Buy Mongolian Traditional Recurve Bows

Frequently Asked Questions

Experience the Legacy of Mongolian Bows

Step back in time and feel the power of history in your hands with our authentic Mongolian bows. At Silk Road Bows, we bring you the ancient art of Central Asian archery, meticulously crafted by master bowyer Batmunkh.T.

Our bows combine traditional techniques with modern materials, offering unparalleled performance for both enthusiasts and competitive archers. Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of the Mongol empire or seeking a unique addition to your archery arsenal, our bows deliver power, precision, and a connection to an ancient tradition.

Types of Mongolian Bows We Offer

Discover our range of Mongolian bows, each crafted to meet different archery needs:

• Traditional Mongolian Horse Bow: Compact and powerful, this bow is perfect for mounted archery. Its small size doesn’t compromise on power, making it ideal for horseback shooting or archers who prefer a more portable option. The design allows for quick shots and easy maneuverability, just as Mongol warriors needed centuries ago.
  
• Mongolian Recurve Bow: Our classic design features impressive draw weights, suitable for target practice or hunting. The recurve shape provides extra power in a relatively compact form. This bow offers a perfect balance between traditional design and modern performance, allowing archers to experience the power of historical bows with the reliability of contemporary craftsmanship.
  
• Mongol Composite Bow: Crafted with wood, horn, and sinew, this bow offers unmatched performance. The composite construction mirrors historical techniques, providing the authentic feel of a true Mongol warrior’s bow with modern reliability. Each layer contributes to the bow’s power and durability, creating a weapon that’s as much a work of art as it is a functional tool.

How To Shoot A Mongolian Bow

Mastering the ancient techniques of Mongolian archery takes practice, but with our guide, you’ll be shooting like a khan in no time. Here are the key steps:

1. Proper Grip: Hold the bow in your non-dominant hand, with your thumb along the grip. Use a thumb ring for protection against the string. This unique grip allows for the bow’s characteristic draw and release technique.
   
2. Nocking the Arrow: Place the arrow on the string, ensuring it’s properly seated against the bow’s arrow rest. The nocking point may be different from Western bows, so pay close attention to proper placement.
   
3. Drawing the Bow: Unlike Western archery, Mongolian bows use a thumb draw. Use your thumb and index finger, with the thumb ring supporting the string’s weight. This technique allows for a smoother release and protects your thumb from the heavy draw weights.
   
4. Anchor Point: Bring the string to your cheek or chin for consistency. This helps maintain accuracy across shots. Your anchor point may be different from what you’re used to with other bow types, so experiment to find what works best for you.
   
5. Aim: Focus on your target, emphasizing instinctive shooting rather than using sights. Mongolian archery traditionally relies on developing a feel for the shot rather than using mechanical sights.
   
6. Release: Let the string roll off your thumb smoothly and decisively. A clean release is crucial for accuracy. The thumb ring helps create a crisp, clean release that’s characteristic of Mongolian archery.
   
7. Follow-through: Maintain your posture after release for a consistent shot. This helps build muscle memory for repeated accuracy. A good follow-through ensures that you’re not disturbing the arrow’s flight with unnecessary movement.

For a more detailed guide, check out our How to Shoot a Mongolian Bow page.

Mongol Bow Effective Range and Power

The Mongolian bow is renowned for its impressive range and power. Here’s what you can expect:

• Long-range volleys: Effective up to 200-250 yards (183-229 meters). This made Mongol archers formidable in battlefield situations, allowing them to rain arrows on enemy formations from a safe distance.
  
• Precision shooting: Accurate at 100-150 yards (91-137 meters). At this range, skilled archers can hit specific targets with remarkable consistency, making the Mongolian bow effective for both hunting and warfare.
  
• Draw weights: From beginner-friendly 30 pounds to a mighty 160 pounds. This wide range allows archers of all skill levels to find a bow that suits their strength and experience. The higher draw weights provide the power needed for long-range shooting and penetrating armor.

Learn more about the impressive capabilities of these bows on our How Far Can a Mongolian Bow Shoot page.

Mongol Bow Dimensions

Understanding the unique dimensions of Mongolian bows helps appreciate their design:

• Length: 120-160 cm (47-63 inches) when unstrung. This compact size makes the bow maneuverable on horseback while still providing significant power.
  
• Limb length: 50-70 cm (20-28 inches) each side. The short, powerful limbs contribute to the bow’s distinctive shape and performance characteristics.

Mongol Bow vs Armor

The Mongol bow was a formidable weapon against various armor types:

• Effective against chain mail and some plate armor, especially at closer ranges.
• Bodkin point arrows were particularly effective, designed to penetrate armor with their narrow, hardened tips.
• Most vulnerable against well-crafted, thick armor at long ranges, but still capable of causing significant impact damage.

Mongolian Bow vs Modern Recurve Bow

While both are recurve bows, they have key differences:

• Mongolian bow: Optimized for mounted archery, more compact, uses thumb draw. Its design prioritizes power and portability, making it ideal for shooting from horseback or in tight spaces.
  
• Modern recurve: Designed for target archery, more accessories available, uses Mediterranean draw. These bows are optimized for precision at known distances and often incorporate modern materials for consistency.

For a detailed comparison with other bow types, visit our Mongolian Bow vs English Longbow page.

Arrows That Fly True

Complete your Mongolian archery set with our hand-crafted arrows:

• Traditional wood shafts with metal or bone tips, replicating historical designs.
• Fletched for stability and accuracy using traditional techniques.
• Available in target and hunting styles to suit different archery needs.

Explore our collection of arrows to find the perfect match for your bow.

Modern Archery, Ancient Soul

Join a growing community of archers rediscovering Mongolian techniques:

• Ideal for mounted archery competitions, bringing ancient skills into the modern world.
• Enhance your instinctive shooting skills, improving overall archery proficiency.
• Stand out at traditional archery events with authentic equipment and techniques.

How Does It Compare?

Mongolian bows offer unique advantages in the world of traditional archery:

• More compact than English longbows, making them more versatile for different shooting styles and environments.
• Similar power to Turkish bows, with a distinct drawing technique that sets it apart.
• Versatile for both horseback and foot archery, providing flexibility for various archery disciplines.

Learn more about the differences between bow types in our Turkish Ottoman Bow vs Mongolian Bow comparison.

Care For Your Piece of History

Keep your Mongolian bow in top condition with these care tips:

• Store unstrung in a cool, dry place to maintain the bow’s shape and prevent warping.
• Use a proper stringer tool for safety and to prevent twisting the limbs.
• Apply beeswax to the string regularly for longevity and to protect against moisture.

For more detailed care instructions, visit our How to String a Mongolian Bow guide.

New to Mongolian Archery?

Start your journey into Mongolian archery with these tips:

• Begin with a 30-40 pound draw weight to develop proper form without overstraining.
• Master the thumb draw technique, which is crucial for authentic Mongolian archery.
• Practice regularly to build strength and skill, gradually working up to heavier draw weights.

For more information on selecting the right bow for you, check out our Mongolian Bow Draw Weight calculator & guide guide.

“I am very happy to share my culture and my handcrafted creation with you.” – Batmunkh.T, Founder & Master Bowyer

Experience the power and precision of Mongolian archery. Whether you’re an archer, collector, or history enthusiast, our bows offer an unparalleled connection to an ancient tradition. Each bow is a testament to centuries of refinement and the enduring legacy of Mongol warriors.

To learn more about the historical context of these remarkable weapons, visit our What Type of Bow Did the Mongols Use page.