I'm new to archery. I've only recently tried it while in the archery lane of a sporting goods store where I tried different bows. I loved the recurve the most, despite the horrible bruises it left on my forearm.

Now I want a bow of my own. I'd really like a primitive longbow, but I've been told that most longbows require more arm strength, which I don't have, and I ought to start smaller.

So I figure I'm trying to find a good 30# bow, purely for recreation instead of hunting. Maybe a recurve. I'd like something primitive and easy to use. Do you have any recommendations for a newbie?

For a beginner's recurve, for the money, it's hard to beat a 62" Samick Sage take down recurve. Around $140 at 3 Rivers Archery for a mail order.

http://www.3riversarchery.com/product.asp?i=2490X

Yep--the Sage is hard to beat.

To avoid the forearm bruises, turn your elbow out (most automatically lock it out, which forces the elbow to point down and puts the elbow in the way of the string) or wear an arm guard.

Actually I find the longbow a little easier to draw.With the traditional style oval grip you shoot them with the heel of your hand down which helps.

I'd be hip to that