[massacre07]

Using a bow and arrow brings into factor one condition I try to keep to my advantage at all times.. distance. Yes a good marksman with a bow can engage a target at 40-50 yards and be effective, however I am not a good marksman with a bow and would likely be engaging my target at a much closer range. With my firearms I know I have at least a pretty good chance at 100 yards of taking down a zombie, at 50 yards I would say I am running at a on a poor day 2:1 ratio (shots to kills) with a semi automatic center fire rifle. Given my rifle will be much, much louder than the bow I would still take the certainty of kill over quietness, which I have stated previously in the thread about the PS90.

In terms of the crossbow, I have actually come to the conclusion that (due to the television show Deadliest Warrior) that crossbows are only truly effective in deployed in large numbers against formation sized targets. Many of the crossbows displayed on that show, used frequently throughout history, have displayed that they are slow to reload, have very limited accurate range and cannot be relied upon in a one-on-one circumstance.

I have also heard that the average heavy weight crossbow will produce a sound similar to that of a slamming car door, which is what most suppressed weapons are compared to as well. So if you have access to a suppressor then you are not gaining any sound advantage.

[Ricomu]

The Walking Dead makes it look like a good idea. Norman Reedus seems bad A with the crossbow. Probably not the most practical choice though. I'd assume a silencer on any gun would be a better idea.

[DarthJoe8]

Daryl is also shooting from close range.

Personally, I could see a crossbow being used more effectively over a bow for a bunch of reasons. Crossbows have heavier draw weights, they can be shot in closer quarters, you can carry more bolts than arrows.....

[massacre07]

Oh I mustve been on something when I made that post above, I lol'd at myself :(

I have been thinking about picking up a bow for target practice but haven't thought of it as a weapon in the ZPAW until now. I would rather rely on my firearms and melee weapons to engage zombies and would likely use a bow as a hunting weapon. Squrriels, small birds and nocturnal animals are prevelent in my area and having a quiet weapon to do your hunting with would be advantageous.

[OVERKILL]

A bow would be a fine weapon if used under the right circumstances. If I've already got a pistol on my hip and have a choice between a (insert favorite useless melee weapon) and a bow, I'll take the bow.

[STGHIll]

Crossbows would definitely win out over a regular bow. A crossbow does not require anywhere near the amount of training you'd need with a bow in order to be proficient with it. Hell, if a random group of people get caught in a hunting store and all that's left are bows and crossbows, give them the xbows. A crossbow is much closer to a conventional firearm, with a trigger and all. Some of them can even be pump action for faster firing.

Leave the bows to Katniss.

[morgue]

zombiegear.ca, on 30 April 2012 - 09:47 PM, said:

I had to start a topic on the silent weapons. Bows can be made rather easily and so can arrows. Cross Bows are harder to make but bolts can be made out of anything. You may only get one shot, but its better then ringing the dinner bell. I think even with a gun I would always carry a long bow, its perfect for stealth kills if you do not want to get up close and personal with a zombie. Any thoughts? .....

I love bows iI own a Matthews and I'm always stocking up on arrows and always working on my shooting skills. I rather have a bow then a gun any day I would use a gun if I really needed too. I'm more of a far shooter anyways And guns are to hard to aim and get a good head shot anyways.

STGHIll, on 29 January 2013 - 12:34 PM, said:

Crossbows would definitely win out over a regular bow. A crossbow does not require anywhere near the amount of training you'd need with a bow in order to be proficient with it. Hell, if a random group of people get caught in a hunting store and all that's left are bows and crossbows, give them the xbows. A crossbow is much closer to a conventional firearm, with a trigger and all. Some of them can even be pump action for faster firing.

Leave the bows to Katniss.

Bows are better the crosbows any day because they do take a lot of training you have to know how to hold it and fire it. One of my friends just picked one up torn off a good chunk of his arm and that was 3 months ago and it still looks like shit. bows on the other hand cant cause damage like that if your a begginger. but yes cossbows are very handy to have around.