06-28-2002, 08:57 AM
Salve,<br>
<br>
Both torsion - and bow powered crossbow type of weapons have been reconstructed. One of the members of the Ermine Street Guard has a small handheld torsion gun, while I have seen a picture of the reconstruction of the hunting crossbow from a group reenacting Pictish warriors. I do not know of any published data from testing of these devices.<br>
<br>
Penetrating power, ease of use and accuracy are not the sole factors influencing the use of particular missile weapons. Volume of fire can also be a consideration, with bows in general having a higher rate of fire than crossbows. In addition one can think of factors like costs and trouble of manufacturing such complex weapons and maintaining them (if it has moving parts, it can break down). Irrational elements such as cultural traditions can also play a part. Though crossbows were in widespread use during the high middle ages, they never did fully replace convential bows.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst<br>
<br>
Found the picture, available here. <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=sandervandorst>Sander van Dorst</A> at: 6/28/02 12:29:25 pm<br></i>
<br>
Both torsion - and bow powered crossbow type of weapons have been reconstructed. One of the members of the Ermine Street Guard has a small handheld torsion gun, while I have seen a picture of the reconstruction of the hunting crossbow from a group reenacting Pictish warriors. I do not know of any published data from testing of these devices.<br>
<br>
Penetrating power, ease of use and accuracy are not the sole factors influencing the use of particular missile weapons. Volume of fire can also be a consideration, with bows in general having a higher rate of fire than crossbows. In addition one can think of factors like costs and trouble of manufacturing such complex weapons and maintaining them (if it has moving parts, it can break down). Irrational elements such as cultural traditions can also play a part. Though crossbows were in widespread use during the high middle ages, they never did fully replace convential bows.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst<br>
<br>
Found the picture, available here. <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=sandervandorst>Sander van Dorst</A> at: 6/28/02 12:29:25 pm<br></i>
