. Azilian points found in Grotte du Bichon, Switzerland, alongside the remains of both a bear and a hunter, with flint fragments found in the bear’s third vertebra, suggest the use of arrows at 13,500 years ago.
Recurve
The recurve is the most common traditional bow. When strung, a recurve bow’s limbs curve back toward the archer from the riser and then curve again near the tips so they’re parallel to the riser. One trait differentiating recurves from other traditional bows is that the bowstring sits against the limbs for a couple of inches after looping over the tips into the string grooves.
Recurve bows also have a beefy riser with a sculpted grip that neatly fits the hand. Their limbs are wide and flat, and usually made of layered wood, fiberglass and/or carbon.
Traditional recurve bows often shoot the arrow from a shelf just above the grip. Archers usually put a piece of fur or leather atop the shelf to protect it from arrows passing over it. Other archers, however, don’t like shooting off the shelf. Instead, they add an arrow- rest to the riser just above the shelf.
Recurves are popular for target shooting and bowhunting. They come in lengths from 48 to 72 inches, and draw weights from the teens to 60 pounds.
Some recurves break down into three pieces, with limbs attaching to the riser with bolts. These takedown recurves are popular for traveling, and for archers who like shooting limbs of different draw weights.
Modern Recurve
Modern recurves resemble other traditional recurves in design and appearance, except they have metal risers. All modern recurves are takedown bows, and many use limbs featuring carbon fibers.
Some archers use the modern recurve’s shelf as their arrow-rest, but others add arrow-rests with cushion plungers.
The cushion plunger sits atop a spring, which keeps it pressed against the arrow on the rest.
This system softens the arrow’s natural flexing when shot, which helps it fly more consistently straight.