V9: Bows & Crossbows

This page is part of the Official Amtgard V9 Alpha-Playtest Rulebook.

• The Amtwiki is the official home and primary source for Amtgard V9 Rules as of February 25, 2023.
• These rules are currently in Open Alpha Playtest. See the Playtest Disclaimer for more details.
• To learn more about Amtgard V9 Development, please visit Amtgard.com.
• To view the current Amtgard V8 ruleset, please see the Amtgard V8 Rulebook.

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Bows & Crossbows

Bows and Crossbows are used to fire arrows or bolts respectively. Only actual bows and crossbows may be used for this purpose. Other forms of projectile launchers cannot be used to represent a bow or crossbow.

Required Knowledge: Archery is the most potentially dangerous aspect of our game. Anyone wishing to use a bow or crossbow must demonstrate to the equipment inspector that they are able to do so safely. Players who demonstrate unsafe bow use during inspection or at any point thereafter may have their archery privileges revoked by the inspector or a safety authority for that day/event.

• Compound bows are prohibited.
• Regular Bows must have a draw weight of 35lbs or less at a 28” draw.
  1. The simplest way to measure your bow’s draw weight is to use a scale that can hook onto the bowstring. Several bow draw weight scales are available that are designed for this purpose. Using a measuring device to draw the bowstring may make your draw shorter. Make sure to compensate for this.
  2. Ensure you are bringing the bow to a 28” draw length. You can use a sufficiently long arrow and mark the 28” draw point on it. When taking measurements in the future, you can use this “ruler” arrow to save time.

• Crossbows are limited to no more than 450 inch-pounds.
  1. Inch pounds are calculated by multiplying ‘Draw Weight’ by ‘Power Stroke’. Draw Weight is measured at the bow’s full draw. Power Stroke is the distance from rest to full draw, measured in inches.