Anyone know who made these and when.

I think a guy named Sweeney made them and called them the Tarantula. Sabo made a similar model like this one.

Wow, who would've thought shoot-through risers were trad!

George is that a similar design or what. I can’t tell from the picture but the one I posted looks like two wood bows linked together.

One of the most bizarre things I have ever seen!

Another picture

It is a Tarantula. I remember reading an article about it in Bow and Arrow Mag in my (much) younger days, sometime in the late '60s I believe. (How come I can remember this crap but I can't remember where I put my shooting glove???)

Not two bows. Just a center shot contraption that got some interest for a couple years then went away. Most things that aren't all that practical will delete themselves through lack of interest. Like the deer view mirror. It's part of history though and I'm surprised that it's a surprise. These were around in the early part of the 70's...BC...before compounds. Who knows what would have evolved had it not been for the compound bow taking over.

interesting, I wonder if they had a lot of hand shock

Doing a little more research the idea was that it would be faster as the string would not contact the limbs after the release if the arrow. Still haven’t found the original builder.

No arguments there George it was more of an interest of the novelty of the item than any thing else. And it would be a hoot to show up to the club shoot with one in my hand.

Guys...there are examples of shoot through risers that are going on 300 years old.

There's not a whole bunch new in recurves and longbows other than material.

Wow, who would've thought shoot-through risers were trad!

Anyone that knows the history of bow building.

Here's a primitive, double limbed, shoot through riser that's housed in the Jessops Primitive Archery and Weapons Collection located in San Diego. It was built at least 150 years ago but could be as old as 300.

I think I'll build a three limb,re-curve , with through the limb, center shot in primary she'f and call it cyclops. Anyone that wants to use my idea is welcome, after sending me a $10,000 royalty and 10 percent on profits. My idea is now in the cloud so don't try to cheat me. I'll add a wrist lock slingshot support for Model II.

His fletching looks a little long! ;-)

"Guys...there are examples of shoot through risers that are going on 300 years old."

Been into archery since the late 60's and I've got to admit, because of knowledgeable people here on the LEATHERWALL, I'm still learning. Thank you all!

Pretty cool

Here's the Sabo.

The Tarantula was made by Neil Tarbell

Yes, and as of a couple of years ago Neil was still making bows; they still come up on eBay every so often. He also made the Tarbell "Interceptor," a 44" bow.

I have only seen one interceptor come up for sale and never a tarantula. Have you shot either Kerry?

I seem to remember two things about the Tarantula. First it was designed to be a flight bow. That is a long range shooting sport. Second it was the second loudest bow I ever heard. The first is the Onieda Strike Eagle.

If they only had cables and pulleys they would be really cool!

Here's a steel,twin limb, shoot through bow with an aluminum handle and aircraft cable for a string. Don't know the year. Could be 1940's.

A detail of the handle.

I'd sure like to try one just to say I did. Sort of a novelty experience.

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