Game Skills > Additional Guides > Weapons and Armour Guide

Projectile Weapons

---

General Guidance

Projectile Weapon encompasses weapons where an item is launched out of a devise such as bows and crossbows. For the purpose of this guide thihs also includes Thrown Weapons, however, these are thrown by a person. Rather than out of a bow.

---

Devise Details

Bows

The use of bows is subject to a Competency Test. During the competency test, you must demonstrate that you can perform the following activities safely:

String and unstring the bow

Using the bow safely in various scenarios and environmental conditions

Checking the condition of the bow and bow-string

Checking the condition of arrows before use

Bows must have a poundage no greater than 30lbs at a 28” draw. The bow must be in good condition, showing no signs of cracking/splintering. String notches must be capable of holding the string firmly, and show no signs of excessive wear. The string must be in good condition and show no signs of damage/fraying.

Crossbows

The use of crossbows is subject to a Competency Test. During the competency test, you must demonstrate that you can perform the following activities safely:

Using the crossbow safely in various scenarios and environmental conditions

Checking the condition of the crossbow and crossbow-string

Checking the condition of bolts before use

Crossbows must have a poundage no greater than 30lbs. The crossbow must be in good condition, showing no signs of cracking/splintering. String notches must be capable of holding the string firmly, and show no signs of excessive wear. The string must be in good condition and show no signs of damage/fraying.

---

Projectile Construction Details

Thrown Weapons

The weapon must be of sufficient size and shape to reduce the risk of injury when used and be visible when thrown. A minimum width of 2” (approx. 50mm) is advised but each weapon will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

MATERIALS
Core	Thrown weapons are coreless weapons.
Foam	LD45, or similar foam, and/or softer foams (such as upholstery foam).
Weighting	Thrown weapons may be weighted with soft materials such as cloth, leather or foam (such as LD45) but must not impact the safety of the striking surface(s).
COMPONENTS
Weapon	The weapon must be of sufficient size and shape to reduce the risk of injury when used and be visible when thrown. A minimum width of 2” (approx. 50mm) is advised but each weapon will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Arrows/Bolts

If you have constructed your own arrows, or are using arrows that are unfamiliar to the Weapons & Armour Checking Team, we may request to disassemble an arrow to see how it is made, in order to ensure it is safe for use. This arrow will be tagged for future reference, should the build of your arrows be questioned in the future.

COMPONENTS
Head	The head of an arrow/bolt must be at least 2” (approx. 50mm) in diameter and have a circular cross-section. The head should be comprised of three sections: Contact Face: Typically a low-density foam (such as upholstery foam) with no covering of any kind. The Contact Face must be a minimum of 1.5” (approx. 38mm) thick and collapse fully under pressure. Support: The Contact Face must be securely attached to a portion of thicker density foam, a minimum of 1” (approx. 25mm) thick. Backer: A layer of thick leather, rubber or other appropriate material no less than 0.25” (approx. 3mm) thick, securely attached to the Support of the arrow head and the end of the shaft. The backer prevents the shaft of the arrow piercing through the foam construction of the arrow head. The head of the arrow must be securely attached to the shaft of the arrow. If any form of wrapping or covering is used around the head of the arrow or bolt, the Contact Face of the arrow head must extend the minimum distance (1.5”) beyond the edge of the covering. Latex/Rubber coated arrows, such as Tear-Drop IDV arrows and ‘Golf-ball’ arrows are strictly prohibited.
Shaft	Shafts must not exceed 28” (approx. 71cm) from the nock to the base of the head. The shafts for crossbow bolts must be appropriate for the size of the crossbow. Shafts must be made of solid wood or fibreglass tube, and must not splinter or crack when gently flexed or put under torsion. Dowel, metal and carbon fibre shafts are not permitted.
Flights	Flights must be securely attached to the shaft of the arrow/bolt and be of adequate size to keep the arrow/bolt stable in flight.
Nocks	Arrows must have a nock securely attached at the base of the shaft. The nock must not be cracked or damaged and must hold the arrow securely against the bow string. Crossbow bolts typically do not have a nocks as part of their construction. However, if present, they must not be cracked or damaged.