How Far Can A Recurve Bow Shoot?

Recurve bows can shoot arrows up to 400 yards depending on factors like their draw weight, draw length, arrow weight, shooting angle, and the archer’s skill. They can shoot farther than straight-limbed bows, like longbows. 

While this sounds impressive, the fact is you won’t be shooting anything that far. And, even if you could, there is a good chance you will miss your target. 

That’s where your recurve bow’s effective range comes in.  

In this blog, I will explain a recurve bow’s typical and effective shooting ranges and how you can improve your performance. 

Let’s begin. 

Maximum shooting range of a recurve bow

As you can guess, it is the maximum distance an arrow can travel when shot within optimal conditions. I will explain these ‘optimal conditions’ later in the article. 

Here are the three essential things you must know about the maximum shooting range of a bow. 

• It is primarily a theoretical concept.
• It doesn’t guarantee the shot’s accuracy. So, even if you can shoot up 400 yards, the chances of hitting your target that far away are very rare. 
• The farther you shoot, the higher the chances of missing the target. 

That’s why you need to focus more on its effective shooting range. 

Effective shooting range of a recurve bow

It is the maximum distance at which an archer can consistently shoot a target with high accuracy and desired impact. 

It represents your capability. This means your effective range may not be the same as mine, even if we are using the same bow under the same conditions. 

While effective shooting range depends on your skills, the recurve bow’s specifications, including its maximum shooting range, still matter.   

Here’s a table representing the maximum and effective shooting ranges of recurve bows with different draw weights. 

Please note that these are just estimates. As I said above, the shooting range depends on several factors, including some that are not related to your bow’s build.   

Let’s learn about these factors. 

Six factors that determine a recurve bow’s shooting range  

While draw weight and draw length are primary factors, you will be surprised to know that the distance you can shoot also depends on your technique, angle, and atmospheric friction.  

Understanding these factors can help you maximize your potential, i.e., your effective shooting range.  

Here is how these factors work. 

Draw length

It is the distance between the bow’s grip and the bowstring when it is in the full draw position.

It is also used to represent the distance you pull the string back before releasing the arrow.  

To calculate your draw length, measure your wingspan and divide it by 2.5. Or, skip the calculation part and use our draw length calculator. 

How the draw length affects the shooting range of your recurve bow 

Here are four things you need to know about draw length and its direct impact on your recurve bow’s shooting range. 

• The longer you draw the bow, the more energy you transfer. And, the more the energy, the farther the arrow will go. 
• That doesn’t mean you can choose a bow with the longest possible draw length. 
• The draw length of your bow should be about your wingspan divided by 2.5.   
• If the draw length is longer or shorter, you may have to compromise your form, which could affect the effective range of your recurve bow. 
• Always choose a bow size that best suits you. Here’s how you can find the best size for your recurve bow.  

Now, let’s look at the second important factor that directly depends on the bow’s build: the draw weight.

Draw weight

It is the amount of force you apply to pull the bowstring to the full draw position. 

When you pull the bowstring, you basically transfer your energy into the bow’s limbs. 

Here’s what it means.

More draw weight = More force needed to pull the string = More energy transferred to the limbs = Farther arrow travel

Important – Buy a bow whose draw weight suits your skills, not your strength.

• Bows with higher draw weights can make your arrows travel farther, but they are harder to control. 
• You might lose your balance and miss your target. 
• Smoothness leads to higher accuracy. So, start with a draw weight that you can comfortably control.     

You can use our draw weight calculator to find the draw weight that best suits you.  

Arrow weight

The weight of an arrow has a direct influence on the distance it will travel.  

This table will help you understand it better. 

As evident from the table above, external factors, especially wind, affect the shooting range of a recurve bow. Let’s understand this a bit more.   

Wind

You probably know this, but it’s worth knowing how the wind’s direction will change the speed of your arrows, ultimately affecting your recurve bow’s shooting range. 

• Crosswind – Pushes the arrows sideways, thereby changing their speed and trajectory.
• Headwind – Reduces the arrow’s speed due to atmospheric friction.
• Tailwind – Increases the arrow’s speed.   

Thankfully, with practice, you will learn how to adjust your aim to overcome the effect of wind and hit your target accurately. 

Other than atmospheric friction, gravity also impacts your bow’s shooting range. Let’s see how.   

Shooting angle

If you shoot uphill, gravity will pull down your arrow, altering its speed and distance. But if you shoot downhill, gravity will add more momentum, making it travel farther. 

Shooting angle doesn’t really matter for target practice. But, if you are into hunting, it could significantly affect the accuracy of your shots.  

Shooting technique

Here’s what you need to do to make your recurve bow shoot better.

• Ensure a relaxed grip.
• Keep your legs shoulder-width apart with your body aligned towards the target.
• Choose an anchor point that best suits you, and always stick to it. 
• Practice controlled release. Avoid abrupt, unwanted movements. 
• Don’t neglect follow-through. 
• Now that we have understood the importance of effective shooting range in detail let’s see how you can accurately calculate yours.    

How to find your effective shooting range 

Here is a 4-step guide to help you find your effective shooting range and gradually increase it. 

1. Begin by shooting from a short range, typically 10–15 yards. 
2. At this stage, focus on developing proper form and technique, which are essential for accuracy. 
3. Continue shooting from this distance until you are able to hit your target consistently. This could take some time. 
4. Gradually increase the distance until you start missing your shots. That’s your maximum effective range.

Remember, your effective shooting range is not about hitting the target once; it is about hitting it accurately every time.  

Wrap up 

When it comes to archery, precision matters more than distance. So, while your recurve bow’s shooting range could be as high as 400 yards, in reality, you will be shooting effectively at a much shorter distance. And this distance could be unique to you.  

So, keep practicing until you have mastered accuracy. 

Before you go, you might want to learn how to string and unstring your recurve bow.  

Best of luck!