Have you ever imagined needing to survive in the wilderness? Knowing how to hunt for food could be the difference between life and death. A bow and arrow is a powerful tool for survival, offering a quiet and effective way to procure food. But choosing the right bow can feel overwhelming! There are so many different types – recurve, longbow, compound – each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Do you need a lightweight bow for portability, or a powerful one for larger game? What about draw weight and arrow length? The wrong choice could mean the difference between a successful hunt and going hungry.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll explore the different types of bows suited for survival situations, helping you understand their pros and cons. We’ll also cover important factors like draw weight, arrow selection, and proper maintenance. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing a bow that meets your needs and increases your chances of survival. Let’s dive into the world of survival bows and learn how to choose the perfect one for you!
Our Top 5 Bow For Survival Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bow For Survival Detailed Reviews
1. SAS Tactical Survival Bow (50# at 28″ Draw
Rating: 8.5/10
The SAS Tactical Survival Bow is a compact and powerful longbow, ideal for survival situations or target practice. It’s lightweight and easy to transport, making it perfect for backpacking or emergency preparedness. This right-handed bow packs a punch, with impressive arrow speeds. Remember, arrows are sold separately.
What We Like:
- Its compact design folds down to just 21 inches for easy storage and transport. You can easily pack it in a backpack.
- It’s surprisingly powerful for its size. Arrows reach speeds up to 200 feet per second (fps).
- The bow weighs only 1kg (2.2 pounds), making it very lightweight and easy to carry.
- It has a maximum draw length of 31 inches, accommodating a range of archers.
- The 60-inch strung length provides good stability and accuracy.
What Could Be Improved:
- Arrows are not included with the bow; you must purchase them separately.
- Some users might find the 50-pound draw weight challenging. A lighter draw weight option would benefit beginners.
- More detailed instructions could improve the user experience for first-time bow users.
The SAS Tactical Survival Bow offers impressive power and portability in a compact package. It’s a great choice for survivalists and archers who value convenience and performance, but remember to buy arrows separately.
2. wolfman Archery 58″ Folding Bow Survival Bow and Arrow Set Longbow Takedown Recurve Bow 35lbs RH/LH for Archery Bow Hunting Targeting Shooting (Black)
Rating: 9.3/10
The Wolfman Archery 58″ Folding Bow is a fantastic portable bow and arrow set, perfect for archery enthusiasts and survivalists alike. It’s easy to carry, durable, and comes with everything you need to get started. This takedown recurve bow boasts a lightweight design without sacrificing power, making it ideal for hunting, target practice, or tactical games. The included accessories ensure you’re ready for action right out of the box!
What We Like:
- Its compact, folding design (24 inches when folded) makes it incredibly portable. You can easily carry it in a backpack or even a large bag.
- The bow’s 6061 aluminum alloy riser is strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. It feels great in your hand.
- The 35lbs draw weight provides a good balance of power and manageability for many users.
- It comes with a comprehensive set of accessories: arrows, arm guard, finger tab, bow stringer, and a storage bag. You get everything you need to start shooting.
- It’s suitable for both right-handed and left-handed archers.
- The improved fiberglass limbs are efficient and durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 35lbs draw weight too light or too heavy, depending on their experience level and strength.
- More detailed instructions could be beneficial for beginners.
The Wolfman Archery Folding Bow offers excellent portability and a complete package for the price. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a convenient and versatile bow for various archery activities.
3. SinoArt 59″ Folding Bow Black Alloy Archery Bow Right Hand for Hunting or Target (55Lbs)
Rating: 9.2/10
The SinoArt 59″ Folding Bow is a portable and powerful archery bow perfect for hunting or target practice. Made from durable aluminum alloy and resin fiber, this bow packs a punch despite its compact size. Its folding design makes it incredibly easy to transport, and the ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable shooting experience. This review focuses on the 55lbs draw weight model, but a 35lbs version is also available.
What We Like:
- Portability: The bow folds down to a compact 23 inches, making it easy to carry anywhere.
- Power: The aluminum alloy and resin fiber construction provides impressive power for its size. The 55lbs draw weight is suitable for many users.
- Comfort: The ergonomic design and smooth finish make this bow comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
- Improved Limbs: The fiberglass limbs are 20% more efficient than standard limbs, contributing to better performance.
- Ease of Use: The bow is relatively simple to use, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced archers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability of the Folding Mechanism: Long-term durability of the folding mechanism needs further testing. We recommend careful use and maintenance.
- String Quality: While the string appears durable, a higher-quality replacement string might be a worthwhile upgrade for serious users.
- Limited Accessories: The package only includes the bow and string. Additional accessories, such as arrows, would be beneficial.
Overall, the SinoArt 59″ Folding Bow offers a great combination of portability, power, and comfort. While some minor improvements could be made, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a convenient and effective archery bow.
4. REAWOW Recurve Bow and Arrow Set Adult Archery Bows Kit Survival Longbow Right Hand with 6 Carbon Arrows Target Practice 30/40LBS Outdoor
Rating: 8.5/10
Unleash your inner archer with the REAWOW Recurve Bow and Arrow Set! This complete kit includes everything you need to start your archery journey. It features a durable, 51-inch long recurve bow made from aluminum-magnesium alloy and fiber, six carbon arrows, and extra accessories to help you aim accurately. Perfect for target practice, this set is ideal for beginners and offers a fun and challenging way to improve your skills.
What We Like:
- The bow is lightweight yet strong, making it easy to handle.
- The carbon arrows fly smoothly and accurately.
- The kit includes everything you need to get started: arrows, armguard, finger tab, and target faces.
- It’s designed for right-handed archers and provides a comfortable grip.
- The 30-40 lbs tension is suitable for beginners.
- The replaceable arrow tips add extra value.
- The customer service is responsive and helpful.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 30-40 lbs draw weight a little challenging initially.
- More detailed instructions could be included for beginners.
- A carrying case would be a useful addition for storage and transport.
The REAWOW Recurve Bow and Arrow Set provides excellent value for its price. It’s a great starter kit for anyone interested in learning archery.
5. Bow Drill Fire Starter Kit
Rating: 9.4/10
Master the ancient art of fire starting with the Pskook Bow Drill Fire Starter Kit! This complete kit makes learning friction fire incredibly easy. It’s perfect for camping trips, survival training, or just learning a new skill. The kit includes everything you need – a high-quality bow, handle, fire board, and even jute tinder. You can start practicing right away!
What We Like:
- Easy to Use: The kit is pre-assembled, so you can start practicing immediately. The design makes creating friction and smoke surprisingly simple.
- High-Quality Materials: The bamboo bow and handle are smooth and comfortable. The paulownia wood fire board is durable and has extra holes for better results. The strong rope lasts for thousands of rotations.
- Complete Kit: It includes everything you need: bow, handle, fire board, and jute tinder. You don’t have to buy anything extra.
- Great for Learning: This kit is a fun and educational tool. It teaches patience, persistence, and valuable survival skills.
- Excellent Customer Service: The company offers a satisfaction guarantee. They will help you if you have problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- Instructions could be clearer: While the kit is easy to use, more detailed instructions might help some beginners.
- Tinder could be more abundant: While enough tinder is provided for initial practice, additional tinder might be helpful for extended use.
The Pskook Bow Drill Fire Starter Kit is a fantastic way to learn a valuable survival skill. Its ease of use and high-quality materials make it a great choice for beginners and experienced outdoorspeople alike.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Bow for Survival
Choosing a bow for survival isn’t just about picking the first one you see. You need a bow that’s reliable, durable, and easy to use in challenging situations. This guide will help you find the perfect fit.
Key Features to Look For
- Draw Weight: This refers to how much force it takes to pull the bowstring back. Lower draw weights are easier to use, but less powerful. Higher draw weights are more powerful, but require more strength and practice.
- Draw Length: This is the distance from the bowstring to the grip when the bow is fully drawn. The draw length needs to match your arm length for comfort and accuracy. An improperly sized bow can cause injury.
- Accuracy: A good survival bow should be accurate at reasonable ranges. Test the bow before buying it if possible.
- Durability: The bow needs to withstand harsh conditions and repeated use. Look for strong materials and solid construction.
- Ease of Use: A simple design is best for survival situations. You don’t want something complicated to assemble or maintain.
Important Materials
The materials used significantly impact the bow’s performance and lifespan.
- Wood: Many survival bows use wood like hickory, ash, or yew. These woods are strong and flexible. The wood’s quality affects the bow’s durability and performance.
- String: The bowstring is crucial. Look for a strong, durable material like Dacron or FastFlight. A broken string renders your bow useless.
- Limbs: The limbs (the flexible parts of the bow) are where most of the power comes from. Strong, well-made limbs are essential for a reliable bow.
Factors Affecting Quality
Several factors influence a survival bow’s overall quality.
- Construction: A well-constructed bow will have smooth, even surfaces and no defects in the wood. Poor construction leads to weak points and potential breakage.
- Finish: A good finish protects the wood from the elements and improves durability. A poorly finished bow is more susceptible to damage from moisture and wear.
- Proper Tillering: Tillering refers to the shaping of the bow limbs. Proper tillering ensures the bow bends evenly and efficiently. An unevenly tilled bow can be inaccurate and prone to breaking.
User Experience and Use Cases
A survival bow is a tool for hunting small game, self-defense (as a last resort), and signaling.
- Practice is Key: Even the best bow requires practice to master. Spend time practicing before you rely on it in a survival situation.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, like inspecting the string and limbs, will extend the bow’s lifespan.
- Ethical Considerations: Use your bow responsibly and ethically. Only hunt what you need and respect wildlife.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best wood for a survival bow?
A: Hickory, ash, and yew are popular choices for their strength and flexibility. The best wood depends on availability and your skill in bow making.
Q: How much does a survival bow cost?
A: Prices vary widely depending on the materials and construction. You can find basic bows for under $100, while more advanced models can cost several hundred dollars.
Q: How do I choose the right draw weight?
A: Start with a lower draw weight to learn proper form. You can gradually increase the draw weight as you get stronger.
Q: How do I maintain my survival bow?
A: Store it in a dry place away from extreme temperatures. Regularly inspect the string for wear and tear.
Q: Can I make my own survival bow?
A: Yes, but it requires skill, tools, and knowledge of woodworking and bow making techniques. Many online resources can help.
Q: What type of arrows should I use?
A: Wooden arrows are a classic choice, but you can also find aluminum or carbon fiber arrows.
Q: Is a survival bow legal to own?
A: Laws vary by location. Check your local and state regulations before purchasing or using a bow.
Q: How far can I shoot a survival bow?
A: The effective range depends on the bow’s draw weight, arrow type, and your skill. Expect a range of 20-40 yards for hunting.
Q: What should I do if my bowstring breaks?
A: Do not attempt to repair it yourself unless you have the proper skills and materials. Seek help from an experienced archer or bowyer.
Q: Is a survival bow a good self-defense weapon?
A: A bow is a less effective self-defense weapon than firearms or other close-quarters tools. It’s best used for hunting and signaling in survival situations.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.