In his book on the Khmer Mark Tells us the short bows they used were likely only drawn to the chin (unless of course, as Mark points out, this is artistic licence). The arrows he estimates at 50-60cm and flightless (certainly the photos he includes of the bas reliefs suggest this). Does anyone have any idea what range these might have had both extreme and for any accuracy. Mark does not think a great range and whilst I concur I want some sort of estimate I can relate to the length of a canoe.
They definitely look to be simple bows and drawn to the chest. My notes indicate that a short bow with a draw weight of 45lb would have half the range of a typical 75lb long bow, while a 2ft arrow fired from the short bow would have about one third of the impact of a 3ft arrow from the long bow. I'd suggest an effective range of 120 paces. The absence of cavalry and armour meant that neither long range shooting nor great penetrative power would be required.
Quote from: DavidMcCann on Jul 15, 2026, 04:51 PMThey definitely look to be simple bows and drawn to the chest. My notes indicate that a short bow with a draw weight of 45lb would have half the range of a typical 75lb long bow, while a 2ft arrow fired from the short bow would have about one third of the impact of a 3ft arrow from the long bow. I'd suggest an effective range of 120 paces. The absence of cavalry and armour meant that neither long range shooting nor great penetrative power would be required.
Thanks for that, so rough approximation 100m. My daughter is a good but 'modern' archer and was shocked with the suggestion of unfletched arrows but accuracy will not be great. Actual range we thought might be a bit more but they are not going to be hitting even a canoe full of people from more.
Tod has a couple of videos where he tried unfletched arrows. This one is with a 160lbs longbow.
https://youtu.be/1h4OrBcaka4?si=bvbJiU7PL1NvMJJ3
Quote from: nikgaukroger on Jul 15, 2026, 07:08 PMTod has a couple of videos where he tried unfletched arrows. This one is with a 160lbs longbow.
https://youtu.be/1h4OrBcaka4?si=bvbJiU7PL1NvMJJ3
Thanks that was spot on, very interesting that tackles both ends really well.