Kilted Archery

**Blupiper** · 22nd June 13, 07:42 PM

Last weekend I was up to a friend's place for his Renaissance-themed event. He wanted a piper, doesn't mind piobaireachd and the day way beautiful. While I don't have any Ren-type garb (see, I know the terms), I did have a ghillie shirt and a 'swordsman' style of vest. Matched it up with my USA 5-yarder in muted Galloway Hunting. While we were getting ready, he asked me if I wanted to loose a few arrows on his own archery lane. I'm always up for that. Here I am, taking aim:

Setting to loose:

And the pleat shot:

It's like a lot of things: you do better if you practice. Didn't lose any arrows, by the same token, didn't score many points in the target rings. Oh, well, the piping was well received and we all had a fine time.

JMB

**TheOfficialBren** · 22nd June 13, 11:57 PM

A fine-looking kilt, sir, and an enjoyable activity I'm sure!

I used to draw a sting or two when I was a lad. I have considered taking up the sport again.

**flyrod6057** · 23rd June 13, 06:21 AM

Looks fun! I've always wanted to loose a few arrows while kilted; I just never managed to get the two activities married up... The piobaireachd would have been great to hear! Thanks for posting.

**Laird_M** · 23rd June 13, 07:40 AM

Hmm, have a kilt. Have a bow...

**tekdiver500ft** · 23rd June 13, 05:45 PM

What a great way to spend an afternoon! I used to draw a string or two, and have been looking for a new bow anyway, perhaps I should go with a longbow...

**TheOfficialBren** · 24th June 13, 12:50 AM

Plus one, Tekdiver500ft.
I still have the old Seneca compund now I got when I was a lad. I'm thinking of selling it (still in pretty good shape) and putting the funds toward a decent longbow. I used to like the compound bow more but as I'm 28 (haven't shot since I was about 13) now the longbow seems more sporting.

**Tasty Rabbit** · 24th June 13, 09:42 PM

Very nice ! I think basic archery was the only useful thing I ever learned in gym class .

**Salvianus** · 22nd July 13, 01:23 PM

I got a longbow for re-enactment displays, which were always a bit hectic, (tunic rather than kilt) but it was a great pleasure to go back to the display field when the public had gone home and shoot a few quivers with my friends as the sun went down. Very peaceful :-)

I've never tried a compound bow, sights, stabilisers, clickers, etc, but despite the typical step down in accuracy there's a simplicity to longbows which I enjoy, especially the bang you get putting an arrow through a plywood target.

Self-bows with natural strings are obviously a bit more susceptible to atmospheric changes, so in general you get more consistency and a better cast with a recurved horn & sinew laminated bow, and especially with a modern composite for target shooting but I always just loved the history of the longbow. I assume compounds let you hold a heavy poundage for additional time if uncooperative wildlife require it, but I don’t hunt, myself.

I’ve enjoyed using a modern composite bow at a range as well, though I preferred hunting targets set up at random distances in woodland rather than a range - lots of fun.

Salvianus, Archery in Sherwood Forest (seriously).

**TheOfficialBren** · 22nd July 13, 05:08 PM

Very true, Salvianus. The compound bow allows the archer to hold the draw longer before releasing the stored energy. It was a nice thing to have when first learning archery. The recurve bow seems to be a pretty nice bit of kit, too. Longbows have a romance to them that no other bow has. Crossbows...eh...not for me.

I have enjoyed many hours at the butts with my compound bow as a wee boy but it's been quite some time for me. I probably couldn't hit the broad side of a barn now, muchless the centre of a target placard! Lol.

Great sport, lots of history.