Update

Pictures of various sort will be coming soon. 

I have been busy!

Yesterday I sat down and constructed six field arrows from some old cedar shafting I had stored away. I dyed the shafts charcoal grey, attached field points of 125 grains and white plastic nocks (I do not see the point in doing self-nocks for simple target arrows). I bound on two black flight feathers and on white cock feather. I have to tell you, the binding of the flights combines *very* well with the plastic nocks. I was rather surprised by that, actually, though I am not certain why. I bound them primarily to keep the quills of the flights from cutting into the hand when shot...we do not use rests.

Subsequent shooting proved that the arrows flew beautifully....and since they were spined suitable to my Magyar composite bow, that is what I was shooting. I can tell you that arrows depart that bow with a fierceness I never experience with self-bows. 

My groups were pretty tight, though not as tight as I would like them, and essentially on target, though not necessarily where I wanted them on target. That sort of thing is knocking off the rust; since I began shooting regularly I have noted a remarkable improvement in a very short space of time.

Two shots in one series skimmed the back of the buck target and subsequently struck the wooden fence backstop. Both of the heads on those shattered. On the target itself the arrows would typically penetrate six inches...definitely killing depth, and that with field points, which are not optimized for killing. 

I have got to admit, I prefer the composite bows to the longbows. Sorry, my colleagues, but spending so much time East of East and in Far Harad (where the stars are strange) appears to have influenced me greatly. 

These bows are smaller, fiercer for a given draw weight, fast and smooth to shoot.....although they do have powerful  hand shock and serious follow through pull. They are better for hunting in brush or tight places, easily handled from horseback (not that I am a horse archer...I just wish I were!), and in these modern cases, fairly weather impervious...as much as a bow can be.

I do believe I am going to focus on shooting these bows. Suitable, I think, especially for us Ranger women. 

I have two pair of nice brown cotton leggings. Of course they include a bit of spandex for stretch, but they resemble hosen...especially when worn with my high boots and either a tunic...or a swordswoman's shirt. Or a jerkin-blouse combo. They also make for nice inner layer wear in cold weather. ;) Not as nice as silk, but they'll do in a pinch.

So anyway, photos of various shooting positions, kit, and clothing, will soon be appearing here and elsewhere. Probably some more scenery shots of Rhovannion too. Just for flavor.

There's the stone age quiver to document. There are some other quiver and cases to document as well. Scabbards and whatnot too.

So much to do. :) Keeps a Ranger busy.

Nai i-Valar Tiralyë!

Eledhwen