Cold Ranged Weapons

Guns run out of ammo, melee weapons run out of range. But not all ranged weapons must be firearms. The bow, hand tossed projectiles and even pellet guns can be deadly, if employed correctly. This directory is for just that type of weapon.

Archery.

John_234	Latest page update: made by John_234 , Apr 22 2010, 10:52 PM EDT (about this update About This Update Edited by John_234 38 words added 245 words deleted 6 images deleted view changes - complete history)
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zhunterd

Medieval ranged weapons

Oct 12 2011, 3:20 PM EDT by Uzzgub

Thread started: Sep 25 2011, 3:23 PM EDT Watch

Catapults: Although the catapult has been used since ancient times, it has proven to be one of the most effective mechanisms during warfare. As well as attempting to breach the walls, incendiary missiles could be thrown inside, and early biological warfare attempted with diseased carcasses or putrid garbage catapulted over the walls.
Ballista: Ballistas were similar to giant crossbows and were designed to work through torsion. The ammunition used were basically giant arrows or darts made from wood with an iron tip. These arrows were then shot “along a flat trajectory” at a target. Ballistas are notable for their high degree of accuracy, but also their lack of firepower compared to that of a Mangonel or Trebuchet.
Springald: The springald's design is similar to that of the Ballista's, in that it was effectively a crossbow propelled by tension. The Springald's frame was more compact, allowing for use inside tighter confines, such as the inside of a castle or tower. This compromised the firepower though, making it an anti-personnel weapon at best.
Mangonel: These machines were designed to throw heavy projectiles from a “bowl-shaped bucket at the end of its arm”. Mangonels were mostly used for “firing various missiles at fortresses, castles, and cities,” with a range of up to 1300 feet. These missiles included anything from stones to excrement to rotting carcasses. Mangonels were relatively simple to construct, and eventually wheels were added to increase mobility.
Onager: Mangonels are also sometimes referred to as Onagers. Onager catapults initially launched projectiles from a sling, which was later changed to a “bowl-shaped bucket”.
Trebuchet: Trebuchets are probably the most powerful catapult. The most commonly used ammunition were stones, but “darts and sharp wooden poles” could be substituted if necessary. The most effective kind of ammunition though involved fire, such as “firebrands, and deadly Greek Fire”.

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fixdeluxe1

The Bow vs Crossbow

Sep 25 2011, 9:22 PM EDT by brandon_a_boyer

Thread started: Apr 26 2010, 6:15 AM EDT Watch

I own both of these systems,mainly for Hunting Purposes and I have had them ever since I was 12 years old,before I could get a firearms license.I own a 50LB Norinco Crossbow and 128LBS English longbow,as well as a cheap 35LBS Training Recurve Bow.

I was just wanting to start A PEACEFUL debate on the pros and cons of each system,in the following catergories:

Reliability
Ease of Manufacture
Projectiles
Stopping Power
Range
Accuracy
Ergonomics

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