Longbows are basically just big sticks bent by strings. If I recall correctly, recurves have more oomph and accuracy. I've shot compound bows but it's like using a machine, though given you can get more force out of the because you can force the draw much farther than with other types of bows I can see why big game bow hunters might find them useful. By the way, I checked and recurves were in use throughout much of ancient Asia and there's a reasonably good chance the ancient Greeks at least knew of them. The recurve was a standard weapon on the Roman army. For some reason, though, they were largely unknown in Europe until fairly modern times.
I used to be quite good with both bow and pistol/revolver but, like you, haven't been to any kind of shooting range in years, and passable with rifle. Still know how to do it, though, for all the good that does me.
Ever fired a crossbow or crossbow pistol? I love crossbows, always wanted a crossbow pistol of my own, but they really are odd little toys. Fairly good medium-range weapons if you have decent cover, and fun target weapons, but I can't imagine anyone using one out in the open in any kind of fight would survive for long, since they take much longer than a standard bow to reload.
- Grant